I suppose the design may sway some, particularly after a light refresh in 2022 that implemented Dacia’s new brand image, which to me gives it a slightly more upmarket appearance (although I did wonder why they had swapped a D-shaped logo for an X-shaped one until someone pointed out that it’s meant to be a D and a C…).
I can also see some people being drawn to its 4X4 look, especially in the metallic Dusty Khaki seen here. In fact, I’ve already had someone stop to ask how it drives because they loved the look. No, I’m not making that up, and I never had that happen in my many months with the Clio. My answer to him was “It’s great, given the price” ‘.
It doesn’t feel like a Clio, though. In fact, it feels remarkably different, given that they are so closely related, having a much softer suspension set-up and thicker-walled tyres, which gives the ride a totally different character, and there’s much less appetite for dynamic cornering evident in its handling.
It’s still early days, so I haven’t yet worked out exactly how I feel about my new long-termer. I already have a few long motorway trips booked in, so we will soon see. Although my lack of any reservations about that prospect probably says something in itself.
Second Opinion
I’ve approached the Sandero with fresh eyes now as the owner of the cheapest Renault, an £18k petrol manual Clio. This Dacia is notably more rudimentary and basic-feeling, despite near parity on price to its sibling. Dacia has clearly taught its parent company a few tricks about how to build affordable cars.
Mark Tisshaw
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Dacia Sandero Stepway TCE 90 Expression specification
Specs: Price New £16,295 Price as tested £16,945 Options Dusty Khaki metallic paint £650
Test Data: Engine 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol Power 91bhp Torque 118lb ft Kerb weight 1072kg Top speed 109mph 0-62mph 12.2sec Fuel economy 50.4mpg CO2 119g/km Faults None Expenses None
