Good news! A new version of the Dacia Sandero has just been launched in Ireland. The new model is called the Sandero Stepway - the first ever crossover vehicle to bear the Dacia badge.
Exterior
The Sandero Stepway follows the traditional crossover recipe in terms of styling. The new model almost blends the shape and styling of the Sandero and Duster together; creating a higher riding version of the family hatchback complete with front and rear scuff plates, side sills and black wheel arch extensions. The Stepway also comes with 16-inch alloys, chrome roof bars and front fog lamps as standard. The higher grade version also gets a chrome grille to differentiate it from the base level model.
Interior
The Sandero Stepway comes to market in two trim levels: Alternative and Signature. As you may expect from a car with a low price tag, the standard equipment list doesn't make for a long read in entry-level Alternative versions. Here you get front electric windows and a CD player with MP3, USB and Bluetooth connectivity options at no extra cost; however, luxuries like air conditioning, an on-board computer, parking sensors, leather-trimmed driving controls and cruise control can only be had in top-spec Signature guise.
Mechanicals
The choice of engines in the Sandero Stepway has been boiled down to one petrol and one diesel offering. The petrol engine is Renault's TCe 90 three-cylinder unit that uses a small turbocharger to help generate its 90hp output. Despite the turbo, the TCe 90 engine manages to achieve a fuel economy figure of 56.5mpg.
The diesel engine is the tried and tested dCi 90 unit, which develops less power but considerably more torque compared to the lightweight petrol unit. The all-important economy figure is impressive too; delivering 71mpg on the combined cycle.
Anything else?
With a list price starting at just €12,290, the Sandero Stepway comes in as one of the cheapest crossovers on sale today. Dacia is also offering its new model for just €129 per month on a PCP scheme; giving it the best size-to-value ratio on the market according to its maker. Order books are open across the Dacia dealership network now.