what the critics say
Car Buyer
Specialising in low-cost, “no-nonsense design”, Dacia has been “a success story” since it arrived from Romania four years ago. Its new Sandero isn’t the most sophisticated city car: many of its components come from discontinued Renaults and Nissans. The basic models have very few frills, but fork out £7,490 for the (mid-range) Ambiance trim level, and you’ll get the cheapest car in the UK with air con.
The Daily Telegraph
The Sandero isn’t pretty. Yet it’s not ugly, either – “just extraordinarily dull”. The doors shut with a “cheap thunk”, and the plastics on the facia are rough to the touch. It’s a practical vehicle, though: there’s room (“genuinely room”) for five adults inside, and a spacious 320-litre boot. And if you do go for the Ambiance model, you’ll get electric windows and a DAB radio.
Auto Express
The driving experience will be familiar to drivers of the old Sandero: it still trails more modern rivals and lets in lots of noise. But there’s some “driver appeal” nonetheless. The engine accelerates eagerly; the suspension delivers a “cushioned” ride, and the handling is predictable. Crucially, the car remains excellent value for money: buyers seeking a spacious car at a good price “won’t be disappointed”.