2021 Dacia Sandero & Sandero Stepway review - driving the UK's CHEAPEST new car

The 2021 Dacia Sandero is coming to the UK! And, erm, I've driven it. It's an all-new car, but it's still Britain's Cheapest New Car, costing from £8,000. It's on an all-new platform, has some pretty high-tech features and is still bloody impressive value for money. But how does it drive? Join me to find out!

[@ronaldl9085]

I had a Dacia MCV 7 seater for 7 years. It proved to be very reliable.

[@cmbcmb7584]

I cant find any reason why not to buy this car when I'm going back home to Romania. It has history, tradition and it gets you from point A to B. I'm impressed.

[@stewartmccracken3189]

Just about the perfect review, clear, honest, no bullshot

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks Stewart - I'm basically a car journo who's bored of fluff. That includes from on the top of my head.

[@michaeleaton5053]

The product team at Dacia know their job well; build a car that looks good, with some modern technology, family freindly features and price it to be affordable. This should sell well, and I hope it does, it's a huge task for a car maker to improve its brand, it takes decades. Maybe they should start rallying or something? Talking of rallying, the GR Yaris also has CarPlay, but it's wired! Did I ever mention I have a GR Yaris (pure white circuit pack)? Big News! I've bought an F-Type to replace my 981 Cayman. You have now influenced 2 of my purchases. Ask Toyota and Jaguar for some beer tokens.

[@duster.]

As a 67 year old owner of a 15 plate Sandero Laureate I would have no qualms about buying one of these. I would love a Duster but my wallet isn't that thick. Nice review Tim

[@duster.]

That's it, I've ordered the Sandero Stepway 1.0 90hp TCe CVT in Desert Orange, Comfort trim. Delivery 2 to 3 weeks

[@XenonLxx]

@@duster. lol. Good choice, I have the 1.0 TCE (no LPG) on the Duster and it's so good.

[@markart157]

@@duster. nice purchase man!

[@ryankov]

@@duster. how is it thus far?

[@duster.]

@@ryankov Hi, I still get excited every time I get in the car. I am not doing so many miles now as the first month, my wife was in hospital for the whole of June and I was doing 40 miles a day visiting her. Yeah it's good. Bob.

[@Richard-Bullock]

It is so good to see a reviewer judging the Dacia Sandero on what it actually is, and actually does, instead of coming to it with preconceived ideas about Dacia, and sticking to those very wrong assumptions.

I really like the new design language and interior. Its just a very honest car. I liked it.

[@Ambienfinity]

Brill. Subbed. Kind of out-Skodas Skoda. I've owned all sorts of cars, but the best vehicle I've ever owned was a Fiat Panda -- cheap, underpowered, basic, but reliable, and brilliantly reliable. And well made hard plastic last well, better than other 'quality' interiors I've seen. There's something joyous about a functional ecobox that just does what it does without pretension. The Sandero looks like a great machine, based as it is on a well known branded model.

[@DontPanicDear]

If you buy the £9000 model, according to Autotrader, it will be easily worth £4000 in five years. In the UK, it’s currently possible to borrow £9000 at 3% apr = £161 per month over five years. (Zero deposit as it’s a personal loan) If you then sell it for the £4K, you’ve only really spent £94 *per month* on your car over five years. Wow 😱

[@retrogeezer]

You forgot 'a month' :)

[@DontPanicDear]

@@retrogeezer Now edited 🤓👍🏻

[@DontPanicDear]

The Apple CarPlay OPTION in a Ferrari, cost almost as much as the entry level Sandero model 🤨

[@sorinm3319]

)))

[@Dimitar94]

That's why I would never buy a Ferrari!

[@DontPanicDear]

@@Dimitar94 It’s all relative 🤓 There are football players that earn £10,000 per hour now. For them, it’s 45min wages, so seems pretty reasonable to them? That’s not even high, compared to some entrepreneurs! I’m sure we don’t worry too much about spending less than an hours wage on random items? It’s a double edged sword anyway, as Ferrari offer the longest warranty and service inclusive period of any supercar manufacturer. If I was able to afford to buy my first supercar and wanted to be sure of the minimum risk, then I’d be more concerned about that sort of thing, than the cost of one silly option price. I could always go with a standard red and skip out on the carbon packs 🤓

[@aod2392]

@@Dimitar94 I have a Ferrari and I’m seriously considering a Sandero or Duster. Sandero is like 2 or 3 service costs - brilliant.

[@extreme8808]

Rodie, you've said cheap doesn't have to be terrible, but then you have to acknowledge the existence of Lada Granta. It's a direct competitor . . and it is terrible! Not that anyone buys it, but it's there.

[@nigelcb1300]

Best review I've seen of this car, answered all the questions I had. Nice one 👍

[@DontPanicDear]

Tim at 2.45 : ‘Don’t want to use the word honest, as that’s a bit wanky’ Tim at 4.17 : ‘This is honest normal motoring’ Tim lasted 92seconds before wankyness was re-established 👍🏻

[@malikkaiser5139]

i guess it is kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good website to watch newly released series online?

[@davidharvey4059]

The older I get, the more I like these cars. Cover up the badge with a Renault logo and 90% wouldn't know the difference.

[@anglosaxonmike8325]

Had ours for three years. No problems at all. Great little car.

[@ManticoreRO]

If you need a car for just going here and there... Dacia is bringing Spring. Full electric. Low range but for city needs, damn good. Also. Cheap.

[@trackingcalin1988]

I want to see the 1.3 TCE engine 150 hp on this Sandero.

[@FlorinC1984]

you will have to wait untill ... infinity. Renault has already given the Sandero the Clio platform (that's where the surprisingly sharp handling comes from), do you really think they will give the Sandero ALL the tools to kill the Clio as well?

[@mikligardur9104]

Doubt it happens but would have liked new Tce 100hp engine and ditching 90hp and 65hp.

[@saschaschreiber8364]

100hp egine is also very powerfull for its weight yk

[@user-y9gse82df]

@@FlorinC1984 sandero platform is CMF-B(LS) Clio platform is CMF-B (HS) high specification.Clio 5stars best in class euroncap sandero 2stars.

[@ggousier]

Not available :( Only on the Duster.

[@Blade4Life76]

Surprised me too. It probably gives my 10yr old passat bluemotion sport a run for its money. Great review 👍

[@gdog5032]

I have a 4 and half year old Logan saloon. Good petrol engine, if underpowered. The main issue is rust coming through. Passenger side bottom of interior front post, rear chassis and a number of surface rust spots on the underside. I am in a hot, windy and dusty climate (Spain). Cannot fault daily use.

[@Peac249]

I always liked the ride quality of this car

[@mr.carguy654]

Yay! That little car is a legend! Thanks for the review Tim!

[@dianesmith6319]

Dacia Sandero Stepway..ordered great review thanks..

[@76notam]

good test , i prefer Dacia a good quailty /price/prestation insted of Renault , the same technology , but Renault it's not a bargain ! ...lol

[@gertvanpeet3120]

My new sandero essential comes in six weeks...in red, with airco, parking accoustical assist, comfort pack....but we pay an extra co2 tax of...3000 euro's!

[@maxinlux6570]

Mine arrives in October... Ordered 2 weeks ago😥. Same colour as yours, but with the LPG conversion, auto aircon and electric handbrake- In a Dacia😅😅😅. Where's this tax? Belgium?

[@gertvanpeet3120]

@@maxinlux6570 in the Netherlands!

[@MsErikdeking]

Mine comes in a couple of weeks, in blue. I 've ordered the confort version

[@daviddunne4737]

Good man , very good review . I am now very interested in getting my hands on a DACIA SANDERO . Cheers .

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks David! Enjoy it when it comes!

[@kistar3460]

CotY 2021, prices are low, quality is good, I WANT ONE!

[@DhavidSetiawanKilluaDhavid]

0:59 Godamn it! I love James May quotes 😏

[@SilviuGabriel1997]

Thanks , good video! Love the Dacia 👌🤗

[@richardsmith579]

Coming late to this. A very good review, but, as with the Suzuki Vitara, the tester says that the volume is only controlled from the touchscreen. It isn’t, there are solid buttons on the wheel, at least on the Vitara and the new Jogger, so I’m guessing the Sandero is the same. Just saying…

[@gpierre90]

I prefer this one than the outgoing one, this new one looks better, the old one looked blend and meh and according to everyone's review was not that good, if this car was sold for a cheap price new in Seychelles, that's were I'm from, I'll gladly sell my Hyundai i20 2017 elite for that one. But unfortunately its 2x more expensive when you convert £ to SCR plus when you add duty and taxes. The outgoing one known as Renault Sandero was SCR400,000 thats £20,500GBP like now.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

"Good News!"... 'I've done it already'.. Bwahahahaha Was the first voice in my head when the thumbnail popped up. Damn you May!

[@nightrider3808]

It's very Renault Clio ! But way cheaper.😁👍🏽

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

True!

[@nightrider3808]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff Thanks for heart.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

And not Made In China!

[@philiphunter8960]

Nice looking car ,everything you need, nothing you don't. Why pay for things your,e not going to use.

[@luanr.desatoigo3002]

Fun fact, In Brazil the Sandero Stepway is actually considered an SUV because of the minimal height that inmetro determined.

[@EverythingCarsandMoreECAM]

It really annoys me. People say it has led headlights. They are correct but it is only on the main beam. The high beam is halogen.

[@retrogeezer]

So if they said it had halogen headlights it will still be wrong as well right.

[@EverythingCarsandMoreECAM]

@@retrogeezer yes

[@nepaliman5716]

Hi, this mid level spec version or toyota aygo ? Please suggest...

[@whitedogleeds]

There is one main thing that would stop me buying this or any Renault - the pull up gear lever with reverse set in the bizarre top left position. I've driven Peugeots and Citroens for the last 20 years (creature of habit) but once hired a Renault van and I absolutely hated the gear positions. Set my OCD right off! Also I drive an old Berlingo van so have never had a car/van with keyless entry and not sure I like that idea either.

[@Growlerinthebush]

The lowest priced Sandero has now been dropped by Dacia probably because of the sales of the Essential and Comfort so I have been reliably informed. I ordered the comfort in June and am expecting it mid November. There is a delay as with every car manufacture because of the semiconductor situation, the delivery time has become 6 months at the moment(05/10/2021)

[@Filipsaric98]

Lovely puns and commentary, subscribed! :)

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks! Appreciate it :)

[@thegodofhellfire]

GOOD NEWS!

[@davidhenning6179]

WHAT!

[@paulmoore394]

The Dacia Sandero is being driven in this video!

[@vichyn.2588]

Excellent

[@thedevilgood78]

@@paulmoore394 Oh no...Anyway

[@MrLinarez90]

My new stepway is a nice drive but for some reason doesn't always start from cold when I first turn the key. It starts perfectly on the second attempt. The gears are a bit more clunky than other cars I've driven and lpg is hard to find. Other than that it's fine. The steering is great.

[@peterfuller9418]

&=6

[@peterfuller9418]

M

[@khfjvc4632]

I found this. Turn ignition only to begin with, wait for it to do the checks then start her up.

[@scottwalker4546]

You sound more like Jeremy Clarkson than James Captain Slow May.

[@trackingcalin1988]

If you take a bag with you every time you go shopping, you save money for a Dacia :))

[@Tiptonian]

Does anyone know why the SCe engine has been de-rated from 75bhp in the old model, to 65bhp in the new one?

[@KernowGarage]

would be interesting to see what the long term reliability is like with the CVT

[@wassimkr4510]

Probably not great as automatic Nissans are quite bad and the Nissan Juke is based on the same platform

[@TanCoyer]

gonna test drive one soon as they hit showrooms, quite fancy it myself tbh, never thought id say that. ,great review too cheers

[@TheTechGiantYouTube]

Don't expect to get your hands on for MONTHS! we pre ordered ages ago and was told by Dacia on the due delievery day that we won't now get it until at least September!

[@TanCoyer]

@@TheTechGiantKZbin im happy to wait, not in no real rush, although rather it be before end of november when my current mot and service due

[@megamanmadrid]

Expect to wait a while, they can't keep up with the GINORMOUS demand. The previous generation sold 2,1 millions, so, like I said, be patient and good luck.

[@TanCoyer]

@@megamanmadrid orderd last sunday, been told september. so fingers crossed

[@TanCoyer]

@@TheTechGiantKZbin been told september too, so fingers crossed

[@josephcollier1342]

I live in Germany. Where can I get an operating manual in English. Dacia sandero stepway 2021.

[@albertlira7443]

I dunno Tim, don't you think fake exhaust noise played through the speakers is the car lying to you?

[@dougm1971]

would love to see an estate version of it....small estate...like the old skoda fabia combi.

[@razvy100]

Search Dacia Logan

[@tentifr]

There is an estate version of the old sandero, we dont know yet if there will ever be one for this car though

[@roger1uk676]

Great review!

[@peterktori9116]

NICE CAR. GOOD PRICE. NEED MORE. VARIOUS MAKES AND. DIFFERENT. MAKERS. OF GOOD HONEST. REVIEWS. AND PRICES. GOOD REVIEW. DO MORE.

[@casperdog777]

Bi fuel makes motoring long range up to 800 miles. lpg and unleaded and save money on lpg. WHAT CAR rates Dacia as top reliability along with Lexus. That is truly amazing. Why do people pay loadsamoney for a Clio or Kadjar when you could get the same one badged as a Dacia.

[@TJMotard]

This vs 2018 Kia Rio? Mostly thinking about reliability

[@greenfingers26]

I would like one off these but just want to know what the automatic box is like

[@th-l8936]

Genuinely no need to buy any other supermini

[@ccooper8785]

Being 6'4'' tall I need plenty of room next to the clutch pedal in order to rest my foot. Could anyone say if the Sandero has this? If it does it will probably be my next car now that Vauxhall has stopped making the Viva.

[@Stl-vs7gm]

6'3 here and im also trying to find out 😩

[@khfjvc4632]

Yes plenty of foot space, just bought one

[@rali5381]

Can't get hold of the new range here in UK, delays of six months 😕

[@jos_t_band3912]

Nice review. good job.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks!

[@mikligardur9104]

How much more expensive from previous model?

[@thy_tortoise1570]

Have 13 plate sandero mid range 1.2 petrol and they grate cars aprt hills and sometimes it will pop out of gear

[@davidlloyd14]

My next car. Thank you.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thank you for watching!

[@Dan1418]

Where can I buy a used car? I can only find the brand new on the official website.

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

Look at Autotrader

[@tonypate9174]

Even sounds like a Polar bear snack lets hope Timmy Tim Timmy never goes "tenting" t'up north far far north.

[@7thBeatWaveForever]

"I quite like it" James May

[@ogalienman]

Dr. May is happy...

[@SamanthaGuttesen]

Is Brian happy 🤣

[@ogalienman]

@@SamanthaGuttesen _Yeeeaaas_

[@fruitcake4t]

excuse me, but i want the 8k one..so please do a review

[@Joker-yw9hl]

Good review this

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

I heard that the Dacia got a poor safety review.

[@frankstocker5475]

Dacia is the most sold car in France.

[@lupislune]

The correct pronunciation of Dacia should be the way James pronounces it.

[@DhavidSetiawanKilluaDhavid]

DeSeeYa

[@DhavidSetiawanKilluaDhavid]

Did the thumbnail just say "Good News!!!"

[@xeniosaias]

i want to see the CVT version of it

[@cereyanmuhendisi3389]

How many times can a person say "cheap" for 17 minutes ....

[@timrodierides]

Cheap comment

[@cereyanmuhendisi3389]

@@timrodierides pedant

[@timrodierides]

@@cereyanmuhendisi3389 You know me so well! 😂

[@cereyanmuhendisi3389]

@@timrodierides :D

[@DontPanicDear]

Tim just reached Tier 1 motoring journalist status! Referring to a door mirror, not an effing ‘Wing Mirror’ like almost everyone else does 🤓 According the the Bank of England, £9000 in 1989 (when I passed my test) was £3500 😱 My dream car was a Citroen AX GT, which had less power than this and was out of my reach, at a heady £5999 on release. Amazing value 😱😱😱

[@MrTryphodemos]

IT'S A CAR! ..."that was all!"

[@veteranu79]

This is à middle version of this car...

[@SamanthaGuttesen]

Cheap doesn't mean rubbish. Try telling that to a badge snob 😉 800 miles of range? My previous diesel sandero gave me upto 1000 miles, and how I wish I'd driven to see the European family and tested out the accuracy of the onboard computer

[@djkilin]

It is clear that the presenter wants to make a bad advertisement for these Dacia brands, although under its hood is actually the RENAULT-NISSAN-DACIA group, and to his dismay the French have won the most points for reliability and consumption, unlike Germans or others Let's not talk about the price of spare parts or the maintenance costs of a luxury car:) These cars are made for efficiency, low consumption, not even for fame, power and luxury. In a few years you will appreciate the Renault brands The evolution and development of the brand can be seen in the car sales market in Europe. The Duster was sold well and now Spring is coming, which is already making a comeback on the electric car market, due to the affordable price! Just wait a little bit ...so.. Even if you don't like Europeans anymore, they will still go on !!

[@Mike_5]

If you keep it permanently in second gear it drives faster

[@paulsikora5623]

Great content review m8 & i like this little sandero car [value for money cheap motoring] 😁

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks Paul!

[@markmd9]

Worst place to put the gopro, right at your temple.

[@ideallogic]

MOST AFFORDABLE & not CHEAP ...

[@ridehead8771]

It's such a bummer that there's no diesel option 😔😔

[@mohmans4751]

Renault doesn't make diesel engines anymore. Dacia is a cheaper Renault car. Long distance travelling by car is almost over. Everything will be electric and expensive for the average person to buy.

[@brianiswrong]

He is the Dacia dilemma. You can lease a ford fiesta vignale 155 ecoboost over 3 years and the cost will be around £11'500 and you hand it back and walk away. Or do you buy and run this car and attempt to sell it after 3 years. Yes you will spend less money buying and selling the Dacia ,but Is the extra (circa £1'500 ) cost per year overall worth it 🤔

[@presterjohn71]

Or spend £4.5k over three years for the Dacia and hand it back after three years.

[@blankblank582]

In summary its a car.

[@julianvizio2190]

Its a cheap and ugly car but it does it best In South America we have the RS version with the suspensions of the RS megane and an old renault engine with 155hp, ugly, again, but fun, so fun and cheap

[@tentifr]

The new one isnt ugly at all, its completely unoffensive

[@henrysmith883]

Its not ugly, youre looking in the mirror again

[@HadrianTAZ]

Ugly? So if you can't afford a Ferrari, rest of the cars are ugly.

[@jerrymeaw]

Well done Romanian Dacia company!

[@entropy_of_principles]

nice video and presentation, very brave to do this to an east-europeans brand car. unfortunately just get two stars for NCAP crashing test.

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

4 stars if you forget about all the advanced driver aids that no one actually wants like lane keep assist

[@user-y9gse82df]

@@lewismcnicholas2631 I want all of the driver aids that’s why I bought Clio with 5 stars best in class euroncap 2019

[@WheelieMacBin]

@@user-y9gse82df And how much was the Clio in comparison to a similar spec Sandero?

[@skandavdoya9860]

it's made in morocco

[@ProfCalculon]

The Dokker and Lodgy came from Morroc (Tanger) // The Duster and Sandero (for UE Market) it’s Made in Romania (Mioveni).

[@bertiewooster3326]

Don't waste money on EVs buy this !

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I can't wait for the Dacia Jogger - have you seen it?

[@marypopkins7574]

Cheap but not safe enough. Will wait for the new Fabia and compare

[@retrogeezer]

Perfectly safe to be in, scored highly in occupant protection. Doesn't auto brake or detect pedestrians/cyclists for you so maybe open your eyes when driving instead?

[@marypopkins7574]

@@retrogeezer No. It is even poor for occupants for a 2021 car. That is why I look elsewhere.

[@retrogeezer]

@@marypopkins7574 70% is 4 out of 5 stars for a 2021 car They have only tested 6 cars this year so you will have a long wait. 70% on the new ncap would be the equivalent of a much higher percentage in previous years. That aside, you are at more risk of falling over and dying when out for a walk so if you are that concerned, better cover yourself in bubblewrap and wear a crash helmet everywhere.

[@marypopkins7574]

2 stars at ncap. Coffin on wheels ?

[@Zapp0n3]

Actually 72% protection inside. It's 2 stars because no protection for pedestrians and no sensor for autobrake.

[@marypopkins7574]

@@Zapp0n3 Yes, 72% is poor am afraid

[@Zapp0n3]

@@marypopkins7574 Skoda Karoq has 5 stars and only 68% protection. You have no idea what you are talking about.

[@WheelieMacBin]

Do I detect a bit of badge snobbery going on there Mary?

[@Colin623]

@@Zapp0n3 Yes it does have sensor for autobrake ! it's called the driver lol, I use my own built-in sensors to drive the car safely, I drive a 2005 Volvo V70 and that doesn't have any of these idiot assist devices, this Sandero is much the same, so for me it would be home from home !

[@netrasystem]

A coffin with wheels

[@Tom-sg4iv]

Not really, it has very good protection of the occupants. But bicycles/pedestrians are toast if the driver is not fit to drive, the car does not stop automatically.

[@marypopkins7574]

No the protection of occupants is very poor.

[@Tom-sg4iv]

@@marypopkins7574 What do you base that on? Euro Ncap commented it would have received four stars had it come with Lane Assist and a more advanced emergency brake.

[@cheetor18]

@@Tom-sg4iv He just hates himself :)) Nothing to the car really.

[@Tom-sg4iv]

@@cheetor18 Yeah, Maybe a Stellantis group dealer worried the new Sandero will be an even bigger success that the previous model.