Dacia Sandero Stepway full review | Parkers

Can the Dacia Sandero Stepway capture the imaginations of crossover buyers or is it simply a cheap car made too expensive?
In this in-depth Dacia Sandero review, we look at the car’s interior space, boot space, standard equipment and what it’s like to drive.
Is it worth a look or should you buy a more conventional SUV instead? Parkers reviewer and beard enthusiast Keith WR Jones is your guide.
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[@alierikenoglu8006]

Sorry to say, the car seems like it does far better than the presenter reviewing the car :(

[@DenisSmyth1951]

Just had my Sandero Stepway Laurate for 3 years. Fantasic value for money.. I will be buying a new one this week..Ticks all the boxes.. £11090 on the road.. Amazing..

[@lite4919]

I'm thinking of getting a second hand Sandero stepway 1.5 diesel as it's price, size and year are attractive to me. I just wanted to check about the build quality and reliability, thanks.

[@SamanthaGuttesen]

@@lite4919 I have a second hand diesel, bought it at 2 years old. Now its four and half, never had any problems. Very efficient, always starts first time. I have the ambience version, when I bought it, the equivalent clio was £3000 more. Madness, when it's basically the same

[@terentebista122]

You are to fat for Sandero, get a Bentley

[@swift7493]

Good news! The Dacia Sandero is on sale in the UK and taking the nation by storm!

[@ParkersTV]

James May would be thrilled.

[@Muushondje]

I drove a Sandero Stepway for a day last week and I was impressed of the quality given it's price. First of all it's good looking in the stepway version and gives a very honest and comfortable ride. No squeeks and rattles in the interior and a lot of space. My Daily car is a 2018 Subaru Forrester. I am also very impressed by the Duster with 1.3 TCe 150 engine.

[@TheDonUrbas]

How does it fare of road?

[@WheelieMacBin]

Can't understand why this guy is being so negative? His daily driver is probably a 7 series BMW on a PCP finance deal. Dacia are in the top five most reliable cars in the UK and they are a lot of car for the money.

[@ParkersTV]

Not far off, Keith is in an S-Class at the moment. www.parkers.co.uk/mercedes-benz/s-class/saloon-2013/long-term-reviews/mercedes-benz-s-350-d-amg-line-l-saloon/

[@YouTubenonesense]

Is not an offroader but behaves like one due to amazing ground clearance. Really useful on bad roads and snow if you have the right tires or chain/socks for a good grip. Diesel has amazing torque for such a light car. It does not have the agility of other small cars but this one can go where a fiesta or corsa will not even dream to attempt. Not to mention space wise. This car is better in luggage space and rear passenger space too.

[@chrisblyth2059]

Aren't some people up themselves? Not everyone can afford other cars. P!us haven't we become spoilt with all the frippery of electronics that cost even more money to put right. Keep it basic, less to go wrong. Dacia have got it right. And no, i don't own one yet.

[@MrUPSman]

Don't know if anyone has shopped around for a used model, but these cars hold their value way better than any of their rivals. After 3 years and 30,000 miles they only lose about 15-20% of value based on condition etc.

[@davegillett7135]

Just getting a six year old one with 30,000 miles. It is like new.

[@Tuzantar]

Why are you comparing a 3 yo Fiesta with a brand new Sandero? If we're playing that game I can get an even cheaper 3 yo Sandero >.< Stupid review imo. Thumbs down.

[@theomanification]

My stepway is good. Economical and pleasant to drive.

[@soots-stayingoutofthespotl5495]

It's certainly a somewhat controversial review, but I have to say the point made about the clutch pedal space/ driver's foot getting stuck behind it is just the kind-of thing I want from a car review, as it's much more helpful than the reviewer predictably telling us about hard plastics etc. It's a 4-year-old review though, so I'd be interested to know if they addressed this issue with the latest version of the Sandero (2021 redesign).

[@kieranburke2777]

So an out of warranty car, or a brand new one?

[@timyoung7561]

Pleased with mine, yes it's got hard black plastic inside and yes it rolls on the corners but what do you expect for the price. It does everything I want it too.

[@anglosaxonmike8325]

Step away from Parkers. They are making sure the expensive brands are not going to be hurt by increasing sales of this excellent car We have just taken delivery of the 2018 Stepway Essential, in metallic blue. It's a shocking car. I was shocked by how quiet it is, how roomy, how comfortable. Shocked by the nice ride, how easy it is to drive. The shockingly good sound from the four speakers. The excellent DAB radio, the bluetooth works perfectly. The doors shut easily without slamming with a nice solid feel. Big boot too. The bonnet has gas struts. It all feels very solid and well out together. Yes we are shocked.....at how good this car is for the price.

[@ParkersTV]

Why would we want to protect the ‘expensive brands’, Mike?

[@anglosaxonmike8325]

Well, you tell me. Many reviews are clearly biased and unfair. The car is much better than most reviews give it credit for.. There is an internal boot release, and I really like the lockable fuel cap.A lack of lane steering FFS! only morons need lane steering. I drove heavy artics for 30 years to 44 tons. never had crap like cameras and parking bleepers. As for a used Fiesta, we have one. A Zetec 1.4 auto. It's not a patch on the Stepway. The interior is cheap and horrid, the radio etc is crap, the doors ring like a bell when shutting. The car is no where near as solid or roomy as the Dacia, and it's too low for comfort. No, never mind your silly step away from the Stepway, step away from Parkers biased reviews. Lots of people don't want to spend an extra £10,000 or more on unwanted electronic junk. The Dacia is more reliable than Range Rover, Jaguar, Toyota, Vauxhall, BMW, Renault (oddly enough) and many more. You failed to mention that small detail. Because you don't want to upset the 'posh' brands. Modern cars are becoming over priced, over engineered, over packed with stuff real drivers just don't want. I predict Dacia will become very popular with sensible people who aren't badge snobs. I laugh at badge snobs. let them waste tens of thousands of pounds, I would rather keep it in the bank ha ha.

[@alexr833]

@@anglosaxonmike8325 well done mate. I have a Stepway Sandero and couldn't be more happy . what you described is precise + i like how the rubber on the steering wheel feels

[@klystron44]

These reviewers do not understand what is required of a car to use over rough ground and farm tracks, it does not need to be an official 4x4. All it needs is ground clearance!

[@alexr833]

got my new one, sorry mate but you got the review all wrong

[@MrSparklespring]

I agree! Great car and great and dependable value for money!

[@adi6293]

So 3 years old car vs this? they only I have owned was 12 years old Punto that broke on me so I might not have the most experience with card but I would pick that Dacia any day :)

[@acousticsimpson]

I have owned my stepway (2017, laureate) for 15 months. I've not had a single problem with it. Yes, the seats are a bit uncomfortable on longer drives and it is a bit annoying when you forget to unlock the boot from the lever on the floor, but it's a fantastic, cheap option for those that need space. I got the car just before my daughter was born. I have plenty of space for a buggy AND shopping in the boot. I get an average of 48 MPG with a mix of city, country and motorway driving. I average about £85 to fill it from almost empty (when prices are high) for the money, you can't beat the practicality. It also performed really well in the snow last winter. Get one if you need cheap, reliable, spacious motoring.

[@acousticsimpson]

I forgot to add, I paid £7500 for a car with less that 25000 miles on the clock

[@rylter]

I'm going to look at a used Sandero Stepway 2018 on monday. It has only been driven about 4000 km and the current owner is asking for 87 000 SEK (about £6 900). I have a six year old son and a four year old daughter. Would you recommend it? I should mention I probably can get the price down a few hundred punds if I do a quick problem free deal.

[@ashleygarnish9995]

Whats it like with 4 adults in does it pull ok mate

[@Kay_Emm_]

It’s not meant to be an off roader! It’s just, essentially, a bigger version!

[@TheDonUrbas]

But does it fare "good enough" I guess in forest roads and such?

[@unknownhidden1746]

They are a great car

[@tomthomas9173]

very very good car for the price

[@TheZiherica3]

love to have one!

[@ilovecars2558]

Great first car 😊

[@ParkersTV]

It would indeed be good at that, rugged, cheap and practical.

[@ZhadTheRad]

My family is getting a Sandero Stepway Prestige next week, and it has an external boot release

[@User-wt5wb]

I own a Dacia and yes, it is more or less a shoebox. It’s also very hard for elder people to get into it as well. For anyone who likes loud music then the stereo is not very loud. Nevertheless it’s very reliable car for anyone needing to go from a to b.

[@soots-stayingoutofthespotl5495]

Do you own a Sandero or a Sandero Stepway, as I understand that the latter sits a bit higher on its suspension, so I would have thought it would be easier for pensioners to get in and out-of?

[@checker3694]

This guys review is terrible. How is it possible to buy a cheaper car. 3 important options A/C, DAB radio and power steering. And a frugal Diesel engine. If you want a nice badge and pointless options you will start to pay thousands more.

[@MrSparklespring]

Review is indeed terrible. The guy doesn't have a clue.

[@ZuLuuuuuu]

Why so many dislikes? Because of the realistic review? Because he didn't pretend like Dacia Sandero is just as good as more expensive cars? This car is great value for your money, especially if you like to buy a brand new car with warranty. But Dacia achieves such low prices by compromising a few things compared to more expensive cars, that is just natural, and the reviewer points some shortcomings out, that's all. He also mentions the good parts, so I don't see a problem.

[@floriannsiku5366]

I think this review is rubbish I have given the one of these cars and never had problem with space on the clutch I think the guy has big feet that's why he's foot is stuck on the clutch 😂

[@travelpassionate1]

Considering buying one of these. Petrol 2017. Comments seem promising. Anyone recommend?

[@paulwarrington1966]

I have a diesel version. With my noise cancelling headphones on, motorway crusing is ok.... The is my basic a to b car. Bought a 3 year old one with low mileage. My other 'real car' for pleasure and non-commuting trips is a Nissan 350z... 300 bhp... They look hilarious parked next to each other on the drive. 🤣.

[@Peac249]

U get what u pay a d its quite a bargain for the price. Its more on the practical commuting rather than unnecessary gimmicks some people are addicted to

[@toomasargel8503]

Gravel roads and 50% raods in summer are in Estonia maintinace = covered with gravel. That mind here You need a minimum 160mm clearence

[@ParkersTV]

Good!

[@dgb336]

Would have liked to see the seats folded down

[@adamsimpson3536]

What a crap biased review looks like someone missed doing a review on a premium plus manufacturer vehicle.

[@ParkersTV]

Sounds like we’ve not been nice enough about someone’s new car...

[@adamsimpson3536]

@@ParkersTV actually I own a focus but that's besides the point

[@jasonvandermeijden7379]

@@ParkersTV lol you guys need a new youtube comment replyer. haha

[@MrSparklespring]

@@ParkersTV Very biased review, picking on details!

[@tm06ufo]

good car

[@trackingcalin1988]

Is not fair to compare new Dacia with 3 years old Fiesta at 9000 euro. You should compare 3 years old Dacia at 5000 euro with 3 years old Fiesta at 10000 euro..

[@jamesedenbrow3232]

I have a 68 plate stepway. Headlights are poor even with uprated bulbs. Any ideas to improve pls?

[@kenzohkw]

Get them aligned properly at an MOT place. I've got a Logan with the same headlights and for halogens they are very good and I've owned over 20 cars.

[@MrUPSman]

It's a shame you can't get any Dacia with an automatic. Even a basic CVT would be great.

[@danielg2923]

They have in Romania. Robotic transmision, some kind of hibrid.

[@friendlyhorseuk7220]

Poor review containing some rather silly comments. Out of touch with people in the real world who want reliability, simplicity and value for money

[@tommyhallows]

I own a Dacia Stepway 2018 Essential model ("basic"). Yes it has flaws such as no boot handle but there is a boot release! So there is compremise. Cons: no boot handle, seat fabrics in "basic" won't last, boot lid has no hinge but could also be considered a pro? "Basic" is manual windows at back. No foot rest but you can learn to rest foot elsewhere? I have. "basic" radio USB is pointless 0.25Amp and does not support android. Should have just slapped in a 2.0Amp USB and call it that. Pros: easy to drive, ECO mode, comfy, fits family of 4, has power thanks to turbocharged engine so the 899cc is more like 1.4ltr. 2 cigarette sockets, bluetooth.

[@casperdog777]

This review misses the Dacia point almost 100%. It's all about PRICE and basic functionality. The Dacia delivers on both. I have a 2020 Stepway and wait for it......it's a bi fuel version. With rip off unleaded prices here in the UK it is refreshing to get a factory fitted bi fuel lpg option. The Stepway is what it is and ask James May (he of Top Gear fame), he loves the Dacia brand and has just done a Sandero video comparing it to his £8,000 push bike (worth a watch). So far, early into ownership of my pre-used 10 month old bi fuel Stepway, I like mine even if I have only had it for a week. I just feel spending up to £25,000 for a Ford Fiesta is taking the mickey. The Fiesta is an OK car but not a £25,000 car even if it has all the bells and whistles. Sadly this review has completely missed the whole Dacia philosophy. Also the facelift 2021 models are an even bigger improvement.

[@Ambienfinity]

GOOD NEWS!

[@aesirclassicpubgm8228]

A L E R T!!! THE BEST WAY TO WATCH THIS VIDEO IS TO TURN OFF YOUR VOLUME. because the reviewer is more complaining like a 8 year old kid. 😜😜

[@AMa-mb3yc]

On the positive it's not as hackable unlike new cars with all the fancy tech

[@ASGMELO]

Parabéns pelo trabalho 😁

[@charliewiltermood2879]

£12000 is a fucking bargain 12k for a car is nothing!

[@geckolegacy2306]

I didn't like the review

[@jpht1964]

Dacia is Romanian but they are build in Slovenia in the same factory as the Renault Twingo III.

[@OvidiuBucur]

Hans Anderson also, India, Romania, Marocco and in future probably Turkey :)

[@carsmedic]

They are build at Mioveni, near Pitesti. Check on google maps..

[@Akdemx]

Hans Anderson Dacia for Europe is bild only in Romania at Pitesti (Mioveni factory)

[@davidpaterson6312]

I almost slipped in the vedio

[@putyourminetoit]

i looking for a new car Keep up the good work i love it I just SUBSCRIBE to you

[@trykozmaksym]

1:15 weird stuff - doesn't look like that in other reviews...

[@jamjinn786]

Does this guy even know what he is even talking about? Wifys Fiat500X for 19k hasn't got line assist...

[@greenicerebbel]

I own a Stepway and i can assure you it does less than 50 mpg outside and less than 40 mpg city driving.

[@OvidiuBucur]

GX DarcY best I got on mine is 42mpg on the M3. But hey, at 75mph, what can you expect?

[@davegillett7135]

@@OvidiuBucur What does it do at 90?

[@OvidiuBucur]

@@davegillett7135 I mostly drive the M3, M25, M1 etc so don't often get past 3rd gear to know

[@davegillett7135]

@@OvidiuBucur the last time I was in a car doing 75 in 3rd gear was in 1982 in a triumph dolomite. It was owned by a chap who funnily enough lives in Lightwater. Yup it's far too busy up there. I drove on an almost empty main road for ages this afternoon. Bliss.

[@xyaolyn]

please close this guy channel. He is offering false informations about a product.

[@davegillett7135]

You've just made me fancy a tin of rice pudding.

[@andywrollo2915]

Nowhere to put your foot..... Like any other car.

[@rayanekarouata1380]

😲😲😲😲😲

[@twixxer.6196]

Exterior looks amazing but the interior its so simple and it doesn't look so good

[@ParkersTV]

You get what you pay for, I guess!

[@anglosaxonmike8325]

we have a new one, the interior is excellent, way better quality than our Fiesta Zetec.

[@SamanthaGuttesen]

@@ParkersTV which happens to be the most outdated saying. You CAN have quality without paying for the name. Why buy 6pack of milk from morrisons for £4,when you can buy the same amount from aldi for £3.30. Why buy a Renault, when it's the same components/engine but cheaper. Oh I forgot, snobs still think paying more equals quality.

[@tdreamgmail]

I think this guy could have reviewed the car without ever stepping inside it...

[@ParkersTV]

Can't see that catching on.

[@comedyman112]

boojet brands, eh?