2017 DACIA SANDERO

SUVs and crossovers really are the flavour of the moment, but not everyone wants to deal with the added size, weight and complexity of a true off-roader. That's why cars like the Dacia Sandero Stepway are so popular – they bring some of the glamour of an SUV but in the same easy-to-operate package as a regular hatchback. The Sandero Stepway is a halfway house between Dacia's entry-level hatchback, the regular Sandero, and its true crossover, the Duster. However, the alterations are for the most part cosmetic, as besides a slightly raised ride height there's no additional ability provided. Instead what you get is a bespoke look with bulked-up wheel arches, roof rails and chunkier alloy wheel designs, plus different interior fabrics. In terms of concept, then, the Sandero Stepway is similar to the likes of the Ford Fiesta Active and Kia Picanto X-Line, but it's physically larger and significantly cheaper than either. It's big for a small car, the Dacia Sandero Stepway, and the dimensions are used efficiently with a satisfyingly roomy cabin. Four adults will have no issues getting comfy in there, although a fifth might be a bit of a squeeze. You'll find a few areas to place your cabin detritus but none of them are covered barring the glovebox, so you're hard-pressed to keep your valuables out of sight.The Sandero might be big inside, but its exterior dimensions are still quite small so there shouldn't be any problems when it comes to parking it. The extremities are all easy to judge but if you do struggle, mid-spec Comfort models come with reversing sensors while top-spec Techroad cars get a reversing camera, too.Old Renault buttons and switches don't ever really die – they enjoy a new life peppering the cabins of Dacia models, and the Sandero Stepway is no exception. That's not necessarily to say customers will be troubled by this, especially those who are familiar with Renault in the first place. It's also a reasonable indication that everything will work as intended.The Dacia Sandero Stepway engine range is easy to digest – there's only three to choose from. The basic motor is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder affair that does without a turbocharger. It produces a meagre 75hp and 95Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph sprint of a lethargic 15.2 seconds. This means you'll need to be very generous with the revs to make any meaningful progress, spoiling both the car's refinement – which is already not a strong point – and fuel economy in the process. We'd therefore recommend avoiding this base powerplant. Instead, opt for the 90hp turbocharged petrol. It offers up more power and torque from a marginally smaller engine – just 0.9 litres – but is eminently more drivable. It's much more relaxed on the motorway and a big improvement when trying to move a fully loaded car about. All vehicles are subject to a £200 non refundable deposit. Check our website for more stock. Friendly and approachable sales team, check out our reviews.

Features:

12V Power Socket, 16in Steel Wheels - Stepway Design, ABS - Anti-lock Braking System, Air Recirculation - 4-speed Heating and Ventilation, Air Vents - Chrome Surrounds, Airbags - Driver, Airbags - Front Passenger, Airbags - Front Passenger Deactivation, Airbags - Front Side, Anti-intruder Automatic Door-locking System, ASR - Traction Control, AUX Input, Bluetooth Connectivity, Bumpers - Front and Rear Upper Section - Body Coloured, Central Console Surround - Graphite, Central Locking - Remote, Child Locks in Rear Doors, Door Handles - Black, Door Handles - Interior Front - Black, Door Handles - Interior Rear - Black, Door Mirrors - Body Coloured, Door Open - Visual Warning, Door Panels - Dark Carbon, Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Unfastened - Visual and Audible Warning, DRL - Daytime Running Lights, EBA - Emergency Brake Assist, ECO Mode, Electric Windows - Front, ESC - Electronic Stability Control, Front Courtesy Light, Front Fog Light - Satin Chrome Surrounds, Gear Shift Indicator, Headlights - Single Optic with Chrome Surrounds, Headlights Left On - Audible and Visual Warning, Headrests - Rear Height Adjustable x3, Height-Adjustable Front Headrests, High Level Third Brake Light, Instrument Dial Surrounds - Chrome, ISOFIX Points for Child Seats in Both Outer Rear Seats, Luggage Compartment - Light, Mercury, Outside Temperature Gauge, Power Assisted Steering, Radio with CD Player including MP3 CD Reader with Fingertip Controls, Raised Ride Height, Rear Passenger Grab Handles, Roof Bars - Satin Chrome, Scuff Plates - Front and Rear - Satin Chrome, Seats - 60-40 Split Folding Rear, Side Sills - Black, Speakers - x2 - Front, Steering Wheel - Chrome Logo Surround, Steering Wheel - Graphite Lower Insert, Stepway Logo on Front Door Panel, Sunvisor with Vanity Mirror - Passenger, Thatcham Approved Engine Immobiliser, Tinted Windows, Tyre Inflation Kit, Tyre Pressure Monitor, USB Connection for MP3 Players, Wheelarch Extensions - Black