Dacia enters the C-Segment with force with C-Neo: An Affordable Rival for Skoda Octavia
Dacia's C-Segment Offensive: Everything We Know About the New C-Neo
Dacia is preparing to launch an ambitious new model in 2026, provisionally known as the C-Neo. This compact vehicle promises to redefine the C-Segment and become a serious rival for established models such as the Skoda Octavia, but also for the Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra and Toyota Corolla, betting on a much more accessible price positioning, estimated at 18,000-20,000 euros for the basic version.
Market Opportunity: Bigster Success and Price Increase
The Romanian manufacturer is expanding its range in the C-Segment, a strategic step motivated by the commercial success of the new Bigster SUV, which collected over 50,000 orders in the first six months.
Katrin Adt, Dacia’s new CEO, highlighted this development: “Our main territory is currently the B segment, but we also have offers in the A segment and we have now also started in the C segment and we have done that extremely well with the Bigster.”
A similar sentiment was shared by Frank Marrote, Dacia’s head of sales and marketing. He explained that the withdrawal of compact models such as the Ford Focus and the massive price increases for traditional rivals have created a unique window of opportunity for Dacia: “What we want to do in the C segment is what we did in the B or B plus segments. I have identified this especially with the C-SUV segment. But even the C-Hatch segment is probably a segment where prices have increased the most in the last 5 years. You can see the increase in monthly payments or prices in that segment. It is massive.”
Marrote acknowledged the major challenge: “The compact segment is a challenge for us; we really don’t have a customer base,” but the success of the Bigster gave them confidence that expanding into larger segments was viable.
Technical Details and Innovative Body
The new C-Neo will be built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-B architecture, the same flexible modular platform that underpins the Sandero, Logan and Jogger models. This choice allows Dacia to keep production costs low, essential for its competitive pricing strategy.
In terms of bodywork, the C-Neo promises an atypical approach, a mix of styles. Although initial information describes it as a crossover estate, other sources suggest that Dacia will launch a double offensive in the compact segment, including a fastback/semi-sedan version and a more practical variant. The model is expected to have a generous length, estimated at around 4,600 mm (similar to the Octavia), ensuring remarkable interior space.
The design will adopt the new Dacia aesthetic language, inspired by the Duster and Bigster, featuring a higher ground clearance than the segment average and specific crossover elements that give it a robust appearance. The model will be positioned in the range between the Jogger/Sandero and the Bigster.
Engines and Production
As for the engines, the C-Neo will most likely be equipped with gasoline and LPG engines (with power up to 140 HP), following the brand's tradition of offering economical solutions. There are also rumors about the introduction of a full-hybrid system with a new 1.8-liter engine, an evolution of the current Hybrid 140 system found on the Jogger and Duster.
According to industry sources, the Dacia C-Neo will be produced at the Mioveni plant, consolidating Romania's role in the production of successful Dacia models.
By launching the C-Neo, Dacia is not only expanding its product range, but also reaffirming its vision of offering essential, spacious and attractive vehicles at an unbeatable price, set to disrupt the European compact car market in 2026.