Renault Sandero
| Company type | Subcompact hatchback model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Renault and Dacia |
| Headquarters | Mioveni , Romania |
Area served | Europe, Latin America, Russia, Iran, Egypt, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa, Colombia, Algeria, Morocco, Brazil, Argentina |
| Products | Automobiles (subcompact hatchback) |
The Dacia Sandero is a subcompact hatchback (B-segment) produced collaboratively by the French automaker Renault and its Romanian branch Dacia since 2007, currently in its third iteration. Known as the Renault Sandero in markets such as Russia, Latin America, Iran, Egypt, and Sub-Saharan Africa, it has held the title of Europe's top-selling vehicle for multiple years.
First generation (B90; 2008)
Conceived at Renault's Technocentre near Paris with engineering contributions from facilities in Brazil and Romania, the Sandero features a wheelbase slightly shorter than that of the Dacia Logan sedan. Its first public appearance was at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by a launch in Brazil as a Renault-badged model in December 2007—marking Renault’s debut outside Europe. It was introduced to the European market under the Dacia brand at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Production later extended to South Africa in February 2009 and Russia in December 2009. Additionally, the Renault-branded Sandero is assembled in Colombia for local sales and exports to countries including Chile.
Facelift
In May 2011, a refreshed Sandero version was unveiled in Brazil featuring redesigned front styling and an updated cabin. Early in 2012, Colombia received this facelifted Renault Sandero and Renault Stepway with modifications tailored to local preferences, such as repositioned door locks and altered passenger airbag setups.
Safety
Engineered to comply with European safety standards, the Sandero offers up to four airbags depending on trim level. It comes equipped with Bosch 8.1 ABS incorporating electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist to enhance active safety.
Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP conducted crash tests in 2008 for both the base model and a 'safety pack' variant. The standard version, fitted with front airbags and seatbelt load limiters, earned 3 stars for adult protection, 4 stars for child safety, and 1 star for pedestrian protection.
- Adult Occupant: , score 25
- Child Occupant: , score 38
- Pedestrian: , score 6
The 'safety pack' edition added side body and head airbags along with seatbelt pretensioners, raising the adult occupant rating to 4 stars while maintaining the child occupant rating at 4 stars.
- Adult Occupant: , score 31
- Child Occupant: , score 38
- Pedestrian: , score 6
Latin NCAP
In 2012, Latin NCAP evaluated the Sandero sold in Latin America without airbags, awarding it one star for adult occupant protection and two stars for child occupant safety.
Engines
| Name | Code | Capacity | Power | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
Top speed | Combined 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 | 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 | K7M Hi-Torque | 1,598 cc | 95 hp (70 kW) | 11.7 s | 174 km/h (108 mph) | (gas/ethanol) |
| Name | Code | Capacity | Power | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) |
Top speed | Combined consumption |
- |
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[convert: unknown unit] |
- |
1.6 16v |
1,598 cc |
112 hp (82 kW) |
10.8 s |
195 km/h (121 mph) |
9.3 L/100 km[convert: unknown unit] (ethanol) |
- |
1.5 dCi |
K9K 892 |
1,461 cc |
75 hp (55 kW) |
15.0 s |
157 km/h (98 mph) |
4.5 L/100 km[convert: unknown unit] |
- |
1.5 dCi |
K9K 892 |
1,461 cc |
90 hp (66 kW) |
13.0 s |
167 km/h (104 mph) |
4.6 L/100 km[convert: unknown unit] |
|---|
Sandero Stepway
Renault's Brazilian branch, Renault do Brasil, introduced the Stepway crossover variant based on the Sandero in October 2008, approximately ten months following the Sandero's initial local launch. This Brazilian version of the Stepway is equipped with a 1.6-litre Hi-Flex engine, capable of operating on bio-ethanol fuel, and is aimed at markets such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico.
The European iteration of the Stepway was unveiled at the Barcelona International Motor Show in May 2009 under the Dacia marque and became accessible across European countries by September of the same year. Buyers could select between a 1.6-litre petrol engine delivering or a more economical 1.5 dCi diesel engine generating .
Although front-wheel drive is standard equipment, a four-wheel-drive prototype was engineered in 2010 by the University of Pitesti to assess potential expansion into new market segments.
Second generation (B52; 2012)
The Sandero’s second generation made its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, accompanied by the launch of the refreshed Stepway crossover model. Throughout 2012, comprehensive testing was conducted as part of development efforts. The design adopted styling elements reminiscent of the contemporary Dacia Logan, while the interior featured a dashboard layout influenced by the Lodgy model.
Manufacturing occurs across several international plants including those in Romania, Morocco, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Algeria, and Russia, enabling supply to diverse markets with flexible powertrain options spanning petrol, LPG, and diesel engines. Transmission variants include manual gearboxes, automated manuals, and continuously variable transmissions (CVT), addressing a wide range of consumer demands.
This generation reinforced Dacia's foothold in cost-conscious market segments by combining efficient production methods with refreshed aesthetics and versatile engine choices, thereby sustaining competitiveness in both emerging economies and established automotive markets.
Marketing and production
In Romania, orders for the new Sandero and Sandero Stepway opened on 1 October 2012. The model subsequently entered the UK market in 2013, complementing the Dacia Duster lineup and positioned as one of the most affordable vehicles available.
By June 2014, it was launched as the Renault Sandero in Brazil where it is produced for distribution throughout South America. Sales commenced in Russia in September 2014 with local assembly taking place at AvtoVAZ facilities.
Since 2012, production of the Sandero has been ongoing at the Mioveni plant in Romania, supplying right-hand drive countries such as the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and South Africa (marketed there as Renault Sandero). From early 2016 onward, manufacturing of the Stepway variant also began in Algeria to serve local demand.
Safety
The Renault Sandero is offered with optional rear disc brakes for enhanced stopping performance.
Euro NCAP
In May 2013, the second-generation Dacia Sandero achieved a four-star rating from Euro NCAP, improving from three stars awarded to its predecessor’s basic version. It obtained scores of 29 points (80%) for adult occupant protection, 39 points (79%) for child occupant safety, 21 points (57%) regarding pedestrian protection, and 5 points (55%) for safety assist technologies. The overall assessments included five out of five stars for both adult and child occupant protection and four out of five stars for pedestrian safety and safety assist features.
- Adult Occupant:
- Child Occupant:
- Pedestrian:
- Safety Assist:
Latin NCAP
In 2018, the most basic Latin American Sandero model equipped with 2 airbags and lacking ESC was rated 1 star for adult protection and 3 stars for child safety. The following year, a variant featuring 4 airbags but still without ESC earned 1 star for adults and improved to 4 stars for children. Later in 2019, an upgraded version attained 3 stars for adult occupants and maintained 4 stars for toddlers. Nevertheless, the newest entry-level model was awarded 0 stars by Latin NCAP in 2024, indicating safety performance comparable to Euro NCAP's assessments from 2014.
Africa
The Sandero tested in Africa received a rating of 3 stars for adult occupant safety and 4 stars for child protection from Global NCAP in 2017, aligning with the results from Latin NCAP in 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 | 7.6 L/100 km (37 mpg‑imp) | 120 g/km |
| Diesel engines |
|---|
Stepway
The second iteration of the Sandero Stepway adopts a crossover-inspired design, characterized by increased ground clearance, grey plastic side skirts, pronounced wheel arch extensions, and bumpers with a rugged crossover aesthetic. This version is sold under both the Dacia and Renault badges, with Renault focusing on Latin American markets. Since 2020, in Latin America, the Stepway has been positioned as a standalone model separate from the Sandero.
Sandero R.S. 2.0
In August 2014, Patrice Ratti, CEO of Renault Sport, revealed plans for the Sandero R.S., a performance-oriented hatchback equipped with a 2.0-litre 16-valve F4R engine. It achieves 0 to in 8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202 km/h (126 mph), marking Renault Sport's first production vehicle manufactured outside France. The car debuted in Brazil in September 2015 and includes features such as three selectable ECU modes (normal, sport, sport+), four-disc ABS braking system, 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 on 21 October 2019 but was withdrawn at the close of 2021 due to tightening emissions standards in Brazil.
Facelift
The updated Dacia Sandero made its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show in November 2016, showcasing LED daytime running lights and redesigned rear lights. The engine range was refreshed by replacing the earlier 1.2-litre petrol engine with a more efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit in base versions.
In July 2019, Renault unveiled another facelift for its Brazilian-produced Sandero variant, which featured subtle front-end revisions and a notably revamped rear end with tail lamps extending onto the tailgate—reminiscent of the Renault Talisman design. This particular update was not introduced in Mexico, where the Kwid hatchback took over the Sandero's position; only the Stepway and R.S. trims continued to be available.
Awards and reception
In January 2013, the British publication What Car? awarded the second-generation Sandero as the Best supermini under £12,000, commending its spacious interior and excellent value for money. The model retained this accolade in both 2014 and 2015.
Auto Express rated the Sandero Stepway four out of five stars, highlighting its robust styling and strong value proposition.
Third generation (BJI; 2020)
The third-generation versions of Dacia's Sandero and Sandero Stepway were launched alongside the new Dacia Logan III on September 29, 2020. Constructed on the entry-level Renault–Nissan CMF-B platform, this generation exclusively offers three-cylinder engines: a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre delivering 65[convert: needs unit name] hp paired with a five-speed manual; a turbocharged 1.0-litre producing 90[convert: needs unit name] hp available with either a six-speed manual or CVT; and an ECO-G 100 Bi-Fuel variant generating 100[convert: needs unit name] hp with a six-speed manual transmission.
Entry-level trims come equipped with a modular "Media Control" system that supports detachable smartphones, while premium versions provide an integrated eight-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Depending on regional specifications, standard or optional equipment includes electric power steering, LED headlights, emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking assistance featuring sensors and rearview camera, hill start assist, keyless entry system, heated front seats, automatic climate control with digital interface, electric parking brake, automatic windshield wipers, remote boot release functionality, and an electrically operated glass sunroof.
2022 refresh
In June of 2022, the Sandero underwent a subtle update introducing Dacia's refreshed logo on a redesigned front grille along with an updated steering wheel design.
Engines
Sandero
| Engine | Code | Displ. | Power | Torque | Top speed | 0–100 km/h | Consumption | CO2 emissions |
|---|
Stepway
The third-generation crossover-styled Sandero Stepway remains available and now incorporates the TCe 110 engine derived from the Dacia Jogger, broadening its appeal within its segment.
Renault Sandero
Plans to introduce the Sandero in Russia during 2022 alongside the Dacia Logan were abandoned due to geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Nonetheless, prototypes were spotted at the former Renault Moscow facility currently operating under Moskvitch branding.
Safety
Top Gear
The Dacia Sandero received considerable attention on British television through Top Gear, where it was frequently referenced humorously for its affordability and practicality compared to competitors such as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Up!. Despite these jests, presenter James May expressed genuine admiration for the car's qualities.
Notably, during its second generation run on Top Gear, the Sandero successfully completed a demanding three-cylinder car challenge by reaching Pripyat and returning unharmed—outperforming more costly rivals.
After his time on Top Gear, James May produced a favorable review of the Sandero for his DriveTribe YouTube channel in 2021.
Sales
| 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 | ||
| 2019 | 223,186 | 50,303 | 2,981 | 52 | ||
| 2020 | 167,032 | 26,347 | 2,065 | 96 | ||
| 2021 | 193,486 | 12,443 | ||||
| 2022 | 201,978 | 10,628 | 15,667 | |||
| 2023 | 234,715 | 7,860 | ||||
| 2024 | 4,633 | |||||
External links
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- Cars of Argentina
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- Front-wheel-drive vehicles
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- Latin NCAP superminis
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