- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He
2020 Dacia Sandero Hatchback. 3rd generation
The Dacia Sandero is a five-door hatchback based on the Logan model. It has been produced since 2008 by Dacia (Romania). In other markets, the analogue of this model is called the Renault Sandero. There is also a ‘pseudo-off-road’ version, called the Sandero Stepway. In 2020, the third generation hatchback entered the market. Hopefully, it will go on sale in the near future.
Exterior and interior
The new Dacia Sandero features stylish running lights reminiscent of premium headlamps. It is also hard not to notice the strong inclination of the front pillars of the new car, which improves the aerodynamic performance of the body. In addition to fuel-efficiency, this trait makes the Sandero look more dynamic. The car sports a sloping roof, ‘muscular’ arches, and LED headlights. The Sandero even seems lower, despite its decent clearance of 162 mm.
The ancient B0 platform has been replaced by a more modern CMF platform. The hatchback has a slightly longer wheelbase (2,604 mm versus 2,589 mm) and is 1.5 cm longer (4,088 mm).
The interior has acquired new materials and quite an attractive design. Ergonomics have also been improved: the steering wheel is now adjustable not only in height, but also in reach (by 25 mm); the gear lever has become shorter; the center console is slightly turned towards the driver. The row spacing has increased by 42 mm. The trunk holds 310 liters, plus 18 liters under the floor. Expensive versions of the hatchback have an electric fifth door lock.
Powertrains and chassis
In order to reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions, naturally-aspirated units have been replaced by low-volume turbo engines. The 2020/2021 Dacia Sandero comes with a 1.0 TCe turbo engine (90 hp), which is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or CVT. There is also 1.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with three cylinders generating 65 hp. This engine works in conjunction with a 5-speed manual gearbox. There is also a gas modification Eco-G in the range, comprising the same turbo engine that can run on propane and produces 100 hp, coupled only with the manual transmission. With a full tank of petrol (50 liters) and a gas cylinder (40 liters), the drive range reaches 1,300 km. All modifications can be equipped with a start-stop system.
The chassis architecture of the new car is the same MacPherson strut at the front and semi-independent suspension at the rear. The steering is now electric, and the steering force has been reduced by 36%. The new platform improves handling and traveling comfort. In the past, the chassis was too soft and not very stable at high speed. At the same time, the energy intensity of the suspensions, for which the former Sandero models were famous, seems to have not gone anywhere. But the rear axle still has the old drum brakes.
Equipment
The base 2021 Dacia Sandero has six airbags, cruise control, full LED headlights and an automatic braking system operating at speeds between 30 and 140 km/h, a blind spot monitoring system. This hatchback is sold with a naturally aspirated 1.0 SCe engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
In general, the equipment has been improved. The car can boast of a new dashboard with a large color display of the on-board computer and a modified multifunction steering wheel, as well as a new Media Display multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and touch screens of different sizes, depending on the trim level. The top-end versions have a multimedia system and a modern navigation system. Moreover, the list of additional equipment now includes climate control, a blind spot monitoring function, an electric handbrake, a rain sensor, a rear view camera, as well as front and rear parking sensors. For the first time, the new Dacia Sandero can be optionally equipped with a sunroof.
