Dacia reveals updated Sandero and Stepway models

The Dacia Sandero has proven popular in Ireland with over 9,500 sold since the model launched to the Irish market in 2013

Dacia has refreshed its Sandero and Stepway models for 2020. Dacia says the latest third generation models offer space, reliability and robustness at a competitive price point. The Sandero has been the best-selling car in Europe in the retail customer segment since 2017 and the best-selling Dacia model with almost 2.1 million cars sold to date, representing 32% of the carmaker’s sales since 2004.

Sandero has also proven popular in Ireland with over 9,500 sold since the model launched to the Irish market in 2013.  The Stepway has sold more than 1.3 million cars globally, and has been the Sandero model of choice for the majority of Irish customers, accounting for over 60% of Sandero sales here.

Thanks to a new platform, the new Sandero models offer increased active and passive safety features, new engines - including petrol and LPG Bi-Fuel - a new automatic transmission and an all-new six-speed manual. Subtle tweaks to the exterior include smoother lines, with a more sloped windscreen, a slightly lower roof and flowing roofline.

New Dacia Sandero 2020 Ireland

The front and rear lights display Dacia’s new Y-shaped LED light signature, while a horizontal line joins the two lights both at the front and rear and extends into the LED lights. The LED headlights, offered as a standard feature across the entire model range, increase night-time visibility, while most versions now have electric boot release improving looks and practicality.

The new Stepway offers an increased ground clearance compared with the Sandero, roof bars featuring the logo, wheelarch cladding and specifically textured reinforced door bottoms for a more crossover-like design. Standard versions are fitted with 16-inch Flexwheels, while exclusive 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are available on the newly introduced Prestige version. The All-New Stepway’s modular roof bars look like regular roof bars but are adjustable. Using a key located in the glove compartment, they can be easily dismantled in just a few seconds and turned into a roof rack with a load capacity of up to 80kg.

New Dacia Stepway Ireland

The new CMF modular platform underpinning both models combines greater resistance and rigidity with less weight. It reduces emissions while complying with more stringent crash-test and pollution control requirements. Petrol and LPG Bi-Fuel powertrains are available in Sandero and Stepway models, all of which comply with stringent Euro6D-Full emissions standards that come into effect on 1 January 2021. The full engine line-up includes:

SCe 65: naturally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Available on Sandero only.

TCe 90: turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit paired with a six-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission.

TCe 100 Bi-Fuel: new LPG bi-fuelled turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

Running on LPG, the All-New Sandero Bi-Fuel emits on average 11% less CO2 emissions than an equivalent petrol engine. It is also capable of travelling more than 1280km with the two tanks combined: 50 litres for the petrol tank and 40 litres for the LPG tank. A new CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic debuts on the All-New Sandero and Stepway, delivering smoother gear changes and a more responsive driving experience. Stop&Start is standard on all engines, which automatically turns the engine off when the car comes to a standstill, such as in traffic, restarts almost instantly.

Inside, the redesigned dashboard features a fabric-wrapped insert alongside new air vent designs for a more premium design. The All-New Sandero and Stepway both feature three rear seats which can accommodate three adults, while a 1/3-2/3 split-fold rear bench seat adds practicality. The boot of the Sandero has a 328-litre capacity and features a flat floor with adjustable height floor with two positions.

The rear seats add 42mm of space compared to the outgoing models. Elsewhere, the cabin offers up to 21 litres of storage with cubby holes and pockets featured beneath the central armrest, in the front and rear doors and in the back of the front seats. Newly designed front seats provide greater comfort and support with height adjustable headrests and new, more premium upholstery. A wider range of adjustment in the front seat and steering wheel boosts comfort for the driver, while a central armrest available on Prestige versions enhances this further.

Standard features across the range include a smartphone holder (removable depending on the version), an on-board computer screen and a steering wheel featuring speed limiter. Automatic headlight activation is available from Essential models and up. New automatic air-conditioning with digital display is standard on new Stepway Prestige, with a hands-free card featuring remote boot release available, as well as an electric parking brake, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors and automatic windscreen wipers.

The new Sandero and Stepway offer two different multimedia systems: Media Control and Media Nav. With Media Control, smartphones can be placed on a clever removable smartphone support in front of the driver to become a remote multimedia system via the new free Dacia Media Control app and a Bluetooth or USB connection.

Without a smartphone connected to the Media Control, radio and file playback via the USB port is also availabl. Further equipment includes two speakers, Bluetooth and USB connection, and the 3.5-inch TFT digital display between the dials, where the radio settings are also displayed.

With Media Nav, the console features a large 8.0-inch touchscreen positioned at the top of the dashboard with four speakers throughout the vehicle. The screen is slightly angled towards the driver for greater visibility and ergonomics. The design is sleek, and the intuitive, easy-to-use interface is compatible with Bluetooth and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The new Sandero and Stepway include the following standard features: six airbags, seat belt load-limiters, front and back seat belt pretensioners and emergency call system. In addition to the speed limiter, latest ESP system and the steering wheel-mounted cruise control switch, the All-New Sandero and Stepway feature driver-assistance systems such as Emergency brake assist, Blind spot warning, Park assist and Hill start assist.

Find Dacia dealers Used Dacia for sale