Name: Dacia Sandero Review
Item: Dacia Sandero
Author: Gumtree.com

First hitting UK roads in 2013, the Dacia Sandero is best known for being one of the cheapest new cars money can buy. But don’t be put off by this; it’s a practical supermini that offers amazing value and low insurance costs. Whether you’re shopping for a first set of wheels or simply don’t want to spend a lot, this well-built five-door is worth considering. It’s available with a petrol engine or as a bi-fuel petrol/LPG vehicle, and is a capable and comfortable car for commutes, school runs and longer trips.

Browse available cars on the Dacia Sandero model page.

What we think about the Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero is a budget-friendly small car that’s easy to drive and comes with plenty of choice.

Pros

Efficient

Low insurance costs

Large boot for its size

Cons

–

Feels a bit basic

–

Lacks active safety features

With five doors and five seats, the Dacia Sandero is a nifty supermini with a five-star safety rating. It’s available with a choice of petrol engines or with a combination of petrol/LPG power to keep running costs down. All models offer over 45 mpg, combining efficiency and a comfortable ride.

Driving performance of the Dacia Sandero

Our Driving Rating7 / 10

A key thing drivers will notice about the Dacia Sandero is that the suspension has been tuned for passenger comfort rather than a sporty setup. This means you’ll feel it leaning if you take twisty B-roads fast, but those in the backseat won’t complain about potholes or speed bumps. If ground clearance is a particular concern, opt for a Sandero Stepway version. Behind the wheel, the steering feels light and accurate, and all models keep up well in traffic. If you’re planning on driving on dual carriageways or motorways regularly, it’s worth going for one of the more powerful variants so you can overtake with confidence.

Safety and reliability of the Dacia Sandero

Our Safety Rating6 / 10

Euro NCAP gave the Sandero the maximum safety rating of five stars in 2013 for its six passenger airbags and excellent crash protection. Newer models add AEB (automatic emergency braking), but don’t come with any of the active safety features that are rapidly becoming standard on modern vehicles. You do get Isofix points for securing child seats in the back to keep your little ones safe. Dacia has a reasonable reputation for reliability, but it’s worth noting that you only get a spare wheel on the petrol models, not on the bi-fuel option as this space is used for the second fuel tank.

Under the bonnet of the Dacia Sandero

Our Engine Rating7 / 10

Sandero buyers can choose from three powertrains: the petrol-only SCe 65 and TCe 90, and the bi-fuel TCe 100. This last option has two fuel tanks, one for petrol and one for LPG (liquid petroleum gas). LPG is around half the price of petrol in the UK and reduces emissions, but not all fuel stations sell it. All three use a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. The SCe 65 offers 64 bhp and does 0-60 in 16.7 seconds, meaning it struggles to keep up on faster roads. TCe models add a turbocharger, upping the power to 89 bhp and cutting the 0-60 time to 11.7 seconds.

What you'll find in the Dacia Sandero

Our Design Rating7 / 10

Newer Sanderos have a modern and stylish look, with smart LED headlights. Older models are recognisably the same car but don’t quite have the appealing exterior looks. Either way, if you like the sound of the Dacia but want slightly more modern looks, go for the Stepway. It’s essentially the same, but with SUV-style body cladding, roof rails and higher ground clearance. There’s plenty of colour choice for all models and you can pick from several trims, starting with bargain-level Access (only available with the less powerful SCe engine), and getting fancier as you get to Essential and range-topping Comfort.

Comfort and interiors in the Dacia Sandero

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

Inside, the Sandero feels bigger than the average supermini. Most adults will be comfortable with the legroom in the backseat, and it’s easy to get child seats in and out. It’s only available with five doors, so access to the rear seats isn’t a problem. Boot space is good for the class – you’ll have no problem getting a family-sized weekly shop in – and there’s plenty of storage cubbies in the cabin. With the more popular Essential and Comfort trims, the interior belies the price tag. This Dacia is louder than similar cars as it has less noise-reducing interior cladding.

What features you'll find in the Dacia Sandero

Our Features Rating6 / 10

The basic (Access) trim option is very, well, basic. It lacks even a radio or any kind of air conditioning. Models built to this spec are pretty rare though, so most Sanderos have the DAB radio, central locking and electric windows that come with the Essential trim. On newer models, you’ll find a well-placed smartphone holder next to a USB port that can be combined with an app to run navigation. You’ll also get Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control. Comfort trim adds extras like keyless start, a rear camera and more plush upholstery.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Dacia Sandero

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

Dacia designed the Sandero to be budget-friendly, and this applies to its efficiency too. Weighing 980 kg, the lower-powered SCe does 48.7 mpg and emits 130 g/km, while the turbocharged petrol-only TCe model is almost as good, doing 47 mpg and emitting 134 g/km. The bi-fuel option is slightly more efficient at 49.5 mpg, and its emissions are lower thanks to the LPG, at just 116 g/km. Thanks to its twin tank setup, the bi-fuel version can go around 800 miles between trips to the petrol station – useful for long drives.

Running costs of the Dacia Sandero

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

If you’re looking at a model under three years old, check whether its warranty can be transferred to you. Either way, Dacia offers a subscription-based servicing plan that lets you spread the cost over monthly payments. Repair and servicing costs are usually low, thanks to the lack of fancy features. Dacia are owned by Renault, and the Sandero shares many parts with cars like the Clio, so spares are easy to get. The bi-fuel and lower-powered petrol models are in insurance group five, while the turbocharged version is in nine or ten, depending on trim.

Our verdict of the Dacia Sandero

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Dacia Sandero is a practical, family-friendly car that'll get you there without breaking the bank. It's a spacious supermini with pleasingly low running costs.

Dacia Sandero Review