Dacia Sandero
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Mioveni , Romania |
Area served | Europe, Latin America, Africa, Russia, South Africa |
| Products | Subcompact hatchback car |
| Parent | Dacia (Renault Group) |
Initial Generation (B90; 2008)
The Sandero, featuring a wheelbase slightly shorter than the Dacia Logan, was engineered at Renault's Technocentre near Paris with support from engineering teams based in Brazil and Romania. It made its first appearance at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and was initially launched in Brazil as a Renault model in December 2007—representing Renault's inaugural model introduction outside of Europe.
Following this, the vehicle was introduced in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 under the Dacia badge. Production facilities were later established in South Africa by February 2009 and in Russia by December of the same year. Additionally, the Renault-branded version is manufactured in Colombia for local demand and export to countries such as Chile.
Model Update
Renault unveiled an updated Sandero in Brazil in May 2011, which included a refreshed front design and interior enhancements. Early in 2012, Colombia received revised versions of both the Renault Sandero and Renault Stepway featuring regional modifications like altered door lock positioning and passenger airbag configurations.
Safety Features
Constructed to comply with European safety standards, the Sandero is equipped with up to four airbags depending on the trim level. It incorporates Bosch 8.1 ABS equipped with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist to enhance active safety.
Euro NCAP Assessment
Euro NCAP conducted crash tests on the Sandero in 2008 using two different safety configurations. The base model, fitted with frontal airbags for driver and passenger along with front seatbelt load limiters, earned three stars for adult occupant protection, four stars for child occupant safety, and one star for pedestrian protection.
- Adult Occupant: , score 25
- Child Occupant: , score 38
- Pedestrian: , score 6
The variant equipped with a 'safety pack'—which added side body and head airbags plus front seatbelt pretensioners—achieved an improved adult occupant rating of four stars while maintaining the same child occupant scores.
- Adult Occupant: , score 31
- Child Occupant: , score 38
- Pedestrian: , score 6
Latin NCAP Evaluation
In Latin America, the most basic Sandero model lacking airbags was rated with one star for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant safety during the 2012 Latin NCAP crash tests.
Engine Options
| Engine | Code | Displacement | Output | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
Maximum Speed | Fuel Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 16v | D4D Hi-Flex | 999 cc | 77 hp (57 kW) | 14.1 s | 161 km/h (100 mph) | (gas/ethanol) |
| 1.2 16v | D4F 732 | 1,149 cc | 75 hp (55 kW) | 13.6 s | 161 km/h (100 mph) | 5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg‑imp; 40 mpg‑US) |
| 1.4 8v | K7J 710 | 1,390 cc | 75 hp (55 kW) | 13.0 s | 161 km/h (100 mph) | 6.9 L/100 km (41 mpg‑imp; 34 mpg‑US) |
| 1.4 8v LPG | K7J LPG | 1,390 cc | 72 hp (53 kW) | 13.0 s | 161 km/h (100 mph) | 9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg‑imp; 26 mpg‑US) (LPG) |
| 1.6 8v | K7M 800 | 1,598 cc | 85 hp (63 kW) | 12.9 s | 169 km/h (105 mph) | 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg‑imp; 35 mpg‑US) |
| 1.6 8v Hi-Torque | K7M Hi-Torque | 1,598 cc | 95 hp (70 kW) | 11.7 s | 174 km/h (108 mph) | (gas/ethanol) |
| 1.6 16v | K4M 696 | 1,598 cc | 105 hp (77 kW) | 11.3 s | 181 km/h (112 mph) | 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg‑imp; 35 mpg‑US) |
-
! Engine !! Code !! Displacement !! Output !! Acceleration
0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) !! Maximum Speed !! Fuel Consumption
|-
|- |1.5 dCi||K9K892||1461 cc||||15.0 s||||
|-
|- |1.5 dCi||K9K892||1461 cc||||13.0 s||||
|}
Sandero Stepway
In October 2008, Renault's Brazilian division, Renault do Brasil, introduced the Stepway crossover based on the Sandero platform, following the local launch of the Sandero brand by ten months. This model is equipped with a 1.6-litre Hi-Flex engine capable of running on bio-ethanol and is sold in markets such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico.
The European iteration of the Stepway appeared for the first time at the Barcelona International Motor Show in May 2009 under the Dacia marque and has been available throughout Europe since September of that year. Buyers can select between a 1.6-litre petrol engine delivering or a fuel-efficient 1.5 dCi diesel unit rated at .
While predominantly featuring front-wheel drive, a four-wheel-drive prototype was developed in 2010 by the University of Pitesti as part of an academic research initiative.
Second generation (B52; 2012)
The Sandero’s second generation was revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, alongside its updated Stepway crossover variant. The development phase and testing took place during mid-2012, with official images released in September showcasing a design philosophy consistent with the new Dacia Logan and an interior inspired by the Lodgy model.
Production spans various international facilities, including locations in Romania, Morocco, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Algeria, and Russia. This iteration utilizes the Dacia M0 platform shared with the Logan II to maximize production efficiency and broaden market penetration.
Engine offerings include small-capacity petrol units such as a turbocharged 0.9L three-cylinder created in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, flexible-fuel engines tailored for markets like Brazil, and diesel options aimed at European consumers. Transmission configurations cover manual gearboxes, automated manual (Easy-R), traditional automatic transmissions, and CVT systems to cater to diverse customer demands.
This generation reinforced Dacia’s foothold in emerging markets by blending cost-effectiveness with contemporary styling and an expanded range of powertrains, aligning with Renault’s global objective to increase volume within budget vehicle segments.
Marketing and production
Orders for the new Sandero and Sandero Stepway opened in Romania starting 1 October 2012. It entered the UK market in 2013, complementing the Dacia Duster lineup in dealerships and establishing itself as the most economically priced vehicle available.
The model was introduced as the Renault Sandero in Brazil in June 2014, where it is also produced for distribution across South America. Russian sales commenced in September 2014 with local assembly occurring at AvtoVAZ facilities.
Since 2012, the current Sandero has been produced in Mioveni, Romania, primarily targeting right-hand drive markets including the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and South Africa (marketed as Renault Sandero). From early 2016 onward, Renault Algeria began local production of the Stepway variant for Algerian consumers.
Safety
The Renault Sandero provides an option for rear disc brakes.
Euro NCAP
In May 2013, the second-generation Dacia Sandero achieved a four-star rating from Euro NCAP, improving upon its predecessor’s three-star result. The vehicle earned scores of 29 points (80%) for adult occupant protection, 39 points (79%) for child safety, 21 points (57%) regarding pedestrian impact mitigation, and 5 points (55%) for safety assist systems. Ratings included five stars each for adult and child occupant protection and four stars each for pedestrian safety and assistance technologies.
- Adult Occupant:
- Child Occupant:
- Pedestrian:
- Safety Assist:
Latin NCAP
Within Latin America, the Sandero's entry-level variant equipped with 2 airbags but lacking ESC was rated 1 star for adult protection and 3 stars for child safety in 2018. The model featuring 4 airbags yet still without ESC earned 1 star for adult occupants and 4 stars for children in 2019. That same year, an improved basic version achieved 3 stars for adults and maintained 4 stars for child occupants. Nevertheless, in 2024, the revised Sandero underwent Latin NCAP evaluation and received a rating of 0 stars, indicating persistent safety issues comparable to those found in earlier Euro NCAP tests.
Africa
In the African market, the Sandero obtained a 3-star rating for adult occupants and 4 stars for toddlers from Global NCAP in 2017, aligning with the Latin NCAP results from 2013.
Engines
| Engine | Code | Displ. | Power | Torque | Top speed | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) | Combined consumption | Template:CO2 emissions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | ||||||||||
| 0.9 12v TCe | H4Bt 400 | 898 cc | 90 PS (66 kW) at 5000 rpm | 140 N⋅m (103 lb⋅ft) at 2250 rpm | 173 km/h (107 mph) | 11.8 s | 4.9 L/100 km (58 mpg‑imp) | 90 g/km | ||
| 1.0 12v SCe | B4D | 999 cc | 73 PS (54 kW) at 6300 rpm | 97 N⋅m (72 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm | 158 km/h (98 mph) | 14.2 s | 5.2 L/100 km (54 mpg‑imp) | 117 g/km | ||
| 1.2 16v | D4F 732 | 1,149 cc | 75 PS (55 kW) at 5500 rpm | 107 N⋅m (79 lb⋅ft) at 4250 rpm | 162 km/h (101 mph) | 14.5 s | 5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg‑imp) | 137 g/km | ||
| 1.2 16v LPG | D4F Bi-Fuel 732 | 1,149 cc | 72 PS (53 kW) at 5500 rpm | 105 N⋅m (77 lb⋅ft) at 4250 rpm | 154 km/h (96 mph) | 15.1 s | L/100 km | mpgimp | abbr=on}} | 120 g/km |
| Engine | Code | Displ. | Power | Torque | Top speed | 0–100 km/h | Consumption | CO2 emissions |
|---|
Stepway
The Sandero Stepway represents a crossover-inspired version of the Sandero that advanced into its second generation featuring increased ground clearance, grey plastic side skirts, overfenders, and bumpers styled for crossover appeal. In Latin America, it is sold under both the Dacia and Renault badges. From the year 2020 onward, the Stepway has been marketed as an independent model separate from the Sandero within Latin American territories.
Sandero R.S. 2.0
In August 2014, Patrice Ratti, CEO of Renault Sport, revealed plans for a high-performance R.S. variant of the Sandero. Equipped with a 150 hp 2.0L 16-valve F4R engine, this model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 202 km/h. Launched in Brazil in September 2015, the Sandero R.S. marked Renault Sport’s inaugural production outside France. It includes three selectable ECU settings (normal, sport, sport+), four disc brakes with ABS, a steering wheel inspired by the Clio R.S., electronic stability control, and a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Sandero R.S. was introduced to the Mexican market in October 2019 but was withdrawn by the end of 2021 due to more stringent emissions regulations in Brazil.
Facelift
The updated Dacia Sandero was presented at the Paris Motor Show in November 2016, showcasing LED daytime running lights and redesigned rear lamps. The engine range was refreshed as well, with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol replacing the former 1.2-litre engine in base trims.
A subsequent facelift for the Renault-branded Sandero produced in Brazil was announced in July 2019. This revision featured a subtly modified front fascia and a notably revamped rear design with tail lights extending onto the tailgate, reminiscent of the Renault Talisman. This facelift applied exclusively to Latin American markets; meanwhile, Mexico discontinued the Sandero model in favor of the Kwid, retaining only the Stepway and R.S. variants.
Awards and reception
In January 2013, the British publication What Car? awarded the second-generation Sandero as the Best supermini under £12,000, emphasizing its spacious interior and excellent value proposition. The vehicle earned this accolade again in both 2014 and 2015.
Auto Express gave the Sandero Stepway a score of 4 out of 5 stars, commending its robust off-road appearance combined with strong affordability.
Third generation (BJI; 2020)
The third iteration of the Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway was launched alongside the new Dacia Logan III on 29 September 2020. Constructed on a simplified version of the CMF-B platform, it was officially revealed on 7 September 2020.
This generation is powered exclusively by three-cylinder engines: a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre producing hp with a five-speed manual transmission; a turbocharged 1.0-litre delivering hp available with either a six-speed manual or CVT; and an ECO-G 100 Bi-Fuel option generating hp paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Base models come equipped with a modular "Media Control" system that supports smartphone integration, while higher trims offer an integrated 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Depending on regional specifications, standard or optional features include electric power steering, LED headlights, emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking assistance with sensors and rearview camera, hill start assist, keyless entry, heated front seats, automatic climate control with digital interface, electric parking brake, automatic windshield wipers, remote boot release, and an electric panoramic sunroof.
2022 refresh
In June 2022, the Sandero underwent a subtle facelift that incorporated Dacia's updated logo. This refresh included redesigned elements such as the grille and steering wheel to align with the new branding.
Sandero
| Engine | Code | Displ. | Power | Torque | Top speed | 0–100 km/h | Combined consumption | Template:CO2 emissions |
|---|
Stepway III
The third generation of the Sandero Stepway, featuring a crossover design, continues production and now includes the TCe 110 powertrain sourced from the Dacia Jogger, offered exclusively on this model.
Renault Sandero
The introduction of the Sandero in Russia was slated for 2022 alongside the Logan but faced postponement due to geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Test vehicles were observed at the former Renault Moscow facility, which has since been renamed Moskvitch.
Top Gear
The Sandero attracted significant media spotlight through frequent references on the British television program Top Gear. Host James May often humorously announced "Good News!" about the vehicle in a recurring gag that contrasted with Jeremy Clarkson’s skeptical remarks.
This comedic theme persisted across multiple seasons and included gifting May a pre-owned Sandero during a Romania episode in Series 14. The running joke later expanded to cover other Dacia models such as the Duster and Lodgy in subsequent seasons.
Despite the playful tone, May sincerely acknowledged the Sandero’s strong value and affordability compared to rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Up!. Although considered as a “Reasonably Priced Car” for show segments, the second generation was ultimately not used due to delayed availability in the UK market.
In 2021, May revisited the model with a favorable assessment on DriveTribe’s YouTube platform, reinforcing its status as an economical and practical choice.
Sales
2019 223,186 50,303 2020 167,032 26,347 2021 193,486 12,443 2022 201,978 10,628 15,667 2023 234,715 7,860 2024 4,633| Year | Europe | Brazil | Colombia | Mexico | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandero | Stepway | R.S. | ||||
| 2007 | 279 | |||||
| 2008 | 25,947 | 39,631 | ||||
| 2009 | 138,179 | 49,381 | ||||
| 2010 | 138,014 | 68,812 | 5,238 | 3,741 | ||
| 2011 | 71,647 | 81,782 | 3,496 | 4,444 | ||
| 2012 | 73,515 | 98,453 | 1,320 | 3,373 | ||
| 2013 | 121,169 | 102,520 | 726 | 2,597 | ||
| 2014 | 138,709 | 95,385 | 730 | 3,044 | ||
| 2015 | 147,497 | 77,838 | 642 | 2,701 | ||
| 2016 | 167,766 | 63,232 | 2,444 | 3,783 | 246 | |
| 2017 | 194,996 | 67,352 | 1,331 | 4,853 | 70 | |
| 2018 | 211,680 | 52,406 | 424 | 2,981 | ||
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2,981 52 | ||||||
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2,065 96 | ||||||
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External links
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