The face-lifted, Romania-built Renault Sandero has reached our shores, and during the launch today, I was reminded why I’ve always loved this little car. The first Sandero made its appearance in 2009, but I wasn’t a fan just yet. 2014 rolled on, and the new downsized, surprisingly peppy F1-inspired turbo-charged engines were introduced. I was duly impressed, for this little cheapie had the driving characteristics of a higher segment hatch. Another reason to love it was for its safety systems – ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist AND traction control? Check! Renault is one of the few manufacturers who realizes the importance of having extensive safety systems for younger buyers – after all, the young ones’ lack of experience and reckless tendencies are the reason behind the higher insurance premiums.
Renault have decided to do away with the more expensive Sandero Dynamique-model, and instead, replaces it with a more affordable Stepway Expression-model, making that coveted SUV-look city car more attainable to the masses. Spiffy looks, unbeatable features The new Sandero is has enough cool-factor to entice image-conscious millennials. The front grille is more modern and interesting, and with the addition of the new signature C-shaped daytime running lamps, the Sandero is looking as dapper as a young Parisian executive. The front bumpers have been redesigned too. At the rear, changes are minor, with the same C-shape in the taillights and a redesigned rear bumper. I find the entry-level Sandero Expression especially fetching, with a slightly different grille from the Stepway-models. The Sandero Expression features 15" steel wheels with covers, and an integrated roof spoiler to complement the exterior’s snazzy look. The Stepway offers higher ground clearance than the entry-level Sandero Expression, with roof bars, front and rear skid plates, wheel arch mouldings and front fog lights, as well as pothole-resistant 16-inch FLEX wheels. Inside, things are a little more bling in the cross-hatch Stepway, which has been issued with a metallic-look front fascia, while the Sandero Expression gains classy-looking glossy piano black trim. The flagship Stepway Dynamique-variant is kitted out with the super user-friendly MediaNav* Multimedia touchscreen system as standard – a complete luxury in this price range. Leather seats are also an option, but it’s going to cost you 10K. Other highlights include front and side driver and passenger airbags, electric windows x 4, rear-park assist, a leather steering wheel and leather gear lever, and 16-inch FLEX alloy wheels. I’d say that’s rather a mouthful for the price. The Expression-models feature an integrated Radio/CD player system, featuring Bluetooth®, USB, AUX-connectivity, steering wheel and fingertip controls on the steering column. The basics include power steering, front power windows, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable steering wheel and remote central locking. It also features a 12-Volt power socket, gear shift indicator, and Eco Mode. General Ambience In all models there are a few giveaways of the Sandero’s humble price tag, such as the plastic binnacles in the doors that could’ve looked a bit more refined. But apart from that and some other areas of hard plastic, build quality is decent enough, and overall it’s a functional and ergonomic layout. Renault also saw sense to finally put window switchgear where it belongs: in the door armrests. 900 cc’s of fun! At the launch near the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, the flagship Stepway Dynamique-models were ours for the sampling. Yes, the engine is quite tiny, but it has the cocky attitude of a 15-year-old Sebastien Loeb. The most fun was seeing how much oomph I could extract out of the little powertrain. Sometimes the turbo lag would catch me unaware – I’d go around a corner in second gear, when first gear would have been more effective. You find out soon enough if the revs are high enough in order to do so, or not. Out on the open roads of the Magaliesberg region, the Sandero felt just as secure, stable and planted as a b-segment hatchback. I was enjoying the stirring about of the smooth 5-speed gearbox, and felt that the driving position is just right, for maximum visibility up ahead. After almost 180 km of launch route, our petrol gauge hadn’t moved a millimeter and according to the trip computer, we still had 700 km of range left! This little car is a road-trip champ – our final figure of fuel usage was a mere 5.6 litres per 100 km. Space Boot space is very impressive, and kicks dust in the face of the Polo Vivo, Ford Figo and Toyota Etios. A generous 272-litres are available for all kinds of stuff, of which my co-pilot and I had plenty of. I packed for 3 days, and she packed for two. Plus, there were more bags added later that belonged to other media members. Space on the rear bench is a little on the cramped side, with more headroom and elbowroom than legroom. I don’t know about those three adults on the back that Renault suggests, but three kids or two adults, absolutely. As for students – they’d probably manage to squeeze in a couple more. Who is going to buy the Sandero? I see single moms with small kids, students, pensioners…anyone who is serious about turning those pennies over, but for whom safety is also a concern – all those safety features in the outgoing model get carried over into this one. And as a bonus, there are all those convenience features that truly makes the deal a sweet one. French cars – aren’t parts an issue? Contrary to popular belief, Renault parts are not hard to acquire, since Renault and Nissan have formed an alliance and their cars share many nuts and bolts. There’s also a massive parts warehouse in Gauteng if you were remotely worried about that. According to the Kinsey Report, the Sandero is one of the least expensive cars to maintain, service, and repair, with a cheap parts basket to boot. The warranty and service plan also give the competition a run for their money. Each Sandero comes with a 5-year / 150K warranty, 6-year anti-corrosion warranty, and a 2-year / 30K service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km. Test drive the Renault Sandero at your nearest Group 1 Renault dealership - by easily booking a test drive online! *Medianav consists of a 7” Multimedia touchscreen, FM/AM tuner, integrated navigation, Bluetooth® audio streaming and hands-free calls, voice control and vehicle applications. Article source: https://joiedevivrevehicles.tumblr.com/post/178442634910/renault-sandero-a-step-way-up-the-face-lifted
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