Renault re-designs the Sandero with complete overhaul

One could be excused for thinking the Renault Sandero, which has been given an all-new look and modern turbo engines, is a completely new design.  Its facelift is so substantial that it almost looks and drives like a new generation car.

Renault re-designed the Sandero so much that you’ll need to place the pre-facelift car next to the facelift car just to see the similarities – not the usual facelift trick of spot-the-difference light clusters, a chrome trim here, or new bumper line there, but rather a complete overhaul. 

Very clever is the marketing opportunity Renault grabbed by replacing the previous 1.4 and 1.6 engine with the reduced-capacity 3-cylinder turbo engine from the Clio 4.  This makes the Sandero the only budget offering to boast some turbo boost.  Also unique in segment is the Eco mode switch, which improves fuel economy. 

Before you get excited about the “turbo” badge on the tailgate, the engine is a tiny 898cc – clearly substituting the traditional 1.4 or 1.6 engine size badges with 0.9 would have many doubting its abilities.  Fear not – this engine performs well – better in the lighter sub 1-ton Sandero than in the Clio (where its lack of pull at low revs can mean struggling to ascend a steep driveway).  The claimed consumption and emissions is better in the Clio (possibly due to a more aerodynamic body) at 4.5 and 104, where Sandero numbers read 5.2 l/100km average and 119 g/km – still, it is exceptionally light on fuel.  The pleasant 3-cylinder thrum is also much better on the ear than the plain 4-cylinder used before.

Open the door and, once again, it looks completely different – the dashboard and centre console are both thoroughly re-thought – gone is the cheap-but-not-cheerful low-rent feel and nasty switches which made it look more crude Dacia (which it is in other markets) replaced by an updated more Renault-like feel.

The great news is that Sandero stays the budget-sensitive hatch that appeals to young and old, private, fleet and rentals – at just R 123 900 for the Sandero Expression, it is cheaper than the 1.4 Ambiance it replaces (which went off market at R 129 900) although air-conditioning is now an option at R 10 000.

Expression trim may be the entry-level low-cost option, yet it still packs a load of standard, especially safety, features – front airbags, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist (the car will help you brake as hard as possible, as too often drivers don’t use the full braking power in an emergency stop) and even an Electronic Stability Program – unique in its segment.  Plus, other daily-use safety features (not always given due credit) are standard:  Bluetooth phone connectivity (so you don’t have to hold a phone in a hand that should be on the steering wheel) and fingertip controls for the audio (so you can keep your eyes looking forward) with Isofix child-seat anchors (to keep your baby safely at bay).

Move up to the Dynamique model to see never-before seen in this segment: front side airbags.  Air conditioning is standard here, as are alloy wheels, cruise control with speed limiter (pros and cons to this device), electric mirror adjustment, and thankfully also electric windows for rear occupants.  Here the new turbo Dynamique compares favourably to the old 1.6 Dynamique, as it is exactly R6k more, but with a modern engine and better equipment.

Like a prize show where the contestant just keeps winning more and more, Renault SA also gives every new Sandero a 5 year / 150 000 km warranty.
 
The disputed affordable new-car segment – bring a modern engine, great safety equipment and a long warranty, while being much easier on the eye, yet still easy on the pocket.  A highly-recommended budget buy.