"We found a standard family car that was wheelchair friendly".

Mr and Mrs Russell own a Sirus Dacia Jogger (Expression) Rear Passenger Wheelchair Accessible Car. He tells us about the benefits including the drive quality, flexible seating and two ISOFIX seats for his grandchildren.

What were the key factors when selecting this wheelchair accessible car?

“I was aware of the Dacia brand, my son-in-law works in the motor trade, he said it was a really good car and had won lots of awards including the Auto Express Family Car of the Year. I was very impressed with the Dacia. It looks like a car, not like a van and has a very good reputation.

We sold our car a few weeks ago so I have been using accessible taxis. Some of them I felt I was sitting in the boot. I don’t feel like that in the Dacia Jogger as I am sat further forwards so it is easy to communicate.

My disability is progressive, so we have had standard cars fitted with a transfer plate to help me get in and out. We got to the point where getting in and out was a faff and also quite dangerous as I have fallen several times.

I wanted a car that didn’t shout ‘disability’ – my disability doesn’t define me, and to be honest even if I wasn’t disabled I would happily choose the Dacia Jogger.

wheelchair accessible car

Wheelchair friendly car with two ISOFIX

It was important to us we found a standard family car that was wheelchair friendly. Just because you are in a wheelchair doesn’t mean life stops, you still need a car that is nice to drive, offers flexibility, has three rear seats for our grandchildren. I couldn’t find any other suitable wheelchair accessible cars with two ISOFIX.

Six people as standard

To be able to fit myself plus another five people in the car is fantastic. We will use all of the rear seats on the occasions we are taking our grandchildren on holiday. Some of the other cars we looked at only had one other rear seat. The car also has roof bars as standard so we can easily transport our luggage.

Travelling in the rear

Travelling in the back of the Dacia wheelchair accessible car is very comfortable and there is plenty of headroom, just the right amount of space. I didn’t want too much space where I felt like I was travelling in a large vehicle. There is plenty of space and I am 5 ft 10. The extra head room pocket is also a great feature, as is the rear privacy glass. I also needed flexibility and plenty of space in the rear as I use different wheelchairs.

Drive quality

My wife drives the car and my son when he needs to. She loved it.

Motability Scheme

This is the first time we have used the Motability Scheme. The whole process has been very easy! I spoke to Gavin at Sirus and he was excellent. He arranged a demonstration with one of their mobility specialists who bought the Dacia out to our home.

Sirus service

The service has been absolutely outstanding. I have been really impressed with Gavin and Toni and the demonstration was very professional, helpful and he answered all of my questions”.

Read more from Mr Russell in the Spring issue of Motability Lifestyle. (p.28).

Free home demonstrations

The Motability Advance Payment on the Dacia Wheelchair Accessible Car starts at £3,995 for the Essential, £27,995 Private Purchase.

We also have a range of Approved Used mobility cars for sale, and disability cars available now.