Dacia Sandero Stepway review

The Dacia Sandero Stepway isn’t some fiendish new exercise machine – it’s an SUV-themed small hatchback at a very competitive price.

It's based on the regular Dacia Sandero but gets a more heavily sculpted bonnet, roof rails, chunky plastic wheel arch extensions, an increased ride height and bumpers with integrated skidplates, additions that are well suited to the urban jungle. There are just three trim levels to pick from, and no options apart from colour and a few dealer-fit accessories.

Some might be disappointed there’s no hybrid or diesel version, just a couple of turbocharged petrol engines. One is entirely conventional, but the other offers an interesting way to reduce costs and CO2 emissions, as we’ll explain later. An automatic gearbox is optional while a 6-speed manual is standard.

Of course, it's not the only high-rise hatchback out there. For a start, there’s the long-running Fiat Panda Cross, plus the Ford Fiesta Active and Honda Jazz Crosstar.

The Sandero Stepway is significantly cheaper than all of them, though, even undercutting smaller city cars such as the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto and Volkswagen Up, let alone small SUVs including the Ford Puma, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen T-Roc. Even the diminutive Suzuki Ignis is pricier.

But does this bargain basement price bring any inherent compromises? Over the next few pages of this Dacia Sandero Stepway review, we’ll tell you how peppy it is, whether it’s geared for comfort or cornering, and just how practical it is.

If you decide that the Sandero Stepway – or any other new make and model of car or SUV for that matter – is the one for you, the free What Car? New Car Buying service provides an easy, hassle-free way to find big savings with having to haggle, including great prices on new Dacias.