In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by high-priced crossovers and feature-laden luxury vehicles, the Dacia Sandero stands apart as something refreshingly straightforward.
The newest iteration of Romania’s people’s car continues its mission of providing affordable transportation while incorporating enough modern amenities to satisfy contemporary drivers.
Far from the bargain-basement proposition it once was, the new Sandero has evolved into a surprisingly capable and appealing option for budget-conscious buyers.
A Brief History of Humble Origins
To appreciate the current Sandero, one must understand its roots. Dacia, originally Romania’s state car manufacturer, was acquired by Renault in 1999, transforming from a maker of dated Eastern Bloc vehicles into a value-oriented brand with access to modern engineering.
The Sandero first appeared in 2007, offering Romanian and emerging market consumers an affordable yet contemporary small car.
Its philosophy was simple: provide essential transportation at a price point accessible to those for whom car ownership had previously seemed out of reach.
The formula proved successful, with the Sandero gradually expanding across European markets and becoming a surprise hit with pragmatic buyers unswayed by automotive status symbols.
“The original concept behind the Sandero was revolutionary in its simplicity,” explains Mikhail Petrescu, who covered the Romanian automotive industry for twenty years.
“While other manufacturers added features and cost, Dacia asked what consumers genuinely needed versus what they could be convinced to want.”
This approach has carried through to today’s model, though with important evolutionary changes.
Design Evolution: No Longer Apologetically Basic
The latest Sandero represents the most significant design leap in the model’s history. Gone is the somewhat awkward, visibly budget-conscious styling of previous generations.
The new model sports cleaner lines, a more confident stance, and design elements that wouldn’t look out of place on vehicles costing twice as much.
LED Y-shaped headlights give the front fascia a distinctive signature, while a wider track and slightly lowered roofline impart a more planted, contemporary appearance.
The overall silhouette remains practical—this is still a car designed to maximize interior space within compact exterior dimensions—but there’s a newfound attention to aesthetic detail.
“They’ve managed quite a clever visual trick with the new Sandero,” notes automotive designer Elena Constantin. “It maintains similar proportions to the previous model for practical reasons, but the surface treatments and details make it appear more expensive than it actually is.”
This theme continues inside, where hard plastics remain (this is still a budget car, after all), but are now better textured and complemented by fabric inserts on higher trim levels.
The dashboard design has been completely reworked, featuring a more horizontal orientation that visually widens the cabin.
Perhaps most importantly, the new interior doesn’t immediately broadcast its budget origins. Someone unfamiliar with the brand might never guess this is one of Europe’s least expensive new cars.
Engineering: Proven Foundations Thoughtfully Updated
Beneath its refreshed skin, the Sandero continues to leverage the Renault-Nissan Alliance parts bin, though now riding on the more modern CMF-B platform that underpins the latest Renault Clio and Nissan Juke.
This represents a significant upgrade from the previous B0 platform, which traced its lineage back to the 2002 Renault Clio II.
The new architecture brings improvements in refinement, safety, and handling, with a notable increase in torsional rigidity.
Suspension remains straightforward—MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear axle—but with revised geometry and tuning that delivers a more composed ride without sacrificing the robustness that Dacia customers expect.
Power comes from a range of familiar small-displacement engines. The base offering in many markets is the SCe 65, a naturally aspirated 1.0-liter three-cylinder producing a modest 65 horsepower.
Moving up, the TCe 90 adds turbocharging to the same basic engine, bumping output to a more usable 90 horsepower. A bi-fuel version capable of running on LPG rounds out the gasoline options.
For those covering higher mileages, the Blue dCi 95 diesel offers 95 horsepower and significantly improved fuel economy, though comes with a higher initial cost. Transmission options include a standard 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic available with the turbocharged engine.
“The genius in Dacia’s engineering approach is knowing exactly where to invest,” explains automotive engineer Thomas Müller.
“They’ve put resources into the platform basics that affect safety and fundamental driving characteristics while using proven, amortized drivetrain components that might not be cutting-edge but offer reliability and reasonable performance.”
Technology: Strategic Modern Touches
Earlier Sanderos were conspicuously lacking in technology, offering little beyond the bare essentials. The new model takes a more nuanced approach, including features that contemporary drivers expect while still avoiding costly extras that would compromise the vehicle’s value proposition.
Base models now come standard with LED headlights, a significant upgrade over the halogen units of the previous generation. Inside, even entry-level Sanderos feature a smartphone holder and USB connection, acknowledging that navigation and entertainment can be handled by devices owners already possess rather than built-in systems.
Higher trim levels add a proper infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless integration with smartphones.
Climate control, rear parking sensors, and even keyless entry appear on the options list—features that would have been unthinkable on earlier Sanderos.
Safety technology has received significant attention, with all models now including autonomous emergency braking, six airbags, and electronic stability control as standard. These additions address one of the primary criticisms of earlier models, which often lagged behind competitors in safety equipment.
“What’s clever about Dacia’s approach to technology is how they’ve focused on things customers actually use daily,” notes consumer technology analyst Sophia Williams.
“Rather than gimmicky features that sound impressive in brochures but get ignored after the first week of ownership, they’ve prioritized practical tech that adds genuine value.”
Driving Experience: Honest Transportation
Behind the wheel, the new Sandero delivers exactly what its target audience seeks: straightforward, fuss-free transportation.
The driving position has improved markedly over previous generations, with better seat adjustment ranges and a steering wheel that now adjusts for both height and reach on most versions.
Road noise, long a weakness of budget vehicles, has been reduced through additional sound insulation and improved aerodynamics. It’s still not luxury-car quiet, but conversations at highway speeds no longer require raised voices.
The naturally-aspirated base engine requires planning for overtaking maneuvers, but feels adequate around town. The turbocharged TCe 90 offers noticeably more flexibility and is worth the upgrade for those frequently venturing beyond city limits.
Handling is predictable rather than engaging, with light steering that prioritizes ease of use over feedback. The chassis feels fundamentally sound, however, maintaining composure over broken surfaces that would unsettle some competitors.
This compliance, combined with generous ground clearance, makes the Sandero surprisingly capable on the rough rural roads common in many of its markets.
“They’ve struck a sensible balance with the driving dynamics,” says automotive journalist Martin Fletcher. “It’s not trying to be sporty or exciting, but nor does it feel compromised or unsafe.
The focus is clearly on comfort, ease of use, and tolerance for less-than-perfect road conditions—precisely what matters to the target buyer.”
Value Proposition: The Core Appeal
Despite its improvements, the Sandero remains steadfastly focused on value. Starting prices continue to undercut competitors by significant margins, often by 15-20% compared to similarly sized vehicles from mainstream brands.
This value extends beyond the purchase price to ownership costs. Insurance classifications are favorable, parts are reasonably priced, and the mechanically straightforward design keeps maintenance expenses low.
Fuel economy is competitive across the range, with the diesel and LPG versions offering particularly low running costs for high-mileage users.
Warranty coverage has been extended to match mainstream competitors, addressing another historical concern. The straightforward engineering also promises long-term durability—a significant consideration for buyers planning to keep their vehicles for many years.
“The financial mathematics of Sandero ownership remain compelling,” explains consumer finance expert Richard Davies. “When you factor in all ownership costs over a typical holding period, the value advantage actually increases compared to just looking at the purchase price alone.”
New Dacia Sandero : Honest Value in a Complicated Market
In an automotive market increasingly pushed upmarket by technology, regulations, and consumer expectations, the new Dacia Sandero performs a remarkable balancing act.
It acknowledges and addresses modern necessities while steadfastly avoiding feature creep and the associated costs.
The result is a car that feels considerably more accomplished than its predecessor without abandoning the fundamental value proposition that made the Sandero successful in the first place. It’s still basic transportation, but no longer feels basic for the sake of being cheap.
As urban living costs rise across Europe and pragmatic consumerism gains traction among younger buyers, the Sandero’s honest approach to mobility may find an even more receptive audience. It offers a refreshing alternative to the “more is more” philosophy that dominates much of the automotive industry.
“Good enough” has never actually been good enough for most car buyers—they want value, yes, but also a product that meets contemporary standards.
The new Sandero finally delivers both, elevating Romania’s humble hatchback from a compromise purchase to a genuinely smart choice for the budget-conscious modern driver.