Reviews of the Dacia Sandero

by: Fergus Gray

Fergus is a talented automotive writer specialising in automotive and sports content. He has a Level 3 qualification in content creation and previously worked for Boxxer and The Best of Bolton.

Dacia Sandero Review 2023

The new Dacia Sandero is making waves in the automotive market gaining popularity for its affordability and practicality. The Dacia Sandero could be an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable vehicle without breaking the bank.

Rivals to the Dacia Sandero include the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.

Our Dacia Sandero review covers:

• Key Features
• Dacia Sandero Pros and Cons:
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Dacia Sandero Key Features

• Clean, modern look that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Spacious interior that’s comfortable and well-organized
• 328-litre boot, expanding to 1,108 litres with rear seats down
• Choice of two engines in the form of a 90hp petrol and a 100hp petrol/LPG bi-fuel version
• Two trim levels are available: Essential and Expression

Dacia Sandero Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Affordable Pricing
• Spacious Interior
• Simple and Functional Design

Cons:

• Basic Interior Materials
• Limited Engine Options
• Limited Advanced Features

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

The design of the new Dacia Sandero is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a touch of modern aesthetics. Dacia has maintained a straightforward and uncluttered exterior design, focusing on practicality and efficiency. The front grille, headlights, and overall shape give it a clean and distinctive look. While it might not have the most elaborate design elements, it does embody a certain practical charm.

Practicality is a key aspect of the Dacia Sandero. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior space is surprisingly generous. The cabin offers ample headroom and legroom for both the front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and provide good support, making longer journeys enjoyable. The Sandero is designed with practicality in mind, catering to everyday needs. It's a versatile car suitable for various purposes, from daily commuting to running errands and even small family trips. The fuel efficiency adds to its practicality, saving on running costs and minimizing environmental impact.

The boot space in the new Dacia Sandero is impressive for its class. It offers a 328-litre cargo area that is practical for carrying groceries, luggage, or other belongings. The ability to fold down the rear seats further enhances the cargo capacity to 1,108 litres allowing for more flexibility in accommodating larger items. Dacia understands the importance of functional boot space, and the Sandero reflects this with its well-designed cargo area, making it a practical choice for individuals or families needing storage for various purposes.

Interior and Trims

The interior of the new Dacia Sandero is designed with simplicity, practicality, and user-friendliness in mind. While it may not boast extravagant luxury, it offers a clean and functional space. The layout is intuitive, making it easy for drivers to access controls and features without distraction.

The materials used in the interior are typically practical and durable, reflecting Sandero's focus on affordability. You can expect a combination of hard-wearing plastics, fabric upholstery, and simple finishes. Despite the cost-effective materials, the interior is designed to be comfortable and provide a pleasant driving experience.

The infotainment system in the new Dacia Sandero may include a touchscreen display that provides access to various functions such as media, navigation, and connectivity options. While it might not feature the most advanced technology compared to higher-end models, it offers essential connectivity features like Bluetooth and USB ports.

Two trim levels are available: Essential and Expression.

The Sandero Essential is equipped with front and rear bumpers in matching body colour and 15-inch steel wheels covered with plastic caps. There's flexibility in colour choices as optional features. Standard features comprise cruise control, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, and an adjustable steering column.

In the top-tier Expression trim, the Sandero features mirrors in body colour, 15-inch wheels with plastic covers, bumpers matching the body colour, and LED headlights. Inside, you'll find an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and upholstery specific to this trim.

Power and Performance

There are two engine options for the Dacia Sandero: a 90hp petrol engine and a 100hp petrol/LPG bi-fuel version. Both utilize a 1.0-litre engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, providing approximately 53mpg (when using petrol). For those preferring an automatic transmission, the Sandero Stepway offers this option, especially in its top-spec Extreme trim.

When it comes to urban travel, the Dacia Sandero proves to be an excellent choice. It offers light steering, though it could be more responsive. The suspension setup leans towards comfort, making city journeys pleasant. The vehicle has sufficient power for quick manoeuvres in traffic. The driving position is favourable, offering good visibility. For added convenience, the optional automatic transmission eases daily commutes. The top Expression trim includes rear parking sensors and a rearview camera as standard, although the compact size of the car generally makes them unnecessary.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Dacia Sandero demonstrates notable improvements in refinement, particularly at motorway speeds. It's worth noting that reaching higher speeds might require some engine effort and can generate noticeable noise as the revs increase. However, once cruising, the noise levels subside, and wind noise, although present, remains tolerable.

Overall the new Dacia Sandero is an appealing option for individuals in the UK seeking a cost-effective, practical, and fuel-efficient vehicle. Its affordability, spacious interior, and impressive fuel economy make it a strong contender in its segment, making it a worthy consideration for anyone in search of a reliable and budget-friendly car.

Leasing vs Buying

The Dacia Sandero is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £12,925.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £174.86.

If you're considering leasing a Dacia Sandero, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Dacia Sandero can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.