Dacia Sandero Stepway Business & Personal Car Leasing Offers
A chunkier, lifted version of the popular Sandero hatchback that’s still incredibly good value.
Dacia says that the Sandero Stepway is its most popular model here in the UK, and it’s rather easy to see why. It sits between the standard Sandero hatchback and the Duster SUV in the Dacia range, and is sort of a happy middle ground between the two. SUV styling is set to be all the rage for a while and while the Stepway isn’t an SUV, it does give off an SUV vibe while maintaining the overall shape and layout of the standard Sandero.
In essence, this is still the same 5-door hatchback that the Sandero is, but its ride height has been raised by 40mm and it features additional design features hinting at improved ruggedness. Skid plates, roof fails and black cladding around the wheels complete the tougher look, while reinforcements to the underside of the car certainly doesn’t damage its ability to deal with bad conditions. However, the Stepway doesn’t come with the option of all-wheel drive, so don’t stray too far off the road.
The Sandero Stepway comes in 2 different trim levels – ‘Essential’ and ‘Comfort’. Sticking to the Dacia philosophy, neither car is spectacularly well-equipped but they are remarkable good value for what they offer. On Comfort spec cars, parking sensors and the multimedia touchscreen navigation system with DAB radio and Bluetooth comes as standard, and there’s a selection of optional extras that can also be specified, one of which is a reversing camera which many people find a useful addition.
A 0.9-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine producing 89bhp powers the Stepway, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox despite looking like a 4x4, only the front wheels are driven. On a combined cycle this diminutive 3-cylinder can achieve a touch over 56mpg, so real world driving should see a decent and achievable 45mpg+. Currently there is no option for an automatic transmission.
This spacious and affordable little machine is very easy to fall for thanks to that winning Dacia formula that has seen so much success here in the UK. Truly a motoring bargain.