Dacia Sandero review

Overview

The third-generation Dacia Sandero challenges the assumption that a modern small car must be either cramped or expensive. Introduced in 2021 on Renault Group's CMF-B architecture, it offers family-hatchback-like passenger room for supermini money and avoids decorative complexity. This review focuses on the early UK 1.0 TCe 90 Comfort manual; later ranges renamed or reshuffled trims, so an Expression or Journey should not be treated as identical without checking. Comfort is the sweet spot because it adds phone integration, cruise control and parking sensors. The low price has consequences—plain materials, modest refinement and a two-star Euro NCAP result—but the savings fund genuinely useful space.

Exterior and interior

The Sandero's clean proportions, LED-style lighting signature and restrained detailing disguise its value positioning better than the previous generation managed. Comfort trim adds enough exterior finish to avoid looking stripped out, while sensible wheel sizes help protect ride quality and replacement costs. The cabin is more openly budget-led: hard plastics cover most surfaces and some switches feel light, but the layout is logical and important controls are not hidden for visual effect. A fabric-covered dashboard strip lifts the ambience on relevant cars. The seats are broad rather than deeply shaped, visibility is good and the high-mounted screen is easier to glance at than systems placed low in the console.

Practicality

This is where the Sandero turns low price into a substantial advantage. Renault Group quotes 328 dm³ of VDA luggage capacity, giving the square boot enough room for a weekly shop, several soft bags or many compact pushchairs. The loading lip is noticeable and the folded rear seat creates a step, but outright usefulness remains strong. Rear legroom is generous for the class and two adults can sit behind average-height front occupants without feeling punished. Three rear places exist, although shoulder room still reflects the car's width. Five doors, accessible outer Isofix points and useful door storage make it viable as an inexpensive family car rather than merely a basic commuter.

Driving experience

Dacia tunes the Sandero for ease and compliance, which suits broken urban surfaces and poorly maintained local roads. The steering is light, the clutch is manageable and the body is simple to place, though rear sensors remain helpful because the tail is hard to judge precisely. At rural speeds it stays predictable but leans more than sportier superminis and communicates little through the wheel. Motorway stability is acceptable, yet tyre, suspension and wind noise become more obvious than in a Polo or Clio. Comfort depends on tyre condition and pressure, so reject the idea that any harshness is simply 'because it is cheap' before checking mismatched or overinflated tyres.

Performance

The turbocharged three-cylinder TCe produces about 90 hp in this specification and reaches 62 mph in the published 11.7 seconds. More important is its useful mid-range pull, which handles commuting, rural gradients and a typical family load without demanding constant high revs. The manual gearbox fits the value brief and keeps control simple, though shift quality is functional rather than memorable. Overtaking on a short window still needs planning, especially with four occupants. Later LPG, automatic and differently tuned petrol versions have their own performance and ownership considerations. Check the advert, V5C and engine badge rather than assuming every one-litre Sandero is the TCe 90 manual reviewed here.

Fuel economy

An official combined figure of 52.3 mpg is competitive for a roomy non-hybrid petrol car. A driver using mixed roads and anticipating traffic can reasonably plan around the mid-to-high 40s, while repeated short winter trips or sustained high speed will use more. The engine does not need unusual driving techniques, which is part of the Sandero's honest appeal. Tyre choice, load and roof accessories all influence the result. LPG Bi-Fuel versions require a cost-per-mile comparison using both fuels rather than a simple mpg comparison, and they are outside this review. As with every official figure, WLTP is a controlled basis for comparing cars, not a guaranteed household budget.

Reliability

The TCe Comfort's relatively straightforward manual drivetrain and widely shared components support a positive outlook, but RoadMatch keeps confidence at moderate because long-term evidence is less complete than for some older rivals. Inspect from cold, looking for warning lights, uneven idle, smoke, coolant loss and clutch or gearbox behaviour. A stamped book alone is weaker than invoices showing the correct oil and work at the required times. Test air conditioning, screen, parking sensors, central locking and both keys, and check recalls against the VIN. Budget construction does not excuse accident damage, neglected tyres or missed maintenance, and low annual mileage can still conceal repeated short-trip use.

Safety

Euro NCAP recorded a two-star result for the standard Sandero under its 2021 protocol, derived through the closely related Stepway assessment. That result is a material disadvantage, not something the price makes irrelevant. It reflects the complete protection and assistance package judged under that test, while essential legal safety systems and airbags are still present. Buyers should compare the detailed scores and equipment rather than equate two stars with either 'unsafe' or 'as good as five stars'. Check the exact car's autonomous-braking scope, warning systems and build-year specification, then inspect tyres, brakes, seatbelts and airbag lights. Newer class leaders offer stronger active-safety coverage.

Technology and features

Comfort earns its recommendation by supplying the everyday technology missing from a truly basic car: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, cruise control and rear parking sensors are included in this record. The screen and menus are straightforward, but model-year substitutions and later trim renaming make physical verification important. Connect both phone platforms where relevant, check the USB socket, microphone, speakers and steering-wheel controls, and leave the system running during the test drive. There is no benefit in paying for an elaborate factory navigation system when phone mirroring works properly. Buyers who want adaptive cruise, sophisticated lane centring or a surround camera need a different car, not a hopeful reading of the options list.

Running costs

The Sandero's low purchase price, insurance groups around 8–12 and ordinary tyre sizes create a compelling cost case. Our annual estimate includes indicative fuel, vehicle tax, routine servicing, MOT and a basic maintenance allowance; it excludes insurance, finance, depreciation and major repairs. Insurance can still vary sharply by postcode, age and occupation, so obtain a registration-specific quote. Dacia servicing is generally straightforward, and independent Renault specialists widen the choice as the car ages. Keep a reserve for tyres, brakes, battery and suspension wear rather than assuming a newer registration eliminates consumables. Strong value comes from transparent condition, not simply buying the cheapest example advertised nationally.

Advantages and disadvantages