If you need to carry large/heavy objects then the Jogger would be the choice, if bad weather is encountered then maybe AWD would be worth having though i understand not available with petrol version of Duster, wonder if an AWD version of Jogger is going to ber offered.

Round here there are several Joggers plated as taxis, its a model i really like and may consider a hybrid version at some point once there's enough feedback on the hybrid's reliability long term.

The "Stepway" versions of Dacia's aren't rugged per se. They just have raised suspension and some extra plastic cladding, otherwise they are no more rugged than the ordinary versions (but the raised suspension will still be of benefit on rougher roads).

Regards to your suspension related bits, what you really need to be looking for are tyres with as tall a sidewall as possible on a car with relatively soft suspension.

In terms load length, the Jogger is best (it is a seven seater after all). If you don't need the 3rd row seats, they can be removed completely quite easily (they do fold, but just the backrest). Second best will be the Logan Sepway, but I'm not sure if it is a properly flat floor.

The Duster is the shortest but, even as a 2wd, is going to be better suited to a rougher road because of the extra ground clearance and chunkier tyres. Depending on the nature of the road, the Jogger might be hampered by its very long wheelbase!

Which would be best for you is really going to depend on what you is going to depend on what you need in terms of load length. If the Duster is long enough, that would surely be the best choice. My mate is on his 3rd Duster and loves them.

But personally, I'm a big fan of the Jogger.

I do also like the Logan Stepway, but they are pretty thin on the ground so finding one near you might not be easy.

PS - as the Logan is discontinued, could there be issues with getting spares for it in the future

I wouldn't think there would be any problems. The only difference between the Logan and the Sandero/Sandero Stepway is behind the rear seat.

That's a great help - many thanks for the responses and info.

We've always managed ok without AWD or 4x4 so thinking to stay away from that as it is extra money and something else to go wrong. Also, I was told in the past that a 2x4 with decent all season or winter tyres is better than a 4x4 with standard tyres?

@badbusdriver - lots to think about there, thanks. We were tipped towards the Duster for the extra ruggedness, but as you say - it's the shortest so that's a big compromise. I too like the Joggers and they seem to be excellent value. It would probably be the one we'd go for, but the main stumbling blocks are 1. The back seats won't sit flat but rather stand upright against the front seats. So the full length in the back cannot be realised. It would be so much better if they could fold flat, or at least flatter. 2. They cost more (as they are newer so there's less cheaper/older ones about than the other two models.

@SLO76 - hmmm, that's not so good to hear, but well worth bearing in mind. I wonder whether Renault being the parent company would mean it would suffer the same problems, or whether they are based on different "blueprints", built in different factories, etc and so won't have the same problems. Definitely something to look into, so thanks for the heads up.