Real Road Test: Good news! It's the Dacia Sandero! Is it any good?

[@Matthew-Fletcher]

I was in Wales for 2 weeks with this car and did 2370 miles in that time at an average of 47.8mpg. Each tank went over 500 miles. Brilliant little car. Glad you enjoyed the drive Ian 👍 And yes the lack of somewhere for my clutch foot to go is incredibly annoying on a long drive. It got on my nerves when I drove it to Scotland back in July for the Knockhill round of the British Touring Car Championship

[@brianiswrong]

2370 miles around Wales in 2 weeks!!! Did you sleep at night, reminds me of the London cabby who took an American tourist for a tour, the yank saw 3 Buckingham palaces, 5 big Ben's and 4 London bridges😀

[@Matthew-Fletcher]

@@brianiswrong well not just wales. I had a scheduling conflict with my holiday which meant I drove to Barmouth on Saturday 24th to start the holiday, then next day had to drive to Silverstone and back for the BTCC. I has the Silverstone ticket booked before the holiday and didn't realise the dates clashed until afterwards. Long day that was but great racing

[@HubNut]

Thanks for the loan of the Sandero! Impressed it still managed 47mpg even with me driving. ;-)

[@MrOvershoot]

@@Matthew-Fletcher That answers why there was a BTCC sticker in the back window 🙂

[@johnathanpearson3203]

My 2005 Hyundai getz CRTD 1.5 gets 47mpg over the last 40,000 miles. 🤔

[@jason41a]

"good news. its the dacia sandero" had me missing james may

[@kdri155]

I ran a Logan MCV 0.9tce as a hackney taxi from September 2015 to March this year, took it from 11 miles to 212,000 before replacing it with a Hyundai Ioniq HEV due age limits, it was a thoroughly reliable car that did the job well.

[@ferrumignis]

That's quite impressive. Where there no major engine issues? My wife's 2013 MCV sprung a coolant leak earlier this year, with just 40k miles on it, the rubber gasket on the thermostat housing had perished. Found it is a very common issue on all the cars this engine was fitted yo, but was a cheap and easy enough to fix (

[@Phiyedough]

I've known a couple of people in Hungary with Logans, they seem happy enough with them.

[@piuthemagicman]

impressive for a small and pretty stressed engine! no headgasket ot other engine open-failures?

[@Luckyjo21]

surprised to didnt get the 1.5 diesel option, one near me with 352,000 miles

[@GoldenCroc]

@@piuthemagicman I dont know if you can really call 100hp per liter in a forced induction engine stressed these days. But even so, In my experience I have found the "stressed engine" to be a somewhat of a myth since many decades ago, I have never seen any data that would suggest an engine with more ponies per liter generally has worse reliability than the ones with less.

[@davidf2281]

It's a car. You sit in it, and it goes and stops. I like it.

[@video99couk]

The MK5 Escort did those things too, but no-one liked those. This seems way better.

[@HubNut]

Mk5 Escort had weak, horrible engines and some serious handling deficiencies. It also wasn't a budget car. Came back fighting with the Focus though!

[@danmccarthy4700]

I don't get why some people have an issue with dashboards being made of hard plastic. Like, how often are you touching the dashboard like that? In my experience, those softer materials that make up 'high quality' interiors don't wear nearly as well over time. I actually really dig the chrome rings surrounding the gauges. Thanks for another great review of a car I'll probably never see in person.

[@HazyPolitics]

I agree. I don’t care if it’s plastic, I have a 2012 Jeep Liberty Jet which isn’t a posh car by any means, and it has a plastic dashboard, but the interior still looks quite nice imo and even higher end than you’d expect for a Jeep. And for a 10 year old vehicle, the plastic dash really isn’t worn or scuffed at all.

[@Pure-Luck447]

If it was made of cow shit I wouldn't care 😂

[@jameswaters5133]

"You could take offence at the nasty hard plastic; similarly you could just ignore it and get on with your life." Point well made!

[@HTMLEXP]

A nice snipe at a certain car reviewer.

[@HubNut]

Not sniping at anyone, but some people do seem to get upset about how plastics feel. On bits of the car you never touch...

[@HTMLEXP]

@@HubNut Indeed, sometimes they admit that they seldom touch those areas, but nonetheless are still miffed. 'Snipe' may have been a bit strong.

[@philhealey449]

@@HubNut The worst plastic is aged soft touch plastic that becomes a sticky black gloop, adhering to your fingers like roofing bitumen, especially in hot humid climates. Mercedes have mastered this in many of their vehicles, including ML and Vito, but you can either drive wearing Marigolds or strip it off with methylated spirits to reveal wholly satisfactory, smooth, shiny plastic! It also struck on some Mercedes pens I acquired; now that would have added extra drama to King Charles' recent pen meltdown.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@HTMLEXP The fuss over whether or not foam-backed rubber or vinyl has been glued over the dash (and door panels) is certainly strange. I guess the intended contrast is to cars like Jaguars or Maseratis, where it is foam-backed **leather** that has been glued over the dash, accompanied by actual wooden veneers. For economy cars, I guess the best they can do is to make the design look nice and make sure things like the elbow rest on the door is actually padded (hard plastic is certainly uncomfortable there). Higher-end economically built cars like Ian's Commodore ute (or an Opel Senator or whatever) *do indeed* have foam-backed rubber/vinyl glued all over the dash and doors so I guess that is the distinction being made -- that "nicer" trimmed mini and supermini economy cars are expected to include some of that, and are 'ranked' as such based on how much they include. 🤨

[@laurieharper1526]

"Top spec poverty". Great expression. Really nicely styled little car. Plain and rather elegant in its simplicity. Roomy and practical and doesn't look cheap, as you say.

[@TinglingTaco]

I got a flashback to my youth at 0:00! I heard Futurama's Professor Farnsworth say "Good news everyone" when Ian said "Good news" :)

[@MarshallRedmon01]

When I hear "Good news!" I think of James May

[@MarksWheels]

I bought the wife a Sandero. She's always driven Ford's but i had been pleasantly suprised by a few i'd had at work. She loves it and i love it as its all just a 90's clio underneath. Cheap and easy to fix!

[@benbrown3541]

They're not bad. Dacia Logan Estates are very popular as taxis around here. Boring basic interior but they've turned out to be very reliable. I asked a cab driver what the appeal was, he said that it came down to cheap parts when the warranty ran out. He'd done 100,000 miles in 4 years and needed new fuel injectors, £180 for the set, Ford £800, Toyota £1000. Don't need to be a mathematician to see it makes more sense to run the Dacia.

[@robsmall6466]

In other markets the Dacia Logan Estate is sold as a Lada

[@richard21109]

You must be joking lol

[@robsmall6466]

@@richard21109 Seriously. Look it up 🙂 ( Renault, Dacia and Lada were part of the same group )

[@richard21109]

@@robsmall6466 read it,il tell you one thing the few people I know who own these cars have had no issues at all with them.

[@robsmall6466]

@@richard21109 they are just older Renault. So one would assume the majority of the gremlins have been ironed out. Styling on the modern ones has improved a lot. Would be a tough choice between a Renault Captur/Mitsubishi ASX or the Dacia equivalent I would think 🤔

[@richardhalliday6469]

I had a 2013 Duster 1.5 TDI ( Mercedes use the same engine) . Back then it was £11 k for the middle trim. What a car, super economical ( no add blue back then ), capacious, good build, cheap insurance, a real family load lugger.

[@caw25sha]

The highlight of this video for me is the vintage AA box. My dad kept his key on his keyring all his life, well into the mobile phone era.

[@caw25sha]

He also had an original metal badge on his radiator grill. I think they had your membership number engraved on them.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

A solid enough and handsome car, The same people, probably laughted at Škoda, which today is a getting close to a premium and well heeled brand.

[@HowardLeVert]

(goes off and looks at prices on Autotrader...) What a fine little car, again something I'd happily consider. Odd fact; when I worked in Brazil a few years ago I noticed the Logans were badged as Renaults - and I see, still are.

[@simonabbott7323]

Me too (checking prices on Autotrader).

[@RichieRouge206]

We had a Clio yard car which I used daily for a year with this engine and it was indeed a very likeable, torquey little performer. The thing I like about Dacia is it is what it is and not try to pamper to snobs. Great review Ian

[@cornishhh]

Thanks for this video. I've often thought that if I ever buy a 21st century car one of these will be high on my list. I know several people who have them and have never heard anything bad.

[@williamegler8771]

There is a BIG difference between CHEAP and INEXPENSIVE! The Dacia Sandero is definitely designed to a certain price point but by using proven Renault mechanicals, whose development and tooling cost were paid for years ago, you can make a perfectly acceptable vehicle inexpensively. Not everybody is a enthusiast and don't require up to date engines or tech in their car. They only require a vehicle that starts every time and can reliably take them to the shops and school run or on the occasional motorway journey.

[@d2factotum]

Sandero definitely fits the "starts every time" bill--I was in hospital for three months not long ago, and when I got home the first thing I did was try to start the car, assuming it would be dead flat and I'd have to get a battery charger. Should have had more faith, it started instantly on the key like it always does!

[@TassieLorenzo]

Here in Australia, Renault is a lot less popular. There is tendency to need to order parts like sensors or seals from Europe and wait for shipping, which would not necessarily be ideal for an entry-level Sandero. The current popular entry level brand new cars are the MG3 and Kia Picanto, whereas 10 years ago an economically-minded motorist would probably buy something like a Hyundai Accent, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Alto if very economical, or Toyota Yaris (whose prices have now increased considerably!). Thankfully rust is a non-issue here, if true that Japanese cars have inferior rust proofing.

[@jasonclarke7422]

My little Suzuki celerio 1.0lt has taken me from Southampton to Newcastle and Scotland and back on several occasions and easily keeps up with motorway speeds. These little cars are built like tanks these days.

[@aitchworld4620]

When I go away on business I always ask my team to bookmark the cheapest hire car. Last time I was in Ireland I got a Sandero. Apart from the confusing stereo, I loved it.

[@robingiles9444]

I had a 0.9TCe and it was a lot of fun and surprisingly frugal too, I loved it 😁

[@jamesfrench7299]

I want a sub 1 litre 3 cyl. Turbo is a bonus. Automatic available? Merely curious.

[@The-Rectifier]

@@jamesfrench7299 Cvt auto is indeed available on the Mk3 1.0 3cyl 90Hp

[@jamesfrench7299]

Have to make it sing to access those. Hp?

[@d2factotum]

@@jamesfrench7299 Not really. As I said above, they tune the turbos for low-end grunt rather than performance, so you run out of power long before the red line. Put your foot down in 3rd, though, and it'll sail past almost anything.

[@davidspencer7254]

@@d2factotum Yep.

[@Tom-sg4iv]

I got the 3. generation on LPG, it’s got all I could ask for, and even some things I didn’t want like keyless entry and electronic parking brake. It’s great value for money and fully adequate for the 2-3.000 km I do yearly.

[@Bucharestguidedtours]

Good news! Great review of the Sandero, from the home of Dacia.. Best wishes.

[@In_memory_of_Dad]

Brilliant review Ian. A friend of mine was recently looking for a new second hand small car and I immediately pointed them towards a Dacia Sandero and I am very happy to report that they did indeed take my advice. Coincidentally the model they brought is exactly the same colour and spec as the one you have just featured and they had a very good deal on it and are very happy with it. Happy days...👍🙂👍

[@carper1220]

13:43 yes, we had the RS version here in Brazil, sold from 2015 up until last year I believe, and it was a very fun car, actually developed by Renault Sport. The upgrades weren't just limited to the 150cv 2.0 16v engine. It had a lot of structural reinforcements, a complete overhaul on the suspension to allow less body roll, upgraded brakes, with the rear ones now being fitted with discs and a transmission with 6 speeds, with shorter gears, always keeping the rpms high on a more sporty drive.

[@peterking2794]

We had an FSO Panache back in the late 80s which had exactly the same dash vents! I also hate the auto door locking but, luckily, I can disable it on our 2021 Sandero Stepway. I've also disabled that dreadful auto stop/start nonesense. Thanks for the vid!

[@oojimmyflip]

glad you like it we do ours is 1.5 diesel 2013 model and very torquey and punchy and will climb hills in 4th gear easily, a great title tow car, we went up to hull with a trailer tent like yours from Kettering and we got 80 mpg at a constant 60mph, just wait until you drive a duster, I think you'll like it to. had to swap my duster for a Citroen C5 Aircross Automatic as I needed a torque converter gearbox. once bitten by Citroens you tend to go back to them again for all the toys and comfort they offer.

[@jochenstacker7448]

We just bought a Dacia Spring in this household, it's a small electric car and goes to prove that EVs don't have to be monster SUVs that cost the GDP of Namibia. So future Hub Nut cars could well be EVs as well.

[@stephenholland5930]

Unfortunately, I don't think they are going to sell it in the UK.

[@jochenstacker7448]

@@stephenholland5930 bummer. It's about the size of a Smart ForFour, costs buttons to buy and run and it's actually quicker than the power output would suggest. It's a really neat, unpretentious little car.

[@d2factotum]

I have a 2013 Sandero, same colour and spec but the 0.9 turbo engine you mention. I think the engine is mapped for low-end torque--I certainly rarely feel the need to change down a gear (maybe when going up a very steep hill), but the power kind of runs out around 5000rpm. That's still good for 70mph in 3rd, though, and I've been averaging 45mpg or better since I've had the car. Overall, I'd rate it probably the second best car I've ever owned, just behind a diesel Seat Toledo I had for a long time. By the way, one of those blank switches on the right of the steering wheel is the Eco button, which I guess is a turbo-only feature?

[@GoldenCroc]

Might well be turbo only... mums got one on her diesel which of course also got a turbo.

[@mattw8332]

So glad to a Dacia appear on this channel and to hear it get a glowing review. 😃 I own an example of one it's rivals - 2018 Hyundai i10 (1.2 with 85bhp) but I did consider a Sandero. My only criticism of Dacia is the lack of colour choices you used to get with their earlier new car offerings. Don't like white? Have a blue one or a red one instead but they're metallic only + an extra £450 or thereabouts. And white was the only colour you could have on the Billy Basic 1.2 Access version.

[@richardyarwood2747]

We bought one of these brand new in 2016 - 6k as a pre reg. Acres of space around the engine for the DIY tinkerers. Unfortunately I've not had the opportunity as nothing whatsoever has gone wrong with it! Definitely a Hubnut of the future; remarkably unexceptional.

[@KernowGarage]

i had a 2014 1.5 DCI stepway model, absolutely loved it. Was really torquey and fairly quick for what it was. I absolutely loved it, it's one of the few cars I've sold that I really miss.

[@JamesG75]

I think there's "cheap" and "good value". IMO the Dacia Sandero is very much the latter

[@luviskol]

Cheap often means Tacky. It isn't. I did look at a second hand Dacia at a Renault dealer. It had caught some battle damage on the tailgate, and the paint appeared a bit thinner than I'd expect - probably how they saved some pennies

[@andrewstones2921]

I started to pay attention to these in 2019 when I spent a few days in Brittany in France and there are loads of these around there, they are extremely popular cars there. The owners all see to like them, which is what matters .

[@AlejjSi]

I drove Dacia's 2020 and 2021 when I took up a job of being a delivery driver so that as a invalid retired young man (stomach problems) I won't rot at home. First, my company had a 2013 1st gen Logan MCV 1,5 dCi. It was a five seater in the highest spec (all electric + aircon and remote central locking), but it was used as a delivery car. Though only 75BHP, it was very rapid even fully loaded (I delivered pet food and accesories, so it was full very often). EVen with that and operating only in Prague, it did over 52mpg when I had a ligh right foot and even if I did floor it, it wouln't do less than 47mpg. Later, I received one of the last Dokker ones (before it was rebranded as Renault Kangoo). It had the 1,3Turbo petrol and with that, I became the fastest delivery driver in town :D but it was thirsty, even with a feather over the throttle it wouldn't do better than 36mpg. But I liked it, it was well equipped, ran well and was quite comfortable. It had sliding door on both sides, which not a lot vans do these days. It was also the firsttime I even drove a new car (when I got it it had just 400km on the clock as it made it's way from a company central in Moravia to Prague), so it was interesting to follow all the guide on how to run with a new car. I never had a single fault with the Dacias over the about 10 000km I did with them in both heat and cold of a daily metropolis furious delivery driving and they also handled very well indeed despite their simple suspension design (or maybe because of it?). I really like what Dacia does, it is the modern time SKoda Favorit or Felicia. It's clear that renault learned their lesson, because when they wanted to buy Skoda and abolish it, they lost the chance to VW and then saw how big success VW had with Skoda by branding it as a reasonable but competent car mark. BTW the knob for the light positioning is mounted so weird because Dacia uses the hydraulic systen like the Favorit and Felicia had, so they probably didn't want to stretch the pipes so high up towards ste steering wheel.

[@thomash2806]

Looks like there’s enough space on the windscreen to fit a longer driver’s side wiper blade to get rid of the triangle of doom. 😜 Otherwise personally I’ve got very used to using rain repellent. Great stuff!

[@welshman64]

James May will be pleased. Love your videos.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🚙⛺️

[@maxeluy]

Here in South America the Sandero is badge as Renault, and every other Dacia too, we have also the K4M 1.6L engine on the normal versio. The Hot version is called Sandero RS, has 145hp, 6 speed manual transmission, 4 wheel disk brakes, sport lowered and stiffer suspension, faster steering ratio, bigger 17" wheels, continental 205/45 tires and sport Renault Sport trim inside and outside. So in general is a rather extensive change compared with the regular Sandero and they were popular because they were still cheap and practical.

[@andrewgardner9615]

Good reviewHave a Logan MCV bought during initial lockdown-Total practicality-kayaks and bikes on roofrack-older fashioned dynamics-Uninspiring handling - lower rent interior than a modern but at the price this load lugger can't be beaten-Hub Nut sticker adds 20 odd horse power.My mates take the michael as It often gets mistaken for a taxi-totally happy(Used to have all sorts of hot hatches and posher cars but priorities must)

[@paultaylor9652]

Great wee car, that particular one has the engine from a 2011 Clio which produced a very similar driving experience, nice to see this type of video back Mr HubNut.

[@groovygraham]

There was a garage near me that lost its Vauxhall dealership in 1989. They went on to sell (For a very short time) Dacia. Had a few Dusters on the forecourt but in the showroom was an unregistered Dacia Shifter (Pick-up) It was there for years gathering dust. No idea what happened to it but it was still there in 1996 when I went to view a Montego they had for sale.

[@seamusobrien2675]

WOW, I've got one of the original Captur's (2014 build 1.2lt turbo) and much of the interior is the same. Spooky. Like Fiat 124 and Lada. Same vents, dash, IT, storks, hard plastic, binnacle, lots of road noise, breaks touchy and electronic, cruise control/ speed limiter, Bluetooth phone is useless, too much noise. I love it. Engine cooked off at 130,000k's. To hot in Australia for little supercharged engines on Christmas eve in 40 deg C heat. Boom.

[@quirksandfeatures3215]

This reminds me of a very low spec Mercedes-Benz from say the 1980s, which in itself, without any luxuries, was still considered up market. This incidentally, has more equipment with the passage of time, same kind of vibes.

[@10mbc]

We have a Logan MCV (the estate) in the same color as this one, same engine and it seems pretty similar trim. The multimedia unit is actually a navigation unit that also has bluetooth for phone and music streaming.

[@HologramJones]

Love your channel Ian. Would love to see a Peugeot 1007 review. Keep up the awesome content.

[@josdesouza]

If you're just interested in getting from A to B in a budget-conscious car it's a good choice.

[@detectacache6220]

I had one from my insurance company as courtesy car when my Skoda Superb had its rear end shunt sorted. 2 weeks of fun great for town centre driving and winding country roads

[@telecasterbear]

I am watching from america. No one here gets over anything. Everybody wants everything, bigger and better. Behemoth vehicles are everywhere. Thanks for the review.

[@stevec1097]

Just Subscribed after way too long as a lurker. We have this 1.2 engine in our Twingo, it's the D4F variant in ours and is very torqey at low revs and is very happy to potter around at 1500 rpm in all gears. The throttle only has to be pressed for the first inch of travel most of the time and just as this video suggests the engine does struggle under high load - kinda opposite to traditional 16-valvers. We get a solid 50mpg minimum, rising to 70mpg on long cruises. Ours is heading for 100k miles and we love it like a family pet!

[@fulano1969]

13:37 Yes, here in Brazil the the second generation Renault Sandero had a version called RS with the F4R Hi-Flex engine and a 6-speed manual gear box, they are a lot of fun, I drove a brand new one of those a few years ago. By the way, this platform is very popular here (All Dacias are sold here as Renaults). I have a 2016 Renault Oroch, the Dynamique trim level with the F4R Hi-Flex engine and a 6-speed manual (mine is the front wheel drive, not the 4WD), it's a pickup/UTE version of the Duster, and as far as I know it was never sold anywhere in Europe.

[@no-damn-alias]

was the RS available as an E100 version or only as E85 version? Also second generation still had the old 8v engine which wasn't available in Europe

[@fulano1969]

I'm trying to reply to the comment made by @14725800369 but KZbin auto deletes the comment in seconds. EDIT: Lets see if replying to my own comment will not be deleted by KZbin. All Renault cars sold in Brazil since 2005 have flex fuel engines, that can run on any mixture of petrol and ethanol, and they can run on E100 (ethanol sold in Brazil doesn't have any petrol in it), the exception is the Renault Master which only has diesel engines, because in Brazil diesel is prohibited for passenger cars since the 1980s. The "normal" second generation Sandero (launched here in 2014) had two engine options, the D4D (1.0 16v) and the K7M (1.6 8v), but the first generation had the K4M (1.6 16v). In 2016 they replaced those engines with the SCE family (they are Nissan engines), a 3 cylinder (1.0 12v) and a 4 cylinder (1.6 16v), but the RS always had the F4R engine. The second generation had a minor facility in 2019, with new headlights and new taillights (totally different from the Dacia Sandero) and the RS version ended production in 2021. Now there is only a poverty spec called "S Edition" 1.0 12v and the Stepway 1.6 16v (the majority sold with a CVT transmission).

[@no-damn-alias]

@@fulano1969 well there was E85 and E100 versions for Brazilian market. So as which was the RS modell available. There's a difference between E85 and E100 models

[@fulano1969]

All flex fuel cars sold here can run on E100, we never had E85 versions sold in Brazil (there is no E85 in any petrol station here, only E100), all brands and models can run on E100, and that includes the Sandero RS (exceptions are some imported luxury cars that run only on petrol). By the way, petrol sold in Brazil is technically E25 because it has ethanol in it since 1980. I also still have an old 2008 second generation Clio (with the 1.0 16v) that I bought in 2010, and for the first three years I only used E100, but ethanol became way to expensive and since then I only use petrol. The old generation flex fuel cars sold here have a cold start tank, it is a small plastic tank inside the engine bay that holds usually 1L of petrol that the ECU uses on cold starts when the fuel mixture in the tank has more than 80% ethanol and the coolant is below 18°C, there is a single injector at the throttle body that sprays the fuel from the cold start tank when the engine is cranking. Today most modern flex fuel cars (sold here anyway) use a system that heats up the fuel in the fuel injector, eliminating the need for the cold star tank. There are some strange solutions from some brands from the old generation flex fuel era, like Honda used on the Civic, Fit and City, they have two fuel doors, one at the rear left quarter for the main fuel tank, and another one on the front right fender for the cold start tank. Weirdness that only exists here.

[@no-damn-alias]

@@fulano1969 yes there's i difference between E85 and E100 version. At least for the 1,6 8V engine. If you like I can consult parts numbers and there is a whole bunch of parts on the E100 version that wasn't on the E85 version. Mainly a second independent fuel delivery system like you stated upwards that was installed from factory on the E100 version and was controlled by the ECU. E85 version didn't have that. In Europe the E85 version wasn't available as 8v engine. Only the 1,6l 16v engine that wasn't sold in Brazil was sold in Europe as Hi-Flex E85 version. For Brazil there was an extra E85 version of the 8v engine that was cheaper than the E100 version, mainly because of the missing additional fuel system. So biggest issue as you stated is on ''any'' car with E100 is the cold start. So not any car can run on E100. For example I've tried and fuel trim is just way off. My car hits the limit of +99% and thereby runs too lean. Cool and interesting system with the injector heating

[@eggweed_productions]

I think it might be time to test a 63 plate Toyota Yaris. No triangle of doom, more a crescent of doom - single wiper. Clever stuff!

[@skodakatie7341]

I really like the Dacia range, having always been a fan of budget motoring, and a budget conscious motorist myself, I did always admire the Eastern European, and Russian offerings from back in the day, in fact I did own, and had many miles of fun in a Lada, which was my first car. My favourite manufacturer, Škoda is sadly moving away from the budget segment, thankfully Dacia have filled the gap very admirably, well done Dacia ❤.

[@Rapscallion2009]

That's true of many of the old "budget" brands (EG Vauxhall). I think Skoda need to be *very* careful with their current strategy. We're in difficult economic times and I think the perception could be that you may as well buy a "proper VW", since prices are pretty similar. If they're not careful they'll find that Dacia and Hyundai have stolen their lunch. The new Ford Maverick in the US suggests that car manufacturers are waking up to the fact that purchasers need affordable cars, not low-rate financing.

[@AlejjSi]

@@Rapscallion2009 Skoda counts a lot on the company fleet market, which though it seems to be near dead in the UK, it thrives for the last 10-15 years in Czech Republic. So most Skodas sold during these times (and even more after the Rapid was replaced by the much more expensive Scala are sold to companies. I'd say Skoda has moved from cheap cars like the Favorit and reasonable cars like Fabia MkI and Octavia MkI and II to what I personally call "polished shit". They look like a premium car, but they actually work worse then tose like the Dacia (VW/Skoda infotainment problems are now a subject to dark jokes for over 3 years). Regular people who would want a Fabia or Octavia have moved to KIAs and Hyundai equivalents, some of them to Dacia. Also the fact that Skoda gives no fuck about regular customers is the fact that though they build useless cars like the Kamiq, they dropped the Fabia Estate, which was very popular family car here.

[@blueocean2510]

Parts for Dacia may take 6 months as they came from Russia, with sanctions they have to be sourced from elsewhere.

[@stirbiuliu8048]

@@blueocean2510 Parts from Dacia come from Romania or rest of Europe (mainly Poland, Italy, Germany , France and other countries. Consumables like certain spark plugs for example can come from overseas like Japan). Where does Russia fit in here? Renault left Russia at the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. I have a Dacia Logan I and I live in Bucharest Romania, 100 km from Pitesti and 140 km from Colibasi where the Dacia Plant is located and Dacias are build. I know my shit. By the way, Hub Nut got it wrong, Dacia is made in Colibasi (Arges County). Pitesti is the main town and municipality residence in Arges County

[@grahamchalk4727]

Also available with LPG. Currently half the price of petrol and better for the planet.

[@waterloo13]

I own exactly the same car (colour and interior) albeit with the 0.9 TCe 3 cylinder turbo. It's a real little "cheap tiger" with great performance and acceleration although the turbo kicks in rather harsh around 2500 rpm, making the throttle sometimes act ridiculously sensitive in lower gears. Bought mine second hand 5 years ago and still enjoy cheap motoring every day. Hurray for Sandero!

[@d2factotum]

I always drive my 0.9TCe in Eco mode--I find it makes it much smoother on that turbo pick-up, and if you want the full beans you can still get them by putting your foot to the floor. I don't get left behind in traffic, let's put it that way!

[@waterloo13]

@@d2factotum True, and as for the pedal placement and the lack of rest for the clutch foot, this seems to be an Issue caused by RHD conversion, since I don't have any problem with that (LHD).

[@michaelstaunton1632]

I really enjoyed this video and great to see this type of car featured on the channel 👌👌

[@andrewentwistle515]

I must admit that Dacia certainly is an interesting manufacturer. I must admit I have never tried one out!! I look forward to seeing the next Hubnut Test Drive Episode.

[@Thanos.m]

I hate it when people complain about plastics and switches in cheap cars and I think that constant want for better interior more equipment etc is one of the reasons that led us to typical family cars being over 30k car these days

[@williamgreer4087]

The interior of the Sandero doesn't just feel cheap, it feels old. Switchgear and stalks from circa 2006. I compared it side by side with a Hyundai i10 and the Hyundai was head and shoulders above the Dacia quality wise, for the same price.

[@Thanos.m]

@@williamgreer4087 you have to consider the i10 is category bellow in size

[@williamgreer4087]

@@Thanos.m yeah it's definitely not as roomy, that's very true.

[@zenbudhism]

A switch is a switch

[@MegaHayes]

I own a 1.2 75hp 2014 Ambience Sandero, it's my second car after owning a MK2 Clio, both share the same D4F line of engine. Always been a fan of Dacia and there morals, took me ages to convience my dad to believe that they were decent cars yet he spent ages telling me to get a Clio as a first car lol. But overall it's been a reliable steed, runs on Apple juice almost, seeing the petrol station is actually a novelty lol. The mechanics we use to MOT and service our cars are Renault specialists and normally work on the sporty Renaults (they work on any other brand though), but they were pleasantly suprised when they got to service my Sandero. (They also looked after my old Clio). Extremely reliable car. My mum loves using it as a spare to shop in because of the space. She has a 2009 CLK-350 which she adores, however it's not the best for shopping lol and my dad is normally in his Kodiaq most of the time when she needs a shopping mobile. My Sandero also has hands-free too and it's the mid spec, the audio I found is pretty impressive, driven a few cars on rental and the Sandero certainly sounds pretty decent. It does steer a bit heavy at low speeds for such a small car, but other than that minor flaw I absoutely love it, and because of how much I've enjoyed it, I'm actually hoping to get a Duster or the rumored Bigster which could be coming out next year as next cars. :)

[@GentilsGarage]

The only Dacia I ever drove was a Logan years ago in Portugal and I think it was a good car. Also, Laureate was a name given to special edition renault 5’s (not the super cinque) in the early 80’s

[@volt8684]

Great review, I hired an 0.9 in Spain and with 5 people aboard in Spain took us up mountains behind Malaga. Was v impressed tbh. As a fellow berlingo owner and lover, how did it feel getting back and driving Bella compared. When I drive other cars and get bike in mine I love it so much to be in and drive. Friends that borrow it for skip runs etc love it and are surprised. I have just bought my second 07 plate and am going to make it pristine as I believe it will be collectable

[@mariojager43]

I had a 2017 Stepway 0.9 tce Ambiance, loved it! Good pace and economy, faultless. Yes it has some cheaper plastics but it was comfortable on long journeys and roomy, I sold it after 18 months as no longer needed to run two cars but I'd put another 10k on it and sold it through Car Wow for £5 more than I paid for it. I'd definitely look at another Dacia without hesitation. Looking forward to the Bigster.

[@runoflife87]

Nice city car for those who are able to choose with their wallet in mind IMO. But as for its twin - Renault Sandero which sold in Russia till May 2022 - the car wasn't as competitive as Logan back in 2005. There were some exchange problems and low level of local components.

[@paulkirby5479]

Dad has bought french for years. All makes . My favourite being a gs estate. Bought a clio with the 1.2. But not enough grunt for cornish hills. Sold for a twingo gt with the tce engine. Loved it , but no room for wheelchairs. By this time the new clio was to big to get in a normal garage, so bought a sandero stepway with a tce engine. The engine was tweaked for emissions so later ones up to march 17 are £30 rfl. I personally have a hankering for a logan stepway, but rare for a modern car.

[@christopherrobertson8098]

Spare wheel is available in both steel and alloy formats from both dacia and renault dealers for the generation your driving ian. For the current 3rd gen car there standard and the foam kit is the option.

[@2760ade]

Quite a few people in the comments have suggested that this is a car for people who don't like cars. That is rubbish! I truly love cars but would happily buy this, at the low price, rather than paying tens of thousands for some other 'marque' whose performance can never be used on British roads. What's the point? Financially I have other priorities to be honest. An everyday driver is essentially a tool to get you where you want to be, no more, no less.

[@RocketRon60]

Drove Greece to UK and back in our 2020 0.9L standard Dacia Sandero in May. Performed perfectly. No problem keeping to the top motorway speeds on the continent with a large roof box too. And with the LHD there is somewhere to put your left foot 😀. Just bought a flat in Wales so might buy one there as car hire very expensive these days. Where to put my left foot though. Seriously. Great review. Really enjoyed it.

[@Richard-Bullock]

I was one of the first in the UK to receive my brand new Sandero in March 2013. I was gutted when I had to sell it in June 2017. I was having issues with my left foot, and struggled with what I feel is quite a small clutch pedal in the Sandero. I would love to have another, if I could get on with the clutch pedal now.

[@WheelieMacBin]

I am on my third Sandero now, a 2023 Essential model with the 1.0 3 cylinder engine. The latest model is a quantum leap forward to the one you are driving here. They are great cars at a reasonable price, and most importantly for a private buyer, they hold their value extremely well, to the point of being one of the slowest depreciating cars on the market.

[@jeeves_uk]

I drove a Duster while on holiday and I was pleasantly surprised, though the seats weren't very comfortable.

[@vwestlife]

This is the second time you've reviewed an ex-Eastern Bloc car in a parking garage.

[@stylophobia]

Fun fact ; all the Dacias I saw in Mexico 2019 , were badged as Renault s.

[@RomanF3011]

I have second gen. Sandero, bought it brand new in 2020. 1.0 Sce, 3 cilinder engine. Arctica spec. I really like it. It's modern car, but still "old" in some ways. Lots of things are mechanical (that lights heigh setting for example). It drives nice, where I live, we have lots of snow here in winter, so I like that it have little bit heigher ground clearence. Btw, I like your videos. Hello from Slovakia.

[@sambarker7930]

They're really bulletproof cars actually. The first UK ones (especially the Dusters) are bad for rust (never wax oiled from the factory), but after about 2014 they're mostly good apart from a few fairly straightforward things

[@ideallogic]

I drive a 2012 Sandero Mk I , 1.2 16v Baseway . I say Baseway as this was imported from France & is a dealer special as this Base has body colored mirrors & bumpers instead of unpainted ones. Also white wheel caps. And it came with Blue Baseway decals on the front doors & an Limited Edt badge on the tailgate. According to the dealer there are only 6 Baseways "made" as they were the last Mk ones on his lot ... After 11 years i crossed into 6 digits on the clock. Till now nothing ever broke on it ... Fingers crossed. Max I got out of 50L tank OCT 95 was 1.087 km , on average i get 860 km.

[@TheVintageApplianceEmporium]

In 2016 when me and my friends visited Brazil for the first time, we hired a brand new Dacia Logan. Loved that car. We called it The Loganberry ha 😆

[@darrenwilson8042]

I have driven a 13 plate Duster diesel for over a year and can't fault it - yes inside they do feel a bit Fisher Price feeling but it does drive and feel fine - and its not too costly to buy. and run - this years MOT ( incl a brake pipe replacement ) a cam belt and oil pump cost me just under £380 - its all tried and trusted Renault mechanicals

[@2W3X4YZ5]

Good evening sir. This is a competent package, and it looks to be a wise new car purchase. It seems more Nissan influenced than Renault, to be honest. I am very impressed with how nice the dash looks. I was also pleased with the rapid rate of the wipers on low speed. I’ve come to the conclusion, there is a school of thought, that using an oversize drivers wiper, and a microscopic passenger wiper, is an attempt at eliminating the T.O.D. In my mind, I believe that is not the effective solution. Thank you for your review today, and the rainy drive in a nice little car. It’s raining on the lower Coosa River tonight. First we have seen in a long time. Cheers you and yours.

[@poppyneese1811]

I’ve always felt like VW Bugs, Chevrolet Chevettes and early Ford Escorts were cheap and honest, they didn’t pretend to be something they weren’t. This lil Dacia although miles ahead of those cars is about honest inexpensive motoring. Here in the US we don’t get those cars anymore and it is truly sad. I’d love to own a 700 hp Raptor with every option known to man, but there is so much to like about honest economical cars that are what they are! One of my favorites was my wife’s and mine lil Chevette, think it had around 57 hp, a slick lil 4 speed manual and no air no cruise and you had to drive it every mile of the way! Great review!

[@shogun884]

Nice little motor, I'd say the 1.5 diesel would be the pick of them, I've had a clio this last 12yrs with the diesel engine and its a peach, loads of mid range torque and its still doing 60mpg. Just to give you an insight into how we're comparing on car prices here in sunny donegal, 2016 sandero in the dealer 50k miles , 0.9tce petrol base spec £10900 euros ! Top tip, if you want to come live in Ireland you need 2 things, a suitcase full of money and a bed to put it under, cheers!

[@KiwiStag74]

As you say, Ian - she's a good car....in the manner of something pleasant but unremarkable to drive from A to B and back again. Nothing really stands out enough for the wow factor except that it IS a good, cheap, relatively comfortable A to B vehicle that is not an SUV, hot hatch or estate car. I like it a lot for that very reason....although I would be tempted to play with the wipers a bit The driver's side has a large-ish unswept area of disappointment right above my line of sight which would drive me mad, so I would fit a taller wiper blade on the driver's side. Then if the Triangle was still there, tweak the passenger's wiper arm up at the wiper join to lift the outer (top) sweep so that the blade sweeps overlap. Other than that, I like the dash layout - the dials are purposeful and smart with the chrome rings, the interior is smart albeit largely a charcoal colour (like most modern cars) and that passenger and boots space is just perfect for pretty much anything I'd need it to do. Many thanks for this review. I shall have to see whether any of them exist here in New Zealand and go have a look.

[@icascone]

It is interesting how they managed to produce an older car and update it's looks just enough to make it look just enough different to it's original design... I know Innocienti in it's last years tried to produce a re-badged Uno but people bought the Punto instead lol

[@antonyhamilton6429]

I bought a 2016 Sandero Stepway in January last year, and had intended to switch to a new Sandero this earlier this month. However, I bonded with it so much over that year, that I have instead switched to a late 2019 Logan MCV Stepway. I just adore how un-egotistical the car is. It is not trying, in any way, shape or form to be anything other than the most possible for the money. It's so charming and makes me smile every time I drive it. Especially with the Logan I've got now, I really struggle to see how you could ever need anything different. Looking forward to spending another few years in this generation of Dacia, then who knows. Maybe a new Duster, or Jogger 😁

[@darrenwilson8042]

I bought a Duster diesel Laureate 3 years ago at 7 years old - it was a distress purchase - wanted something bigger than the car I had at short notice. I am a total convert. Does everything I want it to - all cost effectively - only car I have had where my local back street garage who services and does the MOT tells me its a good car - can't see me parting with it for now tbh

[@GG-hu9dn]

I rented one of these in Romania about 3/4 yrs ago and I found it to be quite pleasant to drive.

[@ep1929]

Had one on hire whilst on holiday Spain back in 2022, it was a 2019 basic model, 0.9 3 cylinder with 40,000km on the clock. For what it was i found it a good car, the air con was a god send!!

[@ep1929]

And by the way, I am old enough to remember ladas, fso's, yugo's, rear engined Skoda's and these sandero's are nothing like.

[@daniellee9015]

Absolutely brilliant video Ian 👍what a lovely car I really like it very nice car 4x4 looking and practical

[@rbcleaningskegness9191]

Great review on this great brand. Had the Sandero Stepway 0.9 turbo petrol in 2014 then moved onto the Logan MCV 1.5d in 2016 and last year now have a Duster petrol.

[@Wiganpilot]

Have you ever driven an early Kia Venga? There are lots of conflicting reviews on them. I bought a 2013 Venga 3 a few months back and I quite like it, it even has the electric Panoramic roof, it would be interesting to see what you really thought about it.

[@HubNut]

Never have.

[@MrTimcoronel]

not Dacia-related, but wiper trivia: we were out in the Morris Nomad last weekend with loads of other BMC-Leyland cars and I noticed that Australian-made Minis not only had windup windows and quarter lights, but their wipers face the opposite way to early UK-spec ones

[@HubNut]

There was a changeover from 1969 when Minis moved to the RHD pattern for RHD. But Aussie Minis kept the Mk1 bodyshell and those unique windows, and doors with external hinges.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

My Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd has a very plastic dash, so the Dacia isn't doing to badly. Its a neat little car, I hope you get your hands on the 0.9 turbo soon.

[@lite4919]

I never heard anyone say they'd prefer a 3 cylinder engined car to a 4 cylinder one before. And I worked with cars for years.

[@HubNut]

Love a three pot me.

[@christineayres7199]

James May was raving about them years ago , great cars for the money they are basically a Renault Clio with a new badge , they used to only be £7995 brand new but i think still they are only £12 grand new in 2022 thats a bargain.

[@jonathanbignall1198]

I know a couple of people with these, one has a 0.9 tce. It's a decent little engine, which as a passenger, seemed responsive enough and returned mid 40s MPG in eco mode. The other was a Stepway diesel which was rather noisy and unrefined but did a fair job. They might not be desirable cars to a petrol head, but as affordable simple transport, they're a sound choice.

[@chrisbury4635]

I once owned a Sandero 0.9 TCE, Great car for the money if someone wants simple non badge snobbery motoring, latest one looks great !

[@colinjones2505]

Had ther latest one for 2 weeks in June, and was mighty impressed. Have an open mind, and it's more than acceptable for the crazy low price, so no complaints from me. A really pleasant excellent value mode of transport.

[@mikepembo8297]

I've got (or rather the wife does) a Dacia Sandero 2013, with 80,000 miles on the clock. Owned it from 1 Yr old The car is fine. No corrosion. Carpet material could be better. Plastics inside feel cheap. Mechanically it's easy to work on as a non professional DIYer, and aside from consumables the car hasn't needed any major work although the clutch did just get replaced at 80k So impressed with it, we have also got a Jogger brand new. Seems the quality improved with the newer models although the carpet material is the same sadly.

[@Rouxenator]

Dacia was so horrendous in South Africa that when the Logan, Duster and Sendero came out they decided to sell them as Renault over here. Still do.

[@supervitz7178]

We have the Logan MCV with the 0.9 turbo 3 cyl. It's a good family car. I just hate the steering wheel, I really dislike when the airbag sticks out further than the rim of the wheel. That one looks particularly good for 64k miles... ours is a bit worse for wear lol.

[@GoldenCroc]

My mum got a Stepway one, same year as this. Also, she has the diesel, which I am pretty certain blows this into the weeds, but was a lot more expensive (as a percentage of the total). Its also got much taller gears. Hers has just done 150 thousand miles, mostly extra urban driving to be fair. Not a single problem of note to report. I used it to tow my 6000lbs boat some distance, and it did it without problem. Wouldnt recommend doing those kind of weights it if you arent very used to towing though. Overall, cant really recommend them enough if you just want cheap motoring in the "modern" age.

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review I have a Duster and it’s brilliant. Car prices currently are insane, so not surprised that Dacia sales are 60% up. Renault we’re smart to snap up this brand.

[@nothingmuch.3014]

The new Sandero has been brought right up to date. It's based on a current Mk5 Clio. This Sandero is basically a re bodied Mk2 Clio. Many many shared parts.

[@danieltaylor3755]

Yes about time this car was tested on this channel.