10 reasons why the new Renault Sandero Stepway plus is an ideal first car
The Sandero is always one my first suggestions whenever people ask me what entry-level hatch they should buy. Renault recently added some bespoke features to the Sandero Stepway Plus model that makes it more appealing than ever. Here's why drivers in need of a budget hatchback should really consider the Sandero, or the Sandero Stepway Plus.
1. It will help you stay alive...
Of course we all know that safety features are paramount in a car that will have an inexperienced driver at the helm, and that's why the Sandero comes fitted with a host of active and passive safety features. ABS brakes are no surprise, but with the addition of brake assist, the maximum brake pressure is applied when emergency braking conditions are detected. This helps to shorten the braking distance by up to nine metres. Most people don't brake hard enough for the ABS to even kick in!
The other safety feature which is a deal breaker (or maker) in my books, is ESP, or stability control. This is what keeps you in control of your car should you be involved in a collision or if you should have to swerve suddenly. ESP works by detecting and reducing loss of traction, and is able to brake independent wheels to keep you 'on track'. Most entry-level cars don't come equipped with this.
Other safety features in every Sandero include Hill Start Assist that prevents roll-back when pulling away at an incline. The Sandero Stepway Plus has two front as well as two side airbags. (You can read the full review of the new Stepway Plus here.)
2. You won't get lost...
Satnav, which makes up part of Renault's seven-inch touchscreen MediaNav system, is a standard feature in the Stepway Plus. The system itself is very user friendly too, but for all the days that you didn't forget your phone at home...
3. ...Siri or Alexa can do it all for you.
Renault has recently added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality to the Stepway Plus, so you have no excuse for texting and driving or general fumbling with your phone while the road ahead should really have your undivided attention. The sound quality when making calls via Bluetooth is good too.
No need to fidget with your phone while you drive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features in the Stepway Plus.
4. The Sandero doesn't use much fuel...
Time and time again I am amazed at just how little petrol the Sandero uses per 100 km. In my week of city driving in the Stepway Plus, 7-7.5 litres per 100 km was the norm, and driving on the N2 came down to a fabulous 4.8. The Sandero also sports an ECO mode function to modify the engine's response so fuel consumption is optimised, reducing usage and CO2 emissions by as much as 12 percent.
Renault's three-cylinder 900cc engine is turbocharged, and turbo lag is to be expected from a power plant of this size. You'll have to know your oats to keep the 66kW engine in its ideal rev-range (forget about pulling away in second!) but a shift-indicator will assist you in keeping the Sandero in the correct gear at all times.
5. You won't get speeding tickets...
...if you employ the cruise control, which is standard fare in the Stepway Plus. It's not often that this feature is standard in this segment.
6. You won't be out of pocket when parts need to be replaced
The Sandero has one of the cheapest parts baskets in the segment, according to the 2016 Kinsey Report. And if you're bothered by the fact that it's a Renault and you're afraid you may have to wait months for parts, don't be. Since the Renault-Nissan Alliance, this is not an issue anymore.
Says Renault: "Sandero parts are very competitively priced and Renault’s Gauteng-based Parts & Distribution ensures that parts availability is running at 95% plus."
7. You won't lose the battle against potholes
The latest Stepway also has 193mm of ground clearance, which is ideal when there's only sidewalk parking available. And, its soft suspension really soaks up those pesky speed bumps.
The rear parking camera with parking sensors in the Stepway Plus can prevent nasty accidents or unnecessary dents and dings on your car's bodywork.
9. The new Stepway Plus is a fair bit more fashionable than before
Apart from its new glossy black door mirrors with a distinctive red line, a blacked out b-pillar and three new body colours to choose from (Café Brown, Fusion Red and Highland Silver) It now boasts a similar interior design theme as the new Duster TechRoad we recently reviewed. The black seat upholstery features festive tartan stripes and there are other red design details that make the cabin look more cheerful. You have the option of leather seats that will cost you R10 088.
10. The warranty & service plan is decent
1.Sandero Expression 66kW Turbo: R184 900
2.Renault Stepway Expression 66kW Turbo: R198 900
Recommended reading:
The VW Up! is another small car we really rate for being safe and solidly built, as is the Toyota Aygo; both of these cars have traction control as standard. Read our small car safety shootout for the above mentioned cars here.
Don't forget about the humbly-priced Toyota Etios either. While it may not have traction control, it's proven to be very safe according to local and international crash test results. Also read Top 3 cheapest cars for students.
