Dacia finally hikes Sandero’s price... to £7k

OFFICIAL

THE Dacia Sandero is still Britain’s cheapest car – just – after the maker increased the price of the entry-level Access by 16.7 per cent, or £1,000. That takes the hatch from £5,995 to £6,995, despite an unchanged spec.

Since it went on sale in 2013, the Sandero’s £5,995 headline figure has been unaffected by inflation, tax changes and industry-wide list price hikes. But due to recent updates to Vehicle Excise Duty and other external factors, bosses have decided it’s no longer feasible to sell the bargain model for such a low price.

Regardless, the Sandero still costs £500 less than a Suzuki Celerio, and is significantly cheaper than a Ford Fiesta, SEAT Ibiza or Vauxhall Corsa. If you want a car that can compete with the Sandero on space, you’ll need to step up to an MG3, which costs from £8,695.

Most other models in the range see a modest price increase. The basic SCE 75 engine in mid-spec Ambience trim is now just £800 more than the entry car (compared with £1,400 previously), while the popular turbo petrol TCE 90 version commands a further £800.

Ambience models (right) get air-con, DAB radio and body-coloured trim. Topspec Lauréate cars boast a touchscreen sat-nav and parking sensors, with the dci 90 version seeing a £400 jump.

The car remains keenly priced on finance. Put down a £1,367 deposit and Dacia will contribute £250, which means a Sandero Access can be yours for £89 per month.

“Due to recent VED updates and other factors, Dacia says it can no longer sell Sandero at such a low price”