Dacia Sandero Review 2024

Revving up the engine of practicality and affordability, the Dacia Sandero has emerged as a true contender in the world of compact cars. Whether you're a budget-conscious driver looking for a reliable daily commuter or someone seeking value-packed transportation without sacrificing quality, the Dacia Sandero has certainly caught your attention. In this Dacia Sandero review, we'll dive deep into its design, performance, interior amenities, and more, to help you make an informed decision about whether the Dacia Sandero is the right vehicle for you. Join us as we take a closer look under the hood and behind the wheel of this Dacia car.

A Brief History

The history of the Dacia Sandero supermini traces back to the early 2000s, when Dacia, a Romanian automobile manufacturer, was undergoing a significant transformation. Dacia had gained attention in the past for producing affordable and robust cars, often under the umbrella of its parent company, Renault. However, the Sandero marked a new chapter in Dacia's journey, targeting the growing market demand for affordable cars without compromising on quality.

The Dacia Sandero was first introduced in 2007 as a compact hatchback. Its arrival generated considerable buzz due to its promise of affordability combined with modern features. By leveraging efficient manufacturing processes and sharing components with other Renault vehicles, Dacia was able to keep production costs down without compromising on essential features.

Initially introduced in Europe, the Sandero quickly gained popularity among consumers and its success prompted Dacia to expand its market presence to other regions. Over the years, the Dacia Sandero underwent several updates and generational changes. These updates were a testament to Dacia's dedication to refining the Sandero to meet evolving customer needs while staying true to its core values of affordability.

Dacia Sandero Interior & Design

The Dacia Sandero, a prominent offering in the world of affordable cars, is not only renowned for its affordability but also for its functional and modest design. As a quintessential Dacia car, the Sandero supermini captures attention with its straightforward yet purposeful exterior. This makes it a prime example of how an affordable car can maintain a sense of practical elegance. Size wise, the Sandero’s dimensions are 4088mm long, 1848mm wide and 1499mm tall. This is very similar to the Peugeot 208 or Renault Clio.

The core design philosophy of the Dacia Sandero revolves around simplicity and practicality. Upon entering the Dacia Sandero, its interior seamlessly aligns with its economical character. The Dacia Sandero Interior is a testament to efficient space utilisation, prioritising comfort and functionality. Despite its compact dimensions, the Sandero's cabin surprisingly provides a roomy feel, ensuring ample headroom and legroom throughout. While the interior materials may not boast luxury, they are chosen for their durability, withstanding daily wear and tear to ensure longevity.

What truly sets the Dacia Sandero apart is its ability to provide essential features while remaining a cheap car. In the world of increasingly tech-laden vehicles, the Sandero's interior maintains a refreshing simplicity. Basic infotainment systems, user-friendly controls, and practical storage solutions reflect the car's focus on meeting essential needs without excessive frills. This approach resonates with budget-conscious customers who appreciate a vehicle that doesn't overwhelm with unnecessary features. Some standard features on the Sandero include manual air conditioning, DAB radio, ISOFIX in rear lateral seats, Bluetooth, LED headlamp and deadlocking.

Dacia Sandero Performance & Driving Experience

As a cornerstone of Dacia cars, the Dacia Sandero also impresses with its noteworthy performance and driving experience. Despite its reputation as a cheap car, the Sandero demonstrates that a budget-friendly vehicle can still offer a satisfying and engaging ride.

Under the hood, the Dacia Sandero performance exceeds expectations, considering its economical nature. The available engine options provide a balance between fuel efficiency and peppy performance, making it well-suited for urban commutes and weekend getaways. While it may not boast the horsepower figures of high-end sports cars, the Sandero's powertrain delivers an adequate punch that ensures confident acceleration, boasting a 0-62mph time of 11.7 seconds. Furthermore, the Dacia Sandero exhibits a respectable top speed of 108mph.

The Dacia Sandero offers a driving experience marked by its agile and responsive demeanour. Its adept handling is attributed to its compact size and finely tuned suspension, facilitating easy navigation through both crowded city streets and winding roads. The Sandero's steering is precise and predictable, enhancing the overall sense of control and confidence behind the wheel.

Furthermore, the cabin of the Sandero is designed with driver comfort in mind, featuring ergonomic seating and well-placed controls. Road noise is managed effectively, creating a serene environment for both driver and passengers. As a cheap supermini that doesn't break the bank, the Sandero still manages to provide a pleasant and enjoyable driving experience that keeps its occupants content during short jaunts or longer journeys.

Dacia Sandero Running Costs & CO2 Emissions

Beyond its low price, one of the most appealing aspects of the Dacia Sandero is its impressive running costs and eco-friendly credentials. The Sandero's range of modern, efficient engines is designed to maximise miles per gallon, ensuring that you get the most out of every tank of fuel. Depending on the engine option, its claimed mpg figures range from 45-53mpg combined.

Moreover, Dacia vehicles, including the Sandero, are known for their simplicity and reliability. These qualities translate to lower maintenance and repair expenses over the vehicle's lifetime. Affordable replacement parts and a network of dealerships dedicated to cost-effective servicing make the Sandero an economical small car. Insurance costs for the Dacia Sandero are generally competitive due to its affordability and the availability of spare parts.

In a time marked by increased environmental awareness, the Dacia Sandero stands out for its relatively low CO2 emissions compared to many vehicles in its class. Dacia has taken significant steps towards enhancing the eco-friendliness of its vehicles by equipping them with modern engine technologies and employing lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Dacia Sandero Lease Deals

Dacia Sandero Practicality

In addition, the Dacia Sandero shines as a beacon of practicality, setting a new standard for what a budget-friendly car can offer. Renowned for its utilitarian approach, the Dacia Sandero effortlessly combines affordability with a keen focus on practicality. One of the standout features that cements the Sandero's reputation for practicality is its generous 328-litre boot space. This is bigger than the Ford Fiesta or the Peugeot 208. Despite its compact dimensions, the Sandero surprises with an ample cargo area that can effortlessly accommodate daily essentials, groceries, and even larger items. The boot light is also a useful feature at night.

The interior layout of the Dacia Sandero further exemplifies its practical nature. Ergonomically designed seating and user-friendly controls create a comfortable and intuitive driving environment. The cabin's thoughtfully arranged storage compartments and cup holders cater to modern lifestyles, ensuring that all your necessities are within arm's reach.

Also, whether you're navigating urban traffic or cruising down motorways, the Sandero's nimble handling and compact dimensions contribute to a stress-free driving experience. Manoeuvring in tight parking spaces and weaving through crowded streets becomes a breeze, showcasing the Sandero's ability for urban life.

Additionally, Dacia's commitment to practicality extends beyond the confines of the car itself. With its affordability and fuel efficiency, this supermini offers a cost-effective ownership experience that's easy on the wallet. Routine maintenance and repairs also won't break the bank, aligning perfectly with its overall value proposition.

Dacia Sandero Price

The Dacia Sandero price varies depending on several factors, such as the trim level and optional extras selected. However, prices in the UK start from £13,795 (MRRP), making this an affordable city car. This is around £8,000 cheaper than the equivalent Renault Clio. Despite its approachable price point, the Dacia Sandero remains a well-rounded choice, providing essential features, safety measures, and comfortable interiors. The Dacia Sandero price reflects the brand's clever strategy of streamlining production and design processes, allowing them to deliver cars at a fraction of the cost of competitors. If you’d prefer the higher trim, the Sandero Expression starts from £14,795 (MRRP) and this comes with the additions like rear parking sensors, leather steering wheel and auto lights and wipers.

Dacia Sandero Reliability & Safety

Despite its budget-friendly nature, the Sandero doesn't cut corners when prioritising the safety of its occupants. The design of the Dacia Sandero places a paramount emphasis on safety. It comes equipped with vital safety features including airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC), the Sandero maintains a robust foundation of protection. These features contribute to the car's ability to handle unexpected situations and collisions, instilling confidence in both drivers and passengers.

In terms of reliability, the Dacia Sandero continues to impress with its solid performance over time. Built upon a heritage of practical and rugged vehicles, Dacia cars have earned a reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs. The Sandero inherits this legacy, boasting a design that emphasises durability and minimalistic complexity. This approach translates into fewer components that can potentially malfunction. Click here to find out more about the reliability of Dacia cars.

Alternative Cars

The Sandero faces numerous competitors in the supermini category. The diversity of options available highlights the competitive landscape of the supermini class, where consumers can explore different alternatives that align with their preferences and requirements.

One of the closest rivals is the Skoda Fabia. In terms of design, the Skoda Fabia typically exhibits a more refined and contemporary aesthetic than the Sandero. The Sandero's exterior may lack the finesse of the Fabia, but it compensates by providing a no-nonsense, cost-effective solution. Overall, the Fabia appeals to those who seek a balance between style, performance, and advanced features, while the Sandero targets consumers looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly option.

Another key alternative to the Dacia Sandero is the compact Kia Picanto. Performance-wise, both models prioritise fuel efficiency ensuring you have an economical car. However, the Kia Picanto is often recognised for its modern and youthful aesthetic. The exterior features a compact yet dynamic profile, and the interior is designed with attention to detail, incorporating quality materials and a user-friendly layout. On the other hand, the Dacia Sandero embraces simplicity, focusing on functionality rather than intricate styling. Also, the Dacia Sandero, while not as tech-oriented, focuses on essential features to keep costs down.

Our Verdict

Overall, our verdict on the Dacia Sandero is definitely positive. It's a vehicle that goes beyond its affordability, showcasing a thoughtfully crafted balance of practicality, safety, and reliability. For those who appreciate a straightforward approach to driving, without the need for extravagant frills, the Sandero emerges as an excellent choice. As much as the Dacia Sandero's standout feature is undoubtedly its affordability, its appeal extends beyond this. While not aiming to be a high-performance vehicle, the Sandero's engines provide adequate acceleration and handling. So, whether it's your daily commuter or your versatile runabout, the Dacia Sandero proves that quality transportation doesn't have to come at a premium price. Therefore, we feel that the Dacia Sandero deserves a 4.2/5 stars from GB Vehicle Leasing.

If you'd like to discover more about Dacia Sandero leasing, please contact our car leasing experts. At GB Vehicle Leasing, we strive to offer a wide choice of cheap car lease deals. Also, click here to read more of our latest news and reviews. In particular, take a look at our interesting Kia Picanto review - a true urban charmer with low running costs.