A new Volkswagen for the unwashed masses?
Possibly. I went to the Dacia website but didn't see anything about this large SUV. However, I looked at the lowest price model, a Sandero. It starts at 7,995 British Pounds ($10,861). In my pretend build I added only a spare tire/wheel which brought the price up to 8,170 BP ($11,098). This version has a 3-cylinder 90hp engine and a 5-speed manual transmission, power steering, air conditioning, front airbags, but no side bags, radio.
I then went to the Kia (USA) website and picked a Rio, which starts at $16,790 (12,359 BP) and looks very much the same size and style as the Sandero. It does have a bigger engine and an automatic transmission.
So, the Sandero looks to be a very good value.
I was stationed in England for 3 years and had an English Ford (right-hand drive) with a small 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. No A/C (not needed) and I think manual steering. I think it was about 3 years old when I got it. It got me around reliably on the small English roads. Today, I'd certainly take a closer look at a Dacia.