Dacia Citadine to Launch at €5,000 as Budget City Car
Dacia is preparing to introduce the Citadine, a five-door hatchback expected to start at €5,000 and positioned as an ultra-affordable urban model.
Dacia is preparing to launch the Citadine, a new five-door hatchback with a starting price targeted at €5,000. The Romanian brand aims to offer one of the most affordable new cars in Europe, as it continues to expand its value-focused range following the recent introduction of the Lodgy MPV.
According to reports, the Citadine will share its general proportions and body style with the current Renault Twingo, but will be developed on a new platform. This architecture is expected to underpin several future models for Dacia, supporting the brand’s strategy of offering simple, robust cars at accessible prices.
Positioned below the Sandero and Lodgy
Dacia’s approach follows Renault’s decision to move its own city car offering upmarket, leaving the budget segment to the Romanian subsidiary. The Citadine will be pitched as a practical, no-frills alternative for buyers prioritising affordability over equipment or performance.
Platform and engines
The Citadine will use a new platform, which Dacia plans to share across multiple future models. While the outgoing Renault Twingo provides a reference for size and layout, the Citadine’s underpinnings are expected to be unique within the Dacia range. This new architecture should help contain costs and simplify production.
Engine options are expected to include a 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol, with outputs likely ranging from 59 to 94 horsepower. These figures are in line with Dacia’s existing small-capacity engines, which prioritise efficiency and low running costs. No diesel or hybrid options have been mentioned at this stage.
What it means for buyers
If Dacia delivers on its €5,000 target, the Citadine could appeal strongly to budget-conscious buyers who would otherwise consider used cars or entry-level rivals from other brands. The focus will be on basic transport rather than luxury or advanced technology, continuing Dacia’s proven formula of value for money. Equipment levels and safety features are likely to be minimal to meet the price target.
No launch date has been confirmed for the Citadine. More details on specifications, markets and production plans are expected as the project progresses.
