We review the Dacia Sandero Stepway (2013) from price to economy and all its features
THINK of the Sandero Stepway as the most affordable supermini crossover money can buy.
It’s a rival for the Nissan Juke but with prices from £7,995 to £11,380 its nearly half the price.
The Stepway is basically a Sandero supermini on stilts, with its ride height raised 40mm.
Although it looks like a baby SUV with scuff plates front and rear and roof bars, there’s no 4x4 capability it is just two-wheel-drive.
The entry level model is no frills with wind-up windows, no radio, 16in “design” plastic wheel trims, body coloured bumpers and dark carbon cloth upholstery, hard plastics with a 1.2litre petrol engine.
But you do get a fair smattering of gadgets — from a seatbelt and headlights on warning to power-assisted steering, daytime running lights, heated rear window, 12v socket, a 60/40 split folding rear seat and isofix points for child seats. The Ambiance model I tested added lots more goodies.
These included a height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, electric front and rear windows and heated door mirrors, 7in touch screen sat nav system, USB and Bluetooth and even cruise control.
There are also visual extras such as a chrome front grille, front fog lights, graphite front door handles, leather steering wheel, map pockets on the front seat backs, seven-function computer, aircon and rear parking sensors.
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Add leather seats, metallic paint, a five-year warranty and a solid 1.5litre turbo diesel capable of between 60 and 70 mpg, and the Stepway more than justifies its price increase to £11,380.
But for that money you might prefer a less well equipped but more upmarket mainstream rival.
The good thing is that for the first time in a few years the Sandero Stepway is offering you a choice, and it appears a growing number of people are going for it.
Dacia reckon it will be an instant hit since it is being sold through all Renault dealerships, and they aim to grab a one per cent share of the UK market in 2013, which means about 18,000-20,000 sales of the Sandero hatch, Stepway and the Duster SUV.