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For The Dacia Sandero offers outstanding value for money, a practical, roomy cabin and reasonable dynamics. The engines are strong, and the solid-feeling dash is simple to use.

Against Refinement is poor, the low speed ride is a touch lumpy and safety isn't what it should be.

Dacia Sandero Hatchback
44 5stars

The Dacia Sandero is not flawless, but it's a likeable car that offers more space and practicality than anything in the same price range. It demands compromises, but acceptable ones given the price.

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The full Dacia Sandero review


There are 11 Dacia Sandero versions available

Hatchback 1.2 Access 5dr £5,995
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.2 Ambiance 5dr £6,595
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 0.9 TCe Ambiance 5dr £7,395
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 0.9 TCe Stepway Ambiance 5dr £7,995
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.2 Laureate 5dr £7,995
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.5 dCi Ambiance 5dr £8,395
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 0.9 TCe Laureate 5dr £8,795
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.5 dCi Stepway Ambiance 5dr £8,995
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 0.9 TCe Stepway Laureate 5dr £9,795
What Car? says:4 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.5 dCi Laureate 5dr £9,795
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5
Hatchback 1.5 dCi Stepway Laureate 5dr £10,795
What Car? says:3 stars out of 5

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The range kicks off with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which is perfectly adequate. The other petrol is a turbocharged three-cylinder 0.9, which is punchy but has an inconsistent power delivery. The diesel is muscular, too, but it’s too rough and noisy. Overall, the entry-level engine is our favourite, because it keeps things cheap – essential when buying a Sandero.

Choosing the entry-level trim is taking things a bit far, though; it’s too basic. You don’t even get central locking or a radio. Mid-spec Ambiance is the one, because it provides most of the essentials (remote locking, electric front windows, Bluetooth) at a reasonable price. Laureate trim provides air-conditioning, electric rear windows and cruise control, but costs a lot more.

Don't opt for the rugged-looking Stepway version under the illusion that it's got off-road potential. It does deliver a softer ride due to its raised ride height, but it's front-wheel drive just like the rest of the Sandero range.

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Dacia Sandero Hatchback

Read the definitive Dacia Sandero Hatchback review from the expert What Car? team. Check specs, prices and compare with similar cars.

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