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DACIA Sandero Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2008
Engines: Gasoline, Liquefied petroleum gas (lpg), Diesel, Natural gas, Ethanol
Body style: Hatchback
DACIA Sandero photo gallery

The second generation of the Dacia Sandero was unveiled in 2020 in an offline event along with the Logan and the Sandero Stepway.

The Romanian car-maker Dacia was part of the Renault Group before the Renault-Nissan alliance was formed. Introduced in 2007, Sandero's first generation accounted for more than 2.1 million units sold for the Dacia brand.

Dacia designed the Sandero as a small-class vehicle for urban environments. Its styling was different than the Logan, but it was built on the same platform. The Y-shaped LED daytime running lights and the wider fenders made the car looks more prominent than it was. A hexagonal, 3D mesh grille design was installed to amplify the car's width. A lower A-shaped grille with the radar system enclosed completed the front fascia. In the back, the car looked rather dull without any significant element to show. A premiere for the Sandero introduced the factory sunroof; an option never met before for the Romanian brand.

The interior design team worked hard and brought smart solutions for the customers. On top of the dashboard, smartphone support with a lid on top of the dashboard plus a USB connection transformed the driver's personal mobile phone into a media control unit. The top of the range version featured a Media Nav system with wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Due to the longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the Sandero offered more legroom for the rear passengers.

At the time of its launch, the Sandero was available with a choice of three engines. The base version featured a 1-liter, three-cylinder unit. A turbocharged 1-liter unit powered the mid-level, and the top version was the 1.0-liter bi-fuel (gasoline-LPG) engine that developed 100 hp.

full description and technical specifications
liquefied petroleum gas (lpg) engines:

DACIA Sandero 1.0L TCe 100 ECO-G 6MT

DACIA Sandero photo gallery

Offering the best value for money in the small car class, the Dacia Sandero received an update for 2016, including a restyled exterior design and more added technology.

Restyled to look more modern, the Sandero had slimmer headlights that were integrated in the grille and the lower air intake was refreshed to offer a more aggressive look.

A choice of three engines was available with the Sandero, a 1.2-liter with a sharp throttle response that was best around town, a 1.9-liter that might have felt a little sluggish and a 1.5-liter diesel.

To offer such a practical car for such a low price meant compromise. And the compromise could easily be noticed inside the Sandero’s cabin. The quality of the materials used for the old-school interior was rather poor, however, they were well put together.

The base version did not offer much in terms of technology, not even a radio. However, the upper trim levels offered a functional infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity.

The comfortable seats offered little bolstering and there was no reach adjustment for the steering wheel, thus finding the right driving position was solely based on the steering wheel’s height and the seat’s adjustment.

The cabin was a little noisy, and so were the not-so-refined powerplants available. The suspension did struggle a little through potholes.

Even with these downsides, the Sandero was still the best option out there for the money. And we’ve already mentioned that practicality was a strong point, and here’s why: the roomy cabin offered great room for all occupants, with great legroom, headroom and shoulder room.

As far as the cargo area goes, no other car in the class could offer the 320 liters of storage the Sandero did. And even up two 1200 liters with the seats folded.

Not to mention, the Sandero had low running costs, featured fuel efficient engines and reliability was not to question.

Safety-wise, the Sandero scored 4 stars at the Euro NCAP crash tests.

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DACIA Sandero 2 photo gallery

Renault's budget brand Dacia has unveiled in 2012 at the Paris Motor Show the second generation of the Sandero, a car from the small-size category, built for the crowded cities.

The Romanian brand Dacia started its journey in the late '60s with a Renault 8 licensed model, followed soon by a license of the Renault 12. And they build the Renault 12 up until 2004 with various improvements, including a single-point injection engine. In 1998, Dacia was acquired by the French group Renault.

The Sandero was a hatchback vehicle produced by Dacia since 2007, based on the Dacia Logan sedan. It shared parts, engines, and drivetrain with the Renault Clio. The Sandero didn't have any angry face or aggressive styling. It went toward a smiley face, with big and extended headlights. On the side, the hatchback design was simple, with slightly sculptured door panels.

The interior continued the basic design from the outside. On the base trim level, the car didn't feature air-conditioning or power windows. Un the upper trim levels it featured automatic climate control, an infotainment unit with navigation and 7” touch-screen display.

Underneath the car there was a simple layout drivetrain with McPherson struts in the front and trailing arms in the rear with a torsion bar (named Type-H by the manufacturer). Various engines were available, including naturally aspirated or turbocharged gasoline and turbodiesel.

full description and technical specifications
DACIA Sandero photo gallery

4 years after the launch of the Dacia’s flagship model - Dacia Logan, it was time for a hatchback version to hit the market, as the sedan, MCV, VAN and pick-up versions were already present.

The 5-door hatchback named Sandero was based on the same platform as the Logan, namely the B0. The Sandero featured a robust image with the bumper and the radiator grille perfectly adapted to the body.

Even if the selling price of the Sandero corresponded to that of a small class vehicle, the hatchback offered an impressing loading volume of 320 liters, a capacity hard to be matched by its competitors. The splitting rear seats could increase the load volume to 1200 liters.

The interior was equipped with a modern and functional dashboard, while the door panels were made of better quality plastics than the ones used for the Logan.

Ergonomics was one of the Sandero’s strongest points, with all of the controls placed within easy reach, as well as the dashboard information being easy to read.

The engine choice was varied with units borrowed from Renault: a 1.4-liter 75 hp, a 1.6-liter 90 hp, a 1.5-liter 70 hp and a 1.5-liter 85 hp.

The powerplants were not very powerful, however, they were a great fit for city traffic and even longer journeys.

REVIEW: DACIA Sandero   full description and technical specifications