Test drive Renault Dokker. Crossover replacement or workhorse?
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Renault Docker – interior
It is difficult to reproach the designers of Renault for the stinginess of imagination when decorating the interior of a car. With the main tasks – to offer at the same time an ergonomic, functional and original interior – they succeeded. A progressive solution here is to recognize the possibility of transforming chairs and seats. So, the back row can become a flat floor, which will allow you to conveniently arrange luggage, and the front passenger seat can become a mini-table in one motion, which is convenient to gather and have a bite to eat during a stop.
Modeling the interior space of the cabin makes it possible to change luggage space in Renault from 800 to 3000 liters.
The rear seats, when unfolded, will allow you to transport objects whose length is 157 cm. Even for cars more adapted for transporting goods, this is an enviable result.
An example of the efficient use of space in the Renault Dokker cabin is the original shelf above the windshield. Roomy, complemented by niches in the doors, it is ready to accept for transportation, if not all, then a lot that will come in handy on a long trip.
Plastic inserts of the same color and texture on the front panel and door armrests visually expand the interior, giving the impression that the car is larger from the inside than from the outside.
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Due to the fact that the car is far from being a premium car, the inside is quite scarce, but everything is more than enough for both ordinary city trips and long trips. The new version of Renault Dokker 2019 is equipped with interior trim made of good quality fabric and plastic, which is stylized as metal.
There are also options with artificial leather. The Renault Docker multimedia system, although simple, is there. In addition, the interior of the French “heel” has a decent set of options and assistants.
Although in general, the interior of the “Frenchman” turned out to be rather poor, thanks to decorative inserts on the door cards and dashboard, at least some zest is introduced into the appearance. The build quality is also pleasing: there are no crickets, neat joints and gaps can be traced.
The engineers did not fill the center console much. It is equipped with two ventilation system deflectors, which are made in a round shape. Between them you can see the keys for turning on the “emergency gang” and other functions. Under these controls, French engineers have placed a compact 7-inch multimedia display, controlled by buttons installed around its perimeter.
In addition to this, there is a place for a panel with washers for adjusting the air conditioner with a heater in the basic version. The top equipment includes the installation of a full-fledged climate controller. Finishing the console ends with the installation of a cigarette lighter and a huge hole in which you can easily place various things.
The tunnel itself was made more simply. It has a place only for the gearshift knob, handbrake, several keys for controlling functional systems and a pocket for things. It’s a pity, but the armrest in Renault Docker 2019 is not installed in any form, but it is very lacking here.
The extended version will allow you to find two cup holders here. It is clear that the passenger version differs to a greater extent in the presence of glazing and installed seats. Almost everything else in the two modifications of the French “heel” is the same.
Some Renault Docker models have a passenger seat near the driver’s seat, which is designed as a transformer. If necessary, it can be easily folded, which will free up additional interior space.
As for the 2019 Renault Dokker steering wheel, it is also finished simply. The steering wheel received a large steering wheel, a thick faux leather braid and wide spokes. Unfortunately, the design department decided not to equip the wide spokes with multimedia buttons, which would greatly help the driver while driving.
“Tidy” Renault Docker received three large wells, which are filled with analog sensors of various contents. When it is dark, all these sensors are illuminated in blue or white. Despite the huge size of the car, only 5 seats were provided for people. These seats are made from good fabric. It is a pity that there is a very hard material inside, which negatively affects the sensations during a long ride.
Additional options include a heating system for the front seats, as well as mechanically adjusting the position of the seats. As for the rear seats, the design department did not prepare anything there, except for the central part of the backrest, which reclines. The real pride of the French car Renault Docker 2019 can be called a spacious luggage compartment.
It has a volume of up to 800 liters. in standard form. But if necessary, this volume can be increased by folding the second row of seats, which will already provide almost 3,000 liters of usable space. Access to the luggage compartment is carried out thanks to swing doors of different sizes, which open 180 degrees. Under the bottom of the updated Renault Docker installed a full-size spare tire.
Interestingly, inside the Renault Dokker 2019, you can install intermediate partitions: a deaf, lattice type or a delimiter with glass.
Comparison with competitors
Despite the fact that compact MPVs are not very popular models in Russia, the demand for them is starting to grow, as many motorists seek to choose a practical car that looks at least a little like a crossover. However, in the car market, in addition to Docker, there are Volkswagen Caddy, Fiat Doblo, Renault Kangoo and Citroen Picasso.
Each car has its own specific advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose based on personal interests and cash reserves. For example, someone likes German quality, rigor and high-torque power plants, so they will choose the Volkswagen Caddy. But others may prefer the practicality and lower price tag of the Fiat Doblo. The choice is made by everyone.
Renault Dokker Exterior
Outside, the car looks quite ascetic and concise, without any frills. The owners characterize him as an ordinary “hard worker”, devoid of charm. A short straight hood, a massive plastic grille, large headlights – everything is simple and without eye-catching details. In five-seater modifications, there is a sliding door for the rear row on the right or left, in the Dokker Van cargo van there is no door for the rear row.
The luggage compartment doors are divided into two unequal parts and open 180 degrees, which is really convenient when loading. The low height of the threshold of the loading compartment is also pleasing – only 570 millimeters, and the width is as much as 1372 millimeters.
Machine dimensions: length 4363 mm, width 1751 mm and height 1814 mm. The wheelbase is large – 2810 millimeters, the standard size of stamped wheels is 15 inches. Ground clearance without load is 190 millimeters, with a maximum load of up to 153 millimeters. In total, the luggage compartment with a volume of 800 liters can accommodate up to 500 kilograms of cargo. With the rear seats folded down, the trunk volume grows to a fantastic three cubic meters. The length of the load in vehicles without the option of a folding front passenger seat must not exceed 1.57 meters. For a folding front seat, you need to pay about 25 thousand rubles, but even a three-meter load will fit in such a car.
Renault Dokker – equipment options
Renault’s marketing service took into account the configuration options for any buyer. So, stepping from the minimum set of options to the maximum, Docker can become a car where, as they say, there is everything.
These are voice control, airbags for those who are behind the wheel and next to it, parking sensors with an audible signal, and much, much more. At the same time, the manufacturer can be reproached for the fact that many useful options are available only in the complete set. So, in the minimum – there is only one sliding door – on the right. The option “audio preparation” – implies the absence of a regular player and receiver, and this is inconvenient. Graceful rails on the roof of the car also appear not in the first configuration. Unfortunately, this is not a complete list of reasons why buying a Renault Dokker is better not with a minimum set of options.
Some concern is caused by drum brakes on the rear axle. For a modern car of the minivan or mini-truck class, this can be considered a disadvantage rather than an advantage.