S.C. Automobile Dacia S.A., better known simply as Dacia, is a Romanian car manufacturer named after the ancient Dacian Kingdom, which largely corresponds to modern-day Romania. The company was founded in 1966 as "Uzina de Autoturisme Pitești" (UAP), or "Pitești Automobile Plant," with its first factory opening in 1968 in Colibași, now Mioveni, near Pitești, the capital of Argeș County.
Dacia began rebranding from UAP in 1980, fully adopting the Dacia name by 1990. The first cars under the Dacia brand were licensed from Renault: the Dacia 1100, based on the Renault 8 (1968–1972), followed by the long-running Dacia 1300, based on the Renault 12, which stayed in production until 2004.
In 1999, French carmaker Renault acquired a controlling stake in Dacia, gradually increasing ownership to 99.3% by 2003. This partnership ushered in modernized production and helped Dacia expand internationally.
From the very beginning, Dacia has focused on making cars that are reliable and affordable, aiming to make vehicle ownership accessible to more people. This philosophy of practical, cost-effective engineering has stayed at the heart of the brand and continues to shape its success both in Romania and abroad.
Under Nicolae Ceaușescu[]
Under Nicolae Ceaușescu's ownership, Dacia, classically known as UAP (Uzina de Autoturisme Pitești) operated as a state-owned enterprise in Romania's centrally planned economy. The brand focused on producing affordable vehicles like the Dacia 1300 series, which gained popularity domestically but struggled to compete internationally due to quality and technological limitations. Nicolae's policies prioritized industrial self-sufficiency over innovation, leading to challenges in production efficiency and international competitiveness for Dacia.
Design[]
Dacia's design language is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and practicality. The brand's vehicles feature clean lines, understated aesthetics, and a focus on essential features. Dacia designs prioritize efficiency and affordability, often favoring substance over style. While not flashy, Dacia cars are known for their robustness and suitability for everyday use. This design philosophy resonates with consumers seeking reliable transportation solutions at accessible price points. All models built by Dacia are essentially rebadged Renaults.
Engines[]
Dacia's engine philosophy revolves around delivering reliable performance and efficiency at an affordable price point. The brand typically employs proven and robust engine technologies that prioritize durability and ease of maintenance. Dacia engines are often designed to offer sufficient power for everyday driving needs while maximizing fuel efficiency. Rather than focusing on high-performance or cutting-edge innovations, Dacia engines emphasize practicality and reliability, catering to drivers seeking dependable transportation solutions without unnecessary frills. This philosophy aligns with Dacia's commitment to providing accessible vehicles that meet the needs of a wide range of customers.
Current Customer Models[]
Duster:[]
| Model Name | Produced Since | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCe 90 | 2021 | 89 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| TCe 100 Bi-Fuel | 2021 | 99 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| Blue dCi 115 4WD | 2021 | 113 BHP | Diesel | 4WD |
| Blue dCi 115 | 2021 | 113 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| TCe 130 | 2021 | 128 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| TCe 150 | 2021 | 148 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
Jogger:[]
| Model Name | Produced Since | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCe 110 | 2022 | 108 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| HYBRID 140 | 2023 | 138 BHP | MHEV | FWD |
Sandero:[]
| Model Name | Produced Since | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCE 65 | 2021 | 66 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Stepway TCE 90 CVT | 2021 | 90 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| TCE 90 CVT | 2021 | 90 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Stepway TCE 90 | 2021 | 90 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| TCE 90 | 2021 | 90 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Stepway TCE 100 Bi-Fuel | 2021 | 99 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| TCE 100 Bi-Fuel | 2021 | 99 BHP | LPG | FWD |
Spring:[]
| Model Name | Produced Since | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 2023 | 64 BHP | EV | FWD |
| 45 | 2021 | 43 BHP | EV | FWD |
Discontinued Customer Models (1994 or newer)[]
Dokker:[]
| Model Name | Years Produced | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCe 100 S/S | 2015 - 2021 | 101 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| SCe 110 LPG S/S | 2015 | 101 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| SCe 100 LPG S/S (Auto) | 2015 | 97 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| Stepway TCe 115 | 2014 - 2021 | 113 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| 1.6 MPI LPG 85 | 2014 - 2015 | 82 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| Stepway dCi 90 | 2014 - 2021 | 89 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| TCe 115 | 2013 - 2021 | 113 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| 1.6 MPI 85 | 2012 - 2015 | 82 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| dCi 90 | 2012 - 2021 | 89 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| dCi 75 | 2012 - 2021 | 74 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
Lodgy:[]
| Model Name | Years Produced | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCe 100 S/S | 2015 - 2019 | 101 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| SCe 100 LPG S/S | 2015 - 2019 | 101 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| 1.2 TCe | 2014 - 2019 | 113 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Stepway 1.2 TCe 115 | 2014 - 2019 | 113 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Stepway 1.5 dCi 110 FAP | 2014 - 2019 | 106 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| 1.6 MPI LPG 85 | 2014 - 2015 | 82 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| dCi 110 | 2012 - 2019 | 106 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| 1.6 MPI 85 | 2012 - 2019 | 82 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| dCi 90 | 2012 - 2019 | 89 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
Second Generation Logan (2012-2020):[]
| Model Name | Years Produced | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCV SCe 75 | 2016 - 2020 | 72 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| MCV TCe 90 LPG S/S | 2015 - 2020 | 89 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| MCV 1.2 16v 75 | 2015 - 2016 | 74 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| TCe 90 LPG S/S | 2015 - 2020 | 89 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| dCi 75 | 2014 - 2020 | 74 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| MCV dCi 75 | 2014 - 2020 | 74 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| MCV TCe 90 | 2013 - 2020 | 89 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| MCV dCi 90 | 2013 - 2020 | 89 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| MCV 1.2 16v | 2013 - 2020 | 74 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| MCV 1.2 16v LPG | 2013 - 2015 | 74 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| 1.2 16v | 2013 - 2020 | 74 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| TCe 90 | 2013 - 2020 | 89 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| dCi 90 | 2013 - 2020 | 89 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| 1.2 16v LPG | 2013 - 2015 | 75 BHP | LPG | FWD |
First Generation Logan (2004 - 2012):[]
| Model Name | Years Produced | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick-Up dCi 90 FAP | 2011 - 2012 | 87 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| Pick-Up 1.6 MPI 85 | 2011 - 2012 | 83 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| MCV dCi 90 FAP | 2011 - 2012 | 87 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| MCV 1.6 MPI 85 | 2011 - 2012 | 83 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Pick-Up 1.5 dCi 86 | 2011 - 2012 | 85 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| Pick-Up dCi 75 FAP | 2011 - 2012 | 74 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| Pick-Up 1.5 dCi 68 | 2011 - 2012 | 67 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| MCV 1.6 LPG | 2009 - 2010 | 83 BHP | LPG | FWD |
| 1.5 dCi 86 | 2008 - 2012 | 85 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| MCV 1.5 dCi 86 | 2008 - 2011 | 85 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| 1.6 16v | 2007 - 2012 | 104 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| MCV 1.6 16v / 1.6 16v 105 | 2007 - 2012 | 104 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| MCV 1.4 | 2007 - 2011 | 74 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| MCV 1.6 | 2007 - 2011 | 86 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| MCV 1.6 dCi 68 | 2007 - 2009 | 67 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| 1.5 dCi 68 | 2006 - 2012 | 67 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| 1.6 | 2005 - 2012 | 86 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| 1.4 | 2004 - 2012 | 74 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
Nova / SupeRNova / Solenza:[]
| Model Name | Years Produced | Horsepower | Fuel Type | Driven Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solenza 1.4 MPI | 2003 - 2004 | 74 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Solenza 1.9 D | 2003 - 2004 | 62 BHP | Diesel | FWD |
| SupeRNova 1.4i | 2001 - 2003 | 74 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Nova | 1999 - 2001 | 69 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Nova 1.6 | 1995 - 1998 | 71 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
| Nova 1.4 | 1995 - 1998 | 61 BHP | Petrol | FWD |
Prototypes[]
See Also[]
 | ||
| DACIA | ||
|
Renault | Nissan | Infiniti | Dacia | Samsung | Alpine Current: Logan · Sandero · Duster · Jogger · Spring Historic: 1100 · 1300 · Denem · 1310 · 2000 · Duster · 500 (Lăstun) · Gamma · Liberta · Nova · SuperNova · Solenza · Dokker · Lodgy Racing: Duster Ice Racer Concept / Prototypes: Brasovia Coupè Concept · Jumbo Highrise · Nova Minivan Concept · Logan MCV Heuliez Concept · Duster Concept Include notable internal links here | ||
| Renault | Corporate website | a subsidiary of the Renault Group |
Models - Regional Variations and Trivia[]
- After the failure of the Renault 12 based Dacia Denem in the UK market, the British importer of Dacia decided to re-badge the ARO 10 4x4 vehicle as the Dacia Duster.
- The Dacia Nova was partly based on the Peugeot 309, a design Peugeot inherited from their Talbot division.
External links[]
- The Dacia web site, in English, French and Romanian languages
- Dacia brand on Renault site
- Dacia models, very interesting but outdated, does not contain the latest models
- Romanian Cars site, including Dacia
- A forum of Dacia owners, in Romanian language, also with an English subforum
- The most famous Romanian Aro and Dacia 4x4 enthusiasts
- Dacia Tuning
- Dacia launches new Logan