2021 Dacia Sandero Range Revealed

Dacia has refreshed its offer in the compact car segment with the new Dacia Sandero and Stepway. The new Sandero range is expected in Ireland in spring 2021, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.

The third generation of the Dacia Sandero and Stepway are built on a new platform, and will offer more active and passive safety features, new engines and a new automatic transmission and six-speed manual gearbox.

In Ireland over 9,500 Sanderos have been sold since the model launched here in 2013, with the Stepway crossover style model accounting for over 60% of Sandero sales here.

There have been subtle tweaks to the exterior with a more sloped windscreen, a slightly lower roof and flowing roofline. The front and rear lights display Dacia’s new Y-shaped LED light signature. LED headlights will be offered as a standard feature across the entire model range.

According to Dacia, the new shape of the doors and wing mirrors improves the car’s aerodynamics while reducing air noise for all occupants.

The 2021 Dacia Sandero Stepway has a unique ribbed and domed bonnet, the chrome Stepway logo under the front grille and curved fenders above the fog lights. The front and rear bumpers include a metal skid plate. There is 174 mm ground clearance (an increase of 41 mm compared with the Sandero), while roof bars and wheel arch cladding complete the crossover-like design.

The new Renault Group CMF modular platform underpins the new Sandero range and combines greater resistance and rigidity with less weight. Both cars are fitted with a new front axle with rectangular suspension arms that are said to provide effective shock absorption and enhanced steering. Anti-roll capacity has been improved and the wheelbase extended for greater cornering stability. The new engine mount has been upgraded to minimise vibrations in the cabin.

There’s also a new interior with redesigned dashboard features. Newly designed front seats provide greater comfort and support with height adjustable headrests and new, more premium upholstery. In the rear there is an additional 42 mm of space compared to the outgoing models. The boot of the Sandero has a generous 328-litre capacity and features a flat floor with adjustable height floor with two positions.

Engines will include the SCe 65, a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission and the TCe 90, a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit paired with a six-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission.