WHAT ELSE COMES CLOSE?

On paper, the Sandero’s total range, estimated by going on its WLTP combined figure, comes out at around 925 miles. I had figured it might be less than that, because laboratory tests aren’t the same as real-world driving. But after two days and 805 miles, it looks pretty accurate. And with careful driving, I think you would manage more.

The same isn’t true of some of Britain’s other cars with long official ranges: plug-in hybrids. Their WLTP test cycles start with a full battery, which means they might not use any fuel at all over regular commutes – but also that you will never get the many hundreds of miles to the gallon that suggests they will run and run and run on a single fuel fill.

Traditionally, that’s a role filled by big cars with efficient diesel engines spinning over slowly at motorway speeds. The Mercedesbenz S350d, with a 76-litre diesel tank and 42.8mpg combined fuel economy, has an official range of 716 miles, and I suspect you could better that on a long run; the Audi A8 50 TDI (82 litres, 40.4mpg) should get you 729 miles.

Both are impressive. But I don’t think there’s another car on sale that will get you the at least 900, maybe 1000, of the Sandero. It’s a luxury cruiser for our times.