Now a real scrappage car is entering the market. The base version of the Dacia Sandero has just enough low emissions to qualify for a scrappage scheme.
And with the base version costing just €12,399, it’s a safe bet that this car will be very popular this spring.
The automatic version has emissions of more than 120 grams, so you won’t be able to take advantage of the scrappage bonus.
Dacia has been on the Finnish market for just over 10 years. The first Sandero was launched in 2008.
The first Sandero Stepway was launched in 2009 and the second generation of both Sandero models was launched in 2012.
Now the third generation of Sandero Stepway models has been launched.
The third generation of Sandero Stepway models is now in production in Romania and Morocco. The models coming to Finland will be produced in Morocco.
If anyone misses the hybrid or charging hybrid, there is no such thing in the Sandero range. The importer says it would raise the price too much.
A brief introduction
We had the opportunity to briefly test drive both Sandero models. The cars were on loan from France.
The cars were fitted with studless winter tyres and the first thing we noticed when we drove off was that the cars were quiet. One car had a manual gearbox and the other a CVT automatic.
You wouldn’t think you were sitting in a car that costs €12 399 at its cheapest.
Of course, the cars we tested were better equipped and I must say that the cars were surprisingly good.
According to the importer, Dacia cars are no longer made from previous-generation Renault parts, but use the latest technology.
The Sandero is based on the same CMF-B body structure used in the new Renault Clio and Captur.
For example, the car now features electric power steering and electric handbrake.
The latest technology is also revealed when you look at what’s included in the price.
Even the basic model comes with active emergency braking, safety curtains, LED headlights, automatic headlights, hill start assist, electric front windows and a speed limiter.
For an extra €600 you get heated seats, radio, cruise control and remote central locking. In the Stepway version, you also get height adjustment for the driver’s seat and front fog lights.
Add an extra €1,500 and you get steering wheel distance adjustment, driver’s seat height adjustment, front fog lights, reverse assist, power exterior mirrors, power rear windows, rain sensor and an 8-inch multimedia screen.
Doesn’t feel cheap
The interior of the car in no way suggests a cheap car. The cabin is clearly more stylish than the previous version.
The standard version does not have a large multimedia screen in the middle of the dashboard. Instead, it has a holder for a mobile phone and the smartphone can be integrated into the car’s system, giving access to a host of functions on the phone, including music, messages, calls and navigation apps, in addition to the radio.
The engine is a one-litre, three-cylinder TCe turbocharged engine. The engine produces 90 horsepower. That should be enough for most people’s needs.
For a small car, there’s plenty of room for 4-5 people. The rear legroom has been increased by four centimetres compared to the previous version. The boot capacity is 328 litres.
Safety has been improved, with all Sanderos now featuring side airbags and window curtains in addition to front airbags, bringing the total number of airbags to six.
It’s clear that the Sandero has a lot of car for the price.
The first Dacia Sanderos will arrive in Finland in March.
