Dacia Sandero Stepway review

The more dramatic styling of the Sandero Stepway may add a few pounds to the UK’s cheapest new-car purchase, but it is still a very low-cost option and gets all the good bits from the standard Sandero, plus you get a slightly better ride along with those handy roof bars. Fuel economy is fractionally worse than in the hatchback because of the Stepway’s additional weight, but it’s unlikely to cost you much more in real-world driving conditions.

Like the standard model, the Sandero Stepway should hold onto its value quite well. All Sanderos come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, as well as a two-year paintwork guarantee and a six-year anti-corrosion policy. You can also pay to extend this for up to seven years for not a great deal of extra cash.

Entry-level Essential trim is decently equipped, with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB radio. Moving up to Comfort spec gets some welcome additions, mostly the 7.0in infotainment system we described earlier. There’s also cruise control and rear parking sensors. Special edition Techroad adds two exclusive paintwork choices, exterior decals, coordinating seat upholstery and a rear parking camera. It’s not a great deal more expensive, though, and could be worth opting for if its exclusive paint options take your fancy.

The regular Sandero scored a four-star safety rating after Euro NCAP tests back in 2013, but it doesn’t offer many of the modern safety systems, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and blindspot monitoring, that you’ll find in many newer rivals. It probably wouldn’t receive as many stars if it was re-tested today. A tyre pressure monitor, stability control and four airbags comes as standard.

Security experts Thatcham Research has yet to publish its results on how well the Sandero Stepway guards against thieves.

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