Shaking up the market? Find out why in our 2014 Dacia Sandero Review

What’s the lowdown with the 2014 Dacia Sandero?

Driving Experience

Unveiled at the 2012 Paris Show, the 2014 Dacia Sandero is a tough and second generation of the famed Sandero that impressively overrides its predecessor in sophistication. It’s a supermini to reckon with poise with its impressive ability to go well on any type of road.

With a 900cc three-cylinder TCe 90 petrol engine, the 2014 Dacia Sandero comes off as a modern archetype of a machine that will please the driver with its remarkable low fuel consumption without compromising on its speed. Though, it takes a little longer to hit speed from start, taking up to 5,250rpm. Of course, it will not embarrass you when driving around in town because it takes only 1,650rpm to churn out 135Nm of force!

The 2014 Dacia Sandero comes with a variety of “economical” engines in the 75PS 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, the other ones being the 75PS and 90PS diesel engines. Both are 1.5-litre capacity engines.

Design and Build

This vehicle fairs well with such models as the Fiesta-sized supermini and a Focus-sized family hatch when you look at the metal in its build. It’s a fair deal when you purchase this car for its size. There is enough room for three adults in the back seats. Or, interestingly, you could comfortably install three child seats. It beats the Ford Focus with its 320-litre boot. In general, the cabin is designed with more than ample space, extending to the doors that have “housing” big enough to accommodate a bottle of up to 1.5 litres in front and 0.5 litres in the back door.

This 2014 Dacia Sandero doesn’t just give you options for the type of engine you want to go with, it also comes in a variety of body types. Its alter ego, the Sandero Stepaway, comes with options of two 90PS engines. Unlike the standard Sandero, the Stepway has 40mm cushion between it and the ground. Fog lamps, front and rear skid plates, emphatic wheel arches and a two-tone bumper are some of the variations you get to see the difference between the two designs. It also carries trademark blue paint and two-tone longitudinal roof bars as well as the flamboyant 16-inch Flexwheels rims.

The interior is an embroidered upholstery affair with grey overstitching that brings out the boldness of its look. However, the standard Sandero is equally a marvel in its interior design. It has a very attractive instrument panel and well-sculpted seats. With plenty of leg room, the rear has easy access by way of the wide-opening doors.

Market and Model

You can never buy a cheaper good car at £6,000. It leads the pack of smaller budget models that include the Suzuki Alto and the Perodua, giving you as much change as about £1,000. In fact, it has a large interior than both rivals. In terms of overall size, it rivals such models as a Fiesta-shaped supermini that would cost you around £10,500 and a Focus-sized family hatch for a whooping £14,000.

The 2014 Dacia Sandero has only one five-door hatchback model although it comes as standard model or the variant “Sandero Stepaway” that stands out at a higher ride height, bragging off its SUV-style disposition.

The “starter” versions of the 2014 Dacia Sandero can be as economical as 1.2-litre petrol engine propelled. This is the Access range which also comes with all-manual windows.

The other rather popular version is the Ambiance that comes in every engine model. Its body-coloured bumpers stand out as the identifying difference from the pack. It also has remote central locking, a CD stereo with a USB slot and Bluetooth facility for your mobile phone access. This is something worthwhile for £600 on the price. However, the only drawback is the lack of an air-conditioning system. If you are really keen for all these features plus air-conditioning, then the option for you is the £8,000 Laureate. It can even go up to £10,000 depending on the extra accessories and features. This one is also compensated with power front and rear windows, cruise control, speed limiter and a four-speaker stereo. A trip computer is one good added fancied feature you will like in the Laureate. To cap it all, the driver’s seat is height-adjustable!

Cost of Ownership

The 2014 Dacia Sandero comes as a good offer as far as savings on ownership of a car are concerned. Its engines are fuel efficient and would save you good change, and that goes for its low carbon emission that would compensate your pocket against high road tax.

Take the 2014 Dacia Sandero with the TCe 90 petrol unit, for instance. This is the coolest you will find around, working 54.3mpg and 120g/km carbon emissions. If you are not impressed with the remarkable 1.2-litre petrol engine that gives out a combined fuel figure of 47.8mpg and 137g/km, you can choose the diesel variation, a great bargain and option for 74.3mpg and 99g/km!

When you buy a Sandero, you get a warranty for 3 years, or 60,000 miles. In fact, the Dacia has an option for the buyer to extend the warranty.

If you want to get hold of the 2014 Dacia Sandero, don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our 2014 Dacia lease deals.

The 2014 Dacia Sandero- what do you think?