Renault beats the budget blues
AFFORDABLE: SANDERO PACKS CLASS-LEADING FEATURES
And best of all, most passive safety equipment comes standard.
The budget friendly Renault Sandero range is available and, as usual, the carmaker has put together an outstanding value-for-money package. Leading the line-up is the flagship New Stepway Dynamique. This is followed by the more accessible mid-level New Stepway Expression (replacing the Sandero Dynamique) and entry-level New Sandero Expression. All are powered by Renault’s turbo petrol 66kW engine.
Renault has proved in the Sandero that a car can be inexpensive but still be well built, attractive and comfortable.
Displaying Renault’s new frontend design identity, New Sandero has also adopted the brand’s new lighting signature now seen on all of Renault’s latest models: headlamps that incorporate the characteristic C-shape Daytime Running Lights (LED) plus C-shape rear lights and both the front and rear bumpers are of new design.
The Sandero Stepway offers crossover styling and fitments that include an integrated roof spoiler, higher ground clearance than the entry Sandero Expression, roof bars, front and rear skid plates, wheel arch mouldings and front fog lights.
The range’s assertive stance is underscored by the fitment of 15-inch wheels (Sandero Expression) and 16-inch dark metal flex wheels (Stepway Expression and Dynamique models).
Quality is perceived in the interior’s design updates, finishes and the materials used: new centre console, new air vents, updated trims, seat upholstery and power window switches on door panels.
The new steering wheel now has the hooter in the middle and one-touch indicators have been added.
Generously proportioned interior and above-class average floor-to-roof clearance front and back makes for comfortable and roomy seating for five occupants plus luggage, while best-in-class boot space (292 litres) can be further improved, thanks to the split-rear bench, standard across the range offering.
The New Stepway Dynamique has a centre armrest for extra comfort and leather seats as an option.
Renault’s three-cylinder, 900cc petrol turbo 66kW engine produces 135Nm and is mated to a manual five-speed gearbox.
Power is adequate and fuel consumption is excellent. Renault claim 5.4 litres/100km for the two Stepway derivatives, but we achieved 4.4 litres/100km between the Cradle of Humankind and Lanseria.
There is an ECO mode function that electronically modifies the engine’s response at the push of a button, which enables drivers to automatically optimise fuel consumption and correct energy-wasting driving parameters to achieve greater economy. It adjusts engine operation within acceptable limits and can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by as much as 12%, depending on driving styles and road conditions.
Standard features in the New Stepway Dynamique model are side airbags, front and rear power windows, electric side mirrors, leather steering wheel and gear knob and rear park assist. Cruise control and navigation are also standard (unique in this vehicle segment), while leather seats are optional.
The New Stepway Dynamique comes standard with Renault MediaNav. An integrated on-board multimedia system with a seven-inch touchscreen. It’s an intuitive system offering quick access to all settings.
Bluetooth connectivity enables safe, convenient and hands-free telephony plus music streaming from portable external devices when on the go. This, together with the two DIN integrated radio/CD/MP3 with USB port, is all accessed via fingertip controls located behind the steering wheel for convenience.
The on-board computer tracks and displays distance covered, average speed, fuel range, average and total fuel consumption.
Safety has been well-addressed and the Sandero is the only car in its class to include EBA (coupled with ABS) and ESP (+ ASR) as standard across the range.
The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) now comes with EBA, which kicks in and automatically applies maximum brake pressure when emergency braking conditions are detected.
ESP ensures vehicle stability and assists the driver to avoid possible loss of control; detects and reduces loss of traction (on slippery road surfaces) and reduces engine power and brakes on independent wheels in the event of loss of control.
HSA is automatically activated (upon complete stop) as soon as an incline of at least 10% is detected. The system is engaged by stepping firmly on the brake and prevents any backward movement for long enough to pull off without needing to use the handbrake.
The new Sandero also offers passive safety features “beyond its class”, in addition to the front seat belts with load limiters and ISOFIX fasteners for child and baby seats.
Also unique to this segment are front side airbags on the Stepway Dynamique as standard.
The new Sandero and new Stepway range comes with Renault’s five-year/150 000 km warranty, together with a standard two-year /30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000km intervals.