Sandero RS 2.0 gets facelift; still Brazil-only

Renault's intriguing £14k hot hatch mixes Clio 172 bits with a five door body

Oh how we envy Brazil, which has been given a facelifted version of the £14k Sandero RS hot hatch. In retaining a 150hp 2.0-litre engine, five-speed manual and Mk2 Clio underpinnings, the five-door ensures it holds on to technical links with the brilliant (I’m not biased) Renaultsport 182 of years gone by. The result being a Renault Sandero RS – they’re not badged as Dacias over there – which produces its best as the needle nudges 6,000rpm, just like the good old days.

The 150hp peak output is admittedly only possible when Brazil’s widely available ethanol fuel is used, with the figure dropping by 5hp when petrol is burnt instead. But since the old Clio bits are light and compact by modern standards - the 2.0 Sandero weighs in at 1,160kg - it’s got 129hp per tonne, or about the same as the old Twingo RS. The Sandero’s got more space and more doors than that brilliant old hatch, too, so it’s not exactly trading practicality for its sprightliness.

For 2019, Renault has given its sports hatch an aesthetic makeover, adding new daytime running lights, alloy wheels and mini Megane RS-style taillights. Inside, there’s new infotainment and the plushest version of the Sandero’s dashboard, although as a £14k car (seriously!), it’s still fairly basic stuff. Then again, its simplicity is exactly why we want one in Britain. Anyone fancy a Sandero project car?