Aimed at European buyers in search of an inexpensive B-Segment car, The newcomer in
- New Sandero five-door hatchback to spearhead launch of
- New Sandero maximises interior space from compact dimensions: 4.02m long, 1.75m wide, with 2.59m wheelbase and 320-litre boot capacity
- According to market, four engines available: two petrol (1.4 and 1.6-litre) and two diesel: 1.5 dCi 68 and 1.5 dCi 86
After the introduction of
Dynamic lines
Dacia Sandero stands out as a modern hatchback with appealing looks that convey both dynamism and robustness. The front features modern, expressive headlamps and a grille and bumper that blend harmoniously with the bodywork. Its lateral lines form an “upturned wave” and underpin the impression of solidity, thanks notably to the broad side protective strips (according to version). The rear styling reinforces the sense of a generously proportioned, spacious and well-built vehicle.
The same resolve to appeal to customers and showcase its quality continues inside the car. The new dashboard has been thought through to be both modern and functional, while there is also the opportunity to combine different colours and surface finishes in several areas (according to version). The design of the door panels also contributes to the cabin's modern feel thanks to the smart handles and decorative trim strips (according to version). To distinguish each range in the version, Dacia Sandero is available with three dashboard trims and coordinated upholsteries. Particular attention has been paid to produce an uncluttered, practical driving environment, with easy-to-read instruments and controls which fall readily to hand.
Efficiency and travelling comfort
Dacia Sandero is built on the same B0 platform as
Power steering is naturally available for most versions to ensure safe, precise steering and driving pleasure worthy of a B-segment car. The entry-level version comes without power steering with a view to keeping its price at a reasonable level. The slightly higher steering ratio compared with Clio II and work on the hub carrier and castor angle has resulted in a reduction in the effort required to turn the steering wheel.
Certain versions are equipped with a height and lumbar adjustable driver's seat which enables the ideal driving position to be found, while the driver can get more comfortable using the height adjustable steering wheel and ergonomically-positioned steering wheel-mounted controls.
Last but not least, careful attention has been paid to thermal comfort to address the special needs of customers in a wide variety of climates and countries. The layout of the ducts has been thought through to ensure a rapid rise in temperature on start-up, as well as in extreme heat and cold.
A comprehensive range of engines
Dacia Sandero is available with a choice of two petrol engines (1.4 75hp and 1.6 90hp) and two diesel engines (1.5 dCi 68hp and 1.5 dCi 86hp) which have already proven their worth in numerous other vehicles in the Renault family and which have actively contributed to the success of the
The 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines are a perfect match for the cost, robustness and ease of maintenance values championed by the
The benchmark 1.5 dCi is acclaimed as one of the world's most efficient diesel engines. Its advanced technology includes second-generation common rail direct injection which delivers high performance and very low fuel consumption. The 1.5 dCi engine is available in 68hp form and also a more powerful 86hp version which was launched in September 2007 on Dacia Logan saloon and Dacia Logan MCV (seven-seat estate). Low CO2 emissions of 120 grams per kilometre ensure an attractive ecological footprint for the 1.5 dCi engines of Dacia Sandero.
GENEROUS CABIN SPACE – PART OF
Cabin space and carrying capacity worthy of the segment above
Although Dacia Sandero's price positions it in the small car area of the market, its generous interior and exterior dimensions are in fact more in keeping with those of a vehicle from the next compact category up. Its unrivalled cabin space/price ratio has been made possible thanks to its length (4.02m), width (1.75m) and wheelbase (2.59m).
The rear bench seat comfortably seats up to three adult passengers who benefit from 878mm of headroom, 145mm of kneeroom and 1,425mm of elbowroom, while a child seat can be fitted to all three seats. In addition to the rear's roomy dimensions, access to the rear seats is made even easier due to the fact that the rear doors open to an angle of up to 67°.
The boot capacity of 320 litres is also unbeatable for the vehicle's price and compact dimensions, while its practical, modular layout is enhanced by the folding rear bench seat which offers a 60/40 split according to version. With the bench seat folded, the total carrying capacity extends to 1,200 litres, ensuring that Dacia Sandero stands out as a compact yet extremely spacious hatchback capable of comfortably carrying up to five adults.
Safety: an inescapable consideration
When it comes to Dacia Sandero’s safety credentials, the newcomer benefits from the acclaimed expertise of the Renault Group in this field.
On the active safety front, particular attention has been paid to Dacia Sandero’s braking system which offers a degree of comfort, bite and progressive stopping power that is perfectly in keeping with the level expected of a B-segment car in
Dacia Sandero is equipped with numerous passive safety features too, including the use of materials such as high elastic limit (HEL) steel which ensures enhanced cabin resistance by minimising deformation, notably in the case of head-on impacts. The combination of the magnesium steering wheel frame and retractable steering column contributes to the dissipation of the kinetic energy produced in an impact, while the honeycomb structure of the polypropylene dashboard reduces the risk of knee injury. In addition to the materials it uses, the curved design of the lower part of the cowling matches the shape of the tibias with a view to spreading out the force of an impact should the tibias come into contact with the dash. Last but not least, legs and ankles are further protected by underfoot padding on both the passenger and driver sides.
Dacia Sandero is equipped with three-point front and rear seatbelts. The front seatbelts incorporate calibrated load limiters for enhanced protection of the thorax. Depending on version, these seatbelts are height-adjustable to optimise body restraint in case of impact. The retention system can also be upgraded to include pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front seatbelts. Sandero also benefits from ISOFIX child seat anchorage points for the outer rear seats.
Depending on equipment level, Sandero comes with up to four airbags. The driver's airbag, which has been specially designed for it, features a vent that adjusts the pressure applied as the bag deploys. Certain versions are equipped with two lateral head thorax airbags which provide extra protection in case of side impact, in addition to that ensured by the padding and strengthening structures incorporated as standard in the doors. The lateral head thorax airbags are located in strengthened seats which come with headrests specifically designed to prevent injury to the cervical vertebrae in case of rear impact. This new set-up ensures a better position of the back and enhanced retention and comfort of the head.
Reliability and robust design: ongoing
In keeping with the spirit behind the B0 platform, Dacia Sandero's design was guided by an overriding need for the level of robustness and reliability that has forged the brand's reputation. Particular attention was paid to anti-corrosion protection thanks to several measures, including:
– wax injection of substructure and opening panel hollow sections,
– mastic sealing of body panel matings,
– additional use of wax for substructure mechanical components,
– uprated underbody, sill and wheel arch gravel protection.
The same attention has been paid to the reliability of the electrical system and electronics thanks to a system that has already shown its worth on several models from the Renault range. The driving environment and cabin wiring looms are one and the same, with no break or connection between the two, a technique which boosts reliability by reducing the risk of defective connections. Another example is the battery, the size and specification of which takes into account the car's use in extreme situations.
To ensure that customers are immediately aware of this high level of quality, Dacia Sandero comes with a three-year/ 100,000km warranty in the majority of its European markets. Dacia Sandero also stands out through its low servicing and repair costs.
SANDERO, THE FIFTH VEHICLE IN THE
The launch of Dacia Sandero marks a major step in the development of the
Dacia Sandero will progressively go on sale in Europe, in
Dacia's line-up in its home market, Romania, will comprise five models (Logan, Logan MCV, Logan Van, Logan Pick-up and Sandero), while in Western Europe – just three years after its launch – Dacia will boast an unprecedented range of three vehicles (Logan, Logan MCV and Sandero).
Development and production: synergy across the
Dacia Sandero production started in
Since Dacia Logan’s launch, the
A total of €147 million was invested in the development and production of Dacia Sandero in Europe: €65 million relative to engineering costs, plus €82 million invested in the
As was the case for Renault’s New Laguna, a Quality Excellence Plan covering design, production and sales was put into place from the start of the Dacia Sandero programme. The local purchasing team, along with the engineering department and the factory, worked closely with suppliers to ensure a high standard of quality. After identifying possible sources of risk across the full supply chain, the different players from the Renault Group set up appropriate action plans with suppliers, including the introduction of the ‘Poka Yoke’ concept in factories. This quality-enhancing tool, which is of Japanese origin (Poka = inadvertence; Yoke = avoid) is a simple yet effective way of guaranteeing that complex production operations are performed correctly.
A vehicle with a global calling
Like Logan, Sandero – which went on sale in Brazil and Argentina in January 2008 and which will be introduced progressively in Europe, in Turkey, and in the Maghreb region starting from June 2008 – has a global calling. This new, compact, five-door hatchback will become available in
In all these markets, its positioning in terms of price corresponds with that of the small car segment, despite its interior and exterior dimensions which are more in keeping with those of the segment above.
