Dacia Sandero 1.5 dCi 90 CV test, equipment, price and conclusions

We come today to the last analysis of our Dacia Sandero test. These days ago we have known the low cost utility through a review of its design, habitability and trunk, but also taking a look at your behavior, engine and consumption. Today it is time to close the test by analyzing the equipment, range and price.

Our Sandero was configured as the highest range bet available without counting, yes, with all the available options. Therefore, our Sandero had the engine 1.5 dCi 90 horsepower and was associated with the finish laurate, a combination that is available from 11.500 euros.

a simple range

The range of versions of the Dacia Sandero is extremely simple, since it only has four options. The basic finish is called Base, is only available with the less powerful 75-horsepower gasoline engine, and comes standard with sheet metal rims, unpainted bumpers, heating, power steering, ESP, daytime running lights and little else.

Above is the finish ambience, which adds bumpers in body color, central locking, light in the trunk or front electric windows. The main difference is that from this finish we can already opt for optional equipment through packages to complete the equipment.

Above is the finish stepway, which is actually the most expensive, and basically modifies the appearance of our Sandero with plastic protections, 16-inch sheet metal wheels, roof bars and fog lights. It is available only with the two most powerful engines.

Finally, we come to the finish laureate, the highest of the range, the one that stars in our test and you see in images. This version adds (except for the aesthetic kit of the Stepway) 15-inch sheet metal wheels, on-board computer, electrically adjustable mirrors, steering wheel and driver's seat adjustable in height or Dacia Plug&Radio with controls behind the wheel.

As we can see, there is no superfluous equipment or in the highest-end finish. For this we will have to go through the optional equipment list among which we can choose elements such as alloy wheels, electric rear windows, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, navigator or speed regulator/limiter. The navigator optional it has a touch screen, it is easy to use, but the guidance should be more precise.

Dacia Sandero range

La Dacia Sandero range part in Spain of 8.400 euros, to which we could discount some eventual discounts at the dealership. The Dacia Sandero range is as follows:

• Sandero Base 1.2 75 hp 8.400 euros
• Sandero Ambiance 1.2 75 hp 9.200 euros
• Sandero Laureate 1.2 75 hp 9.800 euros
• Sandero Laureate 1.2 75 hp LPG 10.300 euros
• Sandero Laureate 0.9 TCe 90 hp 10.500 euros
• Sandero Stepway 0.9 TCe 90 hp 10.500 euros
• Sandero Ambiance dCi 75 hp 10.300 euros
• Sandero Laureate dCi 75 hp 10.900 euros
• Sandero Laureate dCi 90 hp 11.500 euros
• Sandero Stepway dCi 90 hp 12.500 euros

Our veredicto

The truth is that I got into the Dacia Sandero wanting to erase any kind of prejudice from my head. I wanted to put myself in the shoes of a buyer who is not looking for a car that reflects his image, nor is he looking for the latest technology, nor the best features, but only a car to move around, affordable and energy efficient.

In this sense the Sandero approves without problem. It is such a simple car that it is difficult to find fault with it, since it does not have too many things predisposed to not convince you, even in this high-end Laureate version. I'm sure anyone would look for one. higher quality inside, but it hasn't been scary either, and the biggest drawback I could put would be the absence of padding on the elbow rests of the doors and the very strange arrangement of the controls in the central part of the dashboard, more specifically the control of the regulator / speed limiter.

This problem, which it shares with Renault, by the way, seems to dissipate somewhat when we start to measure the interior space. And it is that under a compact bodywork we have a good amount of interior space, a source of not playing with impossible shapes for the bodywork. Thus, four adults will travel without a problem of space, even a fifth in the central rear seat if it is not very corpulent.

The 1.5 horsepower 90 dCi engine is a block that always leaves good sensations in terms of consumption. 4 l/100 km on average in our test say it all, that it is an affordable car that is also not very thirsty. If our use is based on the city, it would be more appropriate to opt for a gasoline alternative.

As for the two most powerful engines, they are perfectly valid to hit the road safely, with an ECO mode that covers performance in exchange for less consumption, but that we can deactivate for a better response. Yes motor insulation would be appreciated in the cabin something more accomplished.

Rolling is not the most comfortable, although his main character goes that way. maybe a little less than dryness in broken areas give you a higher score in this section. In any case, it is a comfortable vehicle in general terms to which it is necessary to criticize some seats that are too simple that will make you look for your position again in curves. We also miss a steering wheel with depth regulation.

In short, I liked the Dacia Sandero, if what I am looking for is a simple car, an affordable transportation tool and low consumption. It is a car without aspirations, for which a vehicle is nothing more than a means of transport. For those looking for that extra image or who dares with a simple track on the weekend, the Sandero Stepway can also be a good option.