Long gone are the days when people turned their noses up at Dacia. Many of them even forgot their "Eastern" origin. Today, the cars of the Romanian brand are perceived more like French cars. But the low price does not make them inferior, on the contrary. The Frantíks really succeeded. Current Dacias are not cheap substitutes, but simple and durable cars that will very likely survive the approaching apocalypse.
In today's test, I will focus on the newest and cheapest, yet also the most modern Sandero model. Dacia's power is overwhelming. I've seen people buy new Sanders before a single test was in the media. Everyone went to safety. Didn't they get it wrong? Not even a coincidence.
I don't want to draw conclusions at the beginning, but similar to the sister Duster , I was excited, sometimes even amazed.
STEPWAY – ticket to the higher league
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed, the modern French Dacias are status symbols and the Stepway range is by far the highest. Anyone who owns a Stepway clearly shows their disdain for consumerism, electromobility, digitization, transgender people, or other achievements of modern civilization. In a few years, even hipsters will surely like them.
The thing that took my breath away the most about the tested piece in blue metallic Iron was how well it fits into today's times, even though it is almost its opposite. Even if I put aside the "combat" cladding of the raised version, even in its basic form (perhaps with the exception of the very basic version with black bumpers) the latest Dacia does not look like a cheap car. In the headlights, I see a graphic of some twigs, it's nice and modern. The slight widening of the sides adds to the desired robustness. Note the fancy aluminum discs: It's just a tin can with a real lid. I love this solution, under no circumstances is it simply possible to smash an expensive "aluminium car" against a high curb. By taking them off, you can easily reduce the weight or create a rough look.
Secluded sci-fi 2021 – interior
Something interests me in every interior. One is space, the other is comfort, with the new Sander I was particularly taken away by the very modern architecture of the dashboard. I really enjoyed just looking at her, while touching her textile lining. I don't want to keep repeating myself with science fiction, despite a certain simplicity, the interior looks a bit like something from the future. It's probably because we're living in that future right now. It's a nice surprise for such a cheap car.
The materials used are, according to all expectations, hard, probably fragile and very cheap, on the other hand, nothing creaks anywhere, there are enough storage spaces and it really has a level. I recently rode a 2008 Sander, the progress is incredible. The ergonomics are also perfectly mastered, it is amazing to see that someone has thought about it. For example, window control buttons for which you do not have to twist your arm backwards, a beautiful "steampunk" air conditioning panel, or armrests at the actual height of your elbows. Backlit USB ports are just the icing on the cake.
Just so I don't get confused, for example the seats are not a miracle, they have a simple shape and are just soft. It's better than if they were just hard, actually that's exactly what I expected them to be. However, a recent ride in a vintage Volvo reminded me how seats can change the driving experience! There is enough space for everyone, even in the back for the head, with a height of 185 cm I can sit comfortably behind me.
The infotainment is also simple, its most amazing ability is the high-quality and trouble-free mirroring of a mobile phone (it costs only a measly 7,000 CZK), I was also surprised by its excellent readability in the sun and the quality of the audio system. To the left of the touch screen is a kind of stump. It obstructs the view and is completely useless. It was probably supposed to be a holder for a mobile phone, but it does not hold any mobile phone in it, it rattles and it is not even possible to easily plug it into the USB port. I'd probably give it a go if it at least had wireless charging, but it doesn't. It is held in place by only one Phillips screw, thank God…
COUNTRY SWING
And we come to what really interested me the most, namely the chassis. As I had the privilege of previously testing a Duster , I knew what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. Dacia's latest internal combustion engine is based on the same platform as the new Clio , which I liked very much. Contrary to the minor simplification, the Sandero also drives wonderfully, but it is not such a tough guy. The light weight (approx. 1100 kg) and the well-geared steering system are responsible for the easy-to-read driving characteristics. It can't be said that it would be a downright fun ride, like a sports car, but on the other hand, it's not downright "suspicious" either, like the Toyota Prius or some Citroens.
However, what is essential from my point of view is the driving comfort, which is at a high level. Compared to the standard model, the Stepway has a 20mm higher ground clearance, i.e. 200mm in total, combined with softer springs. The benefits are easy; You can sail through lighter terrain with ease in solid comfort. The ride is not only very smooth, the Sandero rocks pleasantly, but it is not unstable and does not seem dangerous. For a target group that is neither self-proclaimed road pirates nor racers, it is an absolute ideal. I have perhaps one single complaint, but I can't blame it on a cheap car in principle. Unfortunately, the chassis is a bit noisier , so you'll just know about big potholes on poor-quality roads. I would like to remind you of a quality audio system that will easily help you overcome the noise.
COUNTRY SMOKER
I'm absolutely sure that even in 2021, when we have everything touch and gasoline engines sing their swan song, there will be a lot of "turners" of the nose above the liter three-cylinder today. Yes, I also remember what a mess HTP was, but my dears, this engine has a TURBO, even though many people don't like that. It's not the same turbo as in the eighties, in the compact three-cylinder 1.0 TCe it helps us to a not-so-dazzling 91 horses (67kw), but the torque is 160Nm, which would recently correspond to a two-liter four-cylinder.
After starting it is a little noisier, but when it warms up, its operation becomes very civilized. Of course, the engine is not a strong one, but it feels much better than you would expect. It already has power from low revs and maintains it even in the middle range, so you don't even have to step on its neck to drive faster. After all, the unit does not like fast driving, although it does not protest, but we would look in vain for peak performance. The gear shift, as in other Dacias, is not one of the most precise and has long distances, but it is graduated very decently by the standards of the sixth Euro-norm.
In the city, thanks to the turbocharger, you can get by with the first three, after which the six functions as an economical "overdrive" – especially on the highway. There, the lack of power is already a little noticeable, but even a higher climb at 130 won't force you to downshift. Navigating the left lane is also not a problem, you just need to think a little about it. I dare to say that for most drivers the basic motorization is absolutely sufficient. Anyone who makes a little effort will also be rewarded with excellent fuel consumption. I had a weekly average of 6.7, and I primarily drove around Prague. Off the highway it's no problem to stay on five liters, the highway won't let you go over 6.5, unless it's a hilly section in Germany.
THE FOUNDATION HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER
It's amazing how far we've come in 20 years of development. Dacia Sandero is currently the cheapest new car on the Czech market. Of course, I can't judge the completely shaved base version for 239,900, but it's clear to me from testing the Stepway that any Sandero is a very well-built car. The most basic cars have never been as good as they are today. When you throw in 20 thousand, look, you also get cruise control. I spent most of my childhood in the most basic and ordinary cars now I'm almost amazed at how time has progressed. The question comes to mind: WHO NEEDS MORE?
Just remember, if you don't necessarily have an ATV and an SUV, any other car is almost useless for you/us/everyone. There is nothing missing from Sander, I don't have the slightest feeling that he has been cheated, because he is not… Sufficient performance, sufficient comfort, low consumption, reasonable price, and image is no longer a problem today. Stepway adds practical protection to the city, even the countryside. For NOK 312,900, this is a breathtaking offer. Those who pay an additional 15,000 will get an extra LPG and 10 horses!
Basic price: 239,900 CZK (1.0 SCe 49kW/65k Acess)
Basic price of the tested version: 312,900 CZK (1.0 TCe 67 kW/91 hp Stepway Essential)
Price for tested configuration with extras: 342,900 CZK (1.0 TCe 67kW/91k Stepway Comfort)
Photo: Author
