RE: 150hp Sandero RS 2.0 gets facelift for Brazil
Discussion
munk said:
I have a 1.5dci version of the Sandero. Largely it's not bad, ok even. Think of it like buying shoes from Tesco - and you're not far off. They do the job adequately but after a couple of weeks; you're probably going to wish you'd spent a little bit more on some nice loafers. It's none of the car you want, but all of the car you need.
I imagine among the myriad of sporty hatchbacks, the Sandero RS is quite the same. A Tesco Trainer in a world of Nike and Adidas. It'll appeal to as many people as it turns off. If it was launched in the UK I'm sure Dacia would price it competitively and it might sell a quite a few, but I suspect that big ol' 2L boat anchor wouldn't pass regs. Shame.
To say that I *like* my Sandero, would be to go too far. It's hard to like something that has no redeeming features. But it does have a certain class-less charm. Doubtless the RS would have it too. I've always presumed the Sandero was closely related to a Mk2 Clio and wondered if any of the suspension gubbins from the 172 / 182 could be bolted on. Would be interesting to know what bits have been used in the new RS and they have been modified in any way to fit?
If anyone has any insider info, would be great to know!
The Dacia Sandero - Every little helpsI imagine among the myriad of sporty hatchbacks, the Sandero RS is quite the same. A Tesco Trainer in a world of Nike and Adidas. It'll appeal to as many people as it turns off. If it was launched in the UK I'm sure Dacia would price it competitively and it might sell a quite a few, but I suspect that big ol' 2L boat anchor wouldn't pass regs. Shame.
To say that I *like* my Sandero, would be to go too far. It's hard to like something that has no redeeming features. But it does have a certain class-less charm. Doubtless the RS would have it too. I've always presumed the Sandero was closely related to a Mk2 Clio and wondered if any of the suspension gubbins from the 172 / 182 could be bolted on. Would be interesting to know what bits have been used in the new RS and they have been modified in any way to fit?
If anyone has any insider info, would be great to know!
thiscocks said:
munk said:
I have a 1.5dci version of the Sandero. Largely it's not bad, ok even. Think of it like buying shoes from Tesco - and you're not far off. They do the job adequately but after a couple of weeks; you're probably going to wish you'd spent a little bit more on some nice loafers. It's none of the car you want, but all of the car you need.
I imagine among the myriad of sporty hatchbacks, the Sandero RS is quite the same. A Tesco Trainer in a world of Nike and Adidas. It'll appeal to as many people as it turns off. If it was launched in the UK I'm sure Dacia would price it competitively and it might sell a quite a few, but I suspect that big ol' 2L boat anchor wouldn't pass regs. Shame.
To say that I *like* my Sandero, would be to go too far. It's hard to like something that has no redeeming features. But it does have a certain class-less charm. Doubtless the RS would have it too. I've always presumed the Sandero was closely related to a Mk2 Clio and wondered if any of the suspension gubbins from the 172 / 182 could be bolted on. Would be interesting to know what bits have been used in the new RS and they have been modified in any way to fit?
If anyone has any insider info, would be great to know!
The Dacia Sandero - Every little helpsI imagine among the myriad of sporty hatchbacks, the Sandero RS is quite the same. A Tesco Trainer in a world of Nike and Adidas. It'll appeal to as many people as it turns off. If it was launched in the UK I'm sure Dacia would price it competitively and it might sell a quite a few, but I suspect that big ol' 2L boat anchor wouldn't pass regs. Shame.
To say that I *like* my Sandero, would be to go too far. It's hard to like something that has no redeeming features. But it does have a certain class-less charm. Doubtless the RS would have it too. I've always presumed the Sandero was closely related to a Mk2 Clio and wondered if any of the suspension gubbins from the 172 / 182 could be bolted on. Would be interesting to know what bits have been used in the new RS and they have been modified in any way to fit?
If anyone has any insider info, would be great to know!
Turbobanana said:
Would it? The standard Sandero is UK-compatible, so much of the work is done, surely.
I suspect some of it is the re-engineering for RHD (we should have changed years ago, like Sweden did) and some is down to brand perception: Dacia is seen as a bargain brand over here so unless you can "do a Hyundai i30N" people will still stick with their safe choices. Sell it as a more recognisable Renault and people will berate it for being basic so the spec / build improves and the prices climbs accordingly.
Would make a great, cheap one-make race series though... Imagine 30 of these bumbling into Paddock Hill.
I think the engine would potentially be an issue. It's a pretty old lump now, so emissions would potentially be an issue.I suspect some of it is the re-engineering for RHD (we should have changed years ago, like Sweden did) and some is down to brand perception: Dacia is seen as a bargain brand over here so unless you can "do a Hyundai i30N" people will still stick with their safe choices. Sell it as a more recognisable Renault and people will berate it for being basic so the spec / build improves and the prices climbs accordingly.
Would make a great, cheap one-make race series though... Imagine 30 of these bumbling into Paddock Hill.
With Renault's baby turbo engine in it, wound up to 140-150bhp, I think it could be a riot. Priced right, I think it could be a hit. Badge snobbery would be an issue, but it would give the Dacia brand a kick if they got it right. Let's face it, there's plenty of expertise in the parent company!
I've not driven overseas much but the few cars I have driven included some Fiat saloon thing and a Renault Symbol II:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Symbol#Symbo...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyak-Renault#/media/...
The Fiat was utterly, utterly terrible. Crap ride, numb steering, accelerator that did nothing in the first half of its travel and then just created more noise but little extra forward motion in the last half. The steering felt so disconnected to the chassis that I couldn't be sure it wasn't about to punt me off the road and down the (unprotected) side of a mountain, which meant very slow progress and extreme caution. I couldn't wait to hand it back.
The Symbol was a revelation, though. Like many (most? all?) Renaults, the chassis was thoroughly sorted, the steering was direct and feelsome, and the engine was willing, even if it was low on power and you had to change down to get up any reasonable gradient. It was completely enjoyable to drive and 'with you' when you were 'making progress', which meant a lot of driving it in a very 'Italian' style, despite not being in Italy. The open roads and lack of traffic (and Police) only helped matters.
If the Dacias are anything like the Symbol (basic engineering but developed to give actual driver enjoyment) then a 150bhp version would be excellent. It would be like the modern Clio should be, without flappy paddle nonsense, unnecessary gadgets and over-wrought styling.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Symbol#Symbo...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyak-Renault#/media/...
The Fiat was utterly, utterly terrible. Crap ride, numb steering, accelerator that did nothing in the first half of its travel and then just created more noise but little extra forward motion in the last half. The steering felt so disconnected to the chassis that I couldn't be sure it wasn't about to punt me off the road and down the (unprotected) side of a mountain, which meant very slow progress and extreme caution. I couldn't wait to hand it back.
The Symbol was a revelation, though. Like many (most? all?) Renaults, the chassis was thoroughly sorted, the steering was direct and feelsome, and the engine was willing, even if it was low on power and you had to change down to get up any reasonable gradient. It was completely enjoyable to drive and 'with you' when you were 'making progress', which meant a lot of driving it in a very 'Italian' style, despite not being in Italy. The open roads and lack of traffic (and Police) only helped matters.
If the Dacias are anything like the Symbol (basic engineering but developed to give actual driver enjoyment) then a 150bhp version would be excellent. It would be like the modern Clio should be, without flappy paddle nonsense, unnecessary gadgets and over-wrought styling.
RSTurboPaul said:
I've not driven overseas much but the few cars I have driven included some Fiat saloon thing and a Renault Symbol II:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Symbol#Symbo...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyak-Renault#/media/...
The Fiat was utterly, utterly terrible. Crap ride, numb steering, accelerator that did nothing in the first half of its travel and then just created more noise but little extra forward motion in the last half. The steering felt so disconnected to the chassis that I couldn't be sure it wasn't about to punt me off the road and down the (unprotected) side of a mountain, which meant very slow progress and extreme caution. I couldn't wait to hand it back.
The Symbol was a revelation, though. Like many (most? all?) Renaults, the chassis was thoroughly sorted, the steering was direct and feelsome, and the engine was willing, even if it was low on power and you had to change down to get up any reasonable gradient. It was completely enjoyable to drive and 'with you' when you were 'making progress', which meant a lot of driving it in a very 'Italian' style, despite not being in Italy. The open roads and lack of traffic (and Police) only helped matters.
If the Dacias are anything like the Symbol (basic engineering but developed to give actual driver enjoyment) then a 150bhp version would be excellent. It would be like the modern Clio should be, without flappy paddle nonsense, unnecessary gadgets and over-wrought styling.
Your comment reminds me of this year’s hire car from Lyon to the French Alps when skiing. A Clio SW (estate) with the 900cc turbo engine. A big ask of a peaky albeit very smooth engine with 3 passengers and luggage. The ascent through the mountains required wringing it’s neck so it didn’t drop out of its very narrow power band when you changed up. Great chassis though, you could really chuck it into the hairpins to maintain momentum (thankfully!). Engine better suited to the Twingo/Smart 44 I suggest!https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_Symbol#Symbo...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oyak-Renault#/media/...
The Fiat was utterly, utterly terrible. Crap ride, numb steering, accelerator that did nothing in the first half of its travel and then just created more noise but little extra forward motion in the last half. The steering felt so disconnected to the chassis that I couldn't be sure it wasn't about to punt me off the road and down the (unprotected) side of a mountain, which meant very slow progress and extreme caution. I couldn't wait to hand it back.
The Symbol was a revelation, though. Like many (most? all?) Renaults, the chassis was thoroughly sorted, the steering was direct and feelsome, and the engine was willing, even if it was low on power and you had to change down to get up any reasonable gradient. It was completely enjoyable to drive and 'with you' when you were 'making progress', which meant a lot of driving it in a very 'Italian' style, despite not being in Italy. The open roads and lack of traffic (and Police) only helped matters.
If the Dacias are anything like the Symbol (basic engineering but developed to give actual driver enjoyment) then a 150bhp version would be excellent. It would be like the modern Clio should be, without flappy paddle nonsense, unnecessary gadgets and over-wrought styling.
I'm in the french Alps now and you see lots of Dusters (and other Dacias too) and Suzuki Jimnys...they both look like they fit in well here. Generally the French aren't as car brand snobby as Brits so you see a lot less German and other premium brands on French plates. Lots of French hatches being chucked around hairpin bends too.
Bagzie88 said:
Surely the fact you can buy a mk3 2017 Swift Sport with 6000 miles for 10k not supercede this?
It has a revvy NA engine with 130hp/ton.
Sat Nav , Xenon lights , Cruise Control etc.
Still didnt sell that many so where is the market for this?
In Brazil? It has a revvy NA engine with 130hp/ton.
Sat Nav , Xenon lights , Cruise Control etc.
Still didnt sell that many so where is the market for this?
I think it could do ok though, as above, I think they would likely have to ditch the 2.0-litre engine for Europe.. If they fitted the baby turbo engine from the Clio MK3 (is it 1149cc or something?), wound it up to 140-150bhp, gave it some styling that echos this (albeit Dacia branded), I think it might appeal. If they could make it for £11-12k, I'd be interested. The little 140PS Fiestas seem to sell like hotcakes.
You are right in that they might not sell tens of thousands of them, but it would be a way to lift the brand a bit and offer people something a bit different. The current Sandero is probably better looking than the latest Swift, which is really fugly in my view.
It probably won't happen, but it would be an interesting thing to see.
Jon_S_Rally said:
In Brazil?
I think it could do ok though, as above, I think they would likely have to ditch the 2.0-litre engine for Europe.. If they fitted the baby turbo engine from the Clio MK3 (is it 1149cc or something?), wound it up to 140-150bhp, gave it some styling that echos this (albeit Dacia branded), I think it might appeal. If they could make it for £11-12k, I'd be interested. The little 140PS Fiestas seem to sell like hotcakes.
You are right in that they might not sell tens of thousands of them, but it would be a way to lift the brand a bit and offer people something a bit different. The current Sandero is probably better looking than the latest Swift, which is really fugly in my view.
It probably won't happen, but it would be an interesting thing to see.
But then it would be competing with its own cars , the fiesta sells quite well with the 1.0 ecoboost because it's a fiesta and people who know nothing about cars seem drawn to them.I think it could do ok though, as above, I think they would likely have to ditch the 2.0-litre engine for Europe.. If they fitted the baby turbo engine from the Clio MK3 (is it 1149cc or something?), wound it up to 140-150bhp, gave it some styling that echos this (albeit Dacia branded), I think it might appeal. If they could make it for £11-12k, I'd be interested. The little 140PS Fiestas seem to sell like hotcakes.
You are right in that they might not sell tens of thousands of them, but it would be a way to lift the brand a bit and offer people something a bit different. The current Sandero is probably better looking than the latest Swift, which is really fugly in my view.
It probably won't happen, but it would be an interesting thing to see.
I'm not a fan of the latest swift either but the one before it looks quite cool and has amazing reviews online and they still couldn't sell any substantial numbers.
Bagzie88 said:
But then it would be competing with its own cars , the fiesta sells quite well with the 1.0 ecoboost because it's a fiesta and people who know nothing about cars seem drawn to them.
I'm not a fan of the latest swift either but the one before it looks quite cool and has amazing reviews online and they still couldn't sell any substantial numbers.
To a degree yes, but Dacia is quite a different brand to Renault. It would be interesting to see how many GT (and now R.S. Line) Clios Renault sell. You could argue that VAG compete with themselves with several models, so it's not quite so simple (though obviously Dacia and Renault are sold from the same sites). I suspect the Fiesta also sells well because it's probably the best car in its class by the way...I'm not a fan of the latest swift either but the one before it looks quite cool and has amazing reviews online and they still couldn't sell any substantial numbers.
Both Swifts are well-regarded, but Suzuki has never been a great brand in this country. Of course you could say the same about Dacia, but many would have said the same about Hyundai, and the i30 N has sold way beyond expectations.
Like I said, I doubt it will happen, but it would be interesting if it did.
cailean said:
I'm in the french Alps now and you see lots of Dusters (and other Dacias too) and Suzuki Jimnys...they both look like they fit in well here. Generally the French aren't as car brand snobby as Brits so you see a lot less German and other premium brands on French plates. Lots of French hatches being chucked around hairpin bends too.
Hell, if you want to see closer to home (for most PHers), look to Scotland. The Sandero stepway is quickly becoming the car of choice for the octogenarian market here, Dusters you see absolutely everywhere in the highlands, just as you have the Jimny for ages. The market for Peugeot is certainly booming, German brands certainly don't seem to do as well here a they do down south. Jon_S_Rally said:
I suspect the Fiesta also sells well because it's probably the best car in its class by the way...
.
I'd argue it is, I might be partially biased as I've not long bought an ST Line but having driven many of the new small cars on the market - polo, swift, clio, corsa etc etc I found it was the best by a long way. .
I'd buy one of these Dacia's in seriousness. Pop the renault turbo engine in it and it'd be a hoot, I had a Renault twingo GT about 5 years ago and it was loads of fun.
As an expat here in Brazil I can offer some thoughts on this!
I haven't seen the new facelift one yet but the current one would be a good fun little car, however priced new a little to high in terms of cost / benefit. I had a look round one (2016 model) a few weeks ago and for the right price it would be fun. Used they are around £8500 with 10,000 kilometres of less. They are quite well spec'd inside (for a Renault) but I feel it would become typical Renault with it's foibles after some time.
Nevertheless I heard one accelerate past and it sounded exactly like a 172. With an induction kit the engine would sound superb. There is a company called Ordospec (https://www.ordospec.com.br/) that offer tuning parts etc so as the prices fall further they will become more tempting.
I saw someone mention in an earlier post about importing one. It would actually be super easy. You could budget for around £2000 for shipping / documents etc, plus the 30% the goverment would put on the import once landed. I have actually sent a few of the VW Kombis over to England already so it is straight forward. As for the making it road legal part, the only thing the government don't like is lack of crash protection etc, these cars are new so meet this along with the emissions regulations. The only other sticking point is the fact there are LHD only.
I haven't seen the new facelift one yet but the current one would be a good fun little car, however priced new a little to high in terms of cost / benefit. I had a look round one (2016 model) a few weeks ago and for the right price it would be fun. Used they are around £8500 with 10,000 kilometres of less. They are quite well spec'd inside (for a Renault) but I feel it would become typical Renault with it's foibles after some time.
Nevertheless I heard one accelerate past and it sounded exactly like a 172. With an induction kit the engine would sound superb. There is a company called Ordospec (https://www.ordospec.com.br/) that offer tuning parts etc so as the prices fall further they will become more tempting.
I saw someone mention in an earlier post about importing one. It would actually be super easy. You could budget for around £2000 for shipping / documents etc, plus the 30% the goverment would put on the import once landed. I have actually sent a few of the VW Kombis over to England already so it is straight forward. As for the making it road legal part, the only thing the government don't like is lack of crash protection etc, these cars are new so meet this along with the emissions regulations. The only other sticking point is the fact there are LHD only.
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