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!

[ronaldl]

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

[cmbcmb]

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.

[stewartmccracken]

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

[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

[michaeleaton]

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.

[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.

[nigelcb]

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

[Nigelrudyardmusic]

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.

[mr.carguy]

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

[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 😱

[extreme]

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.

[BladeLife]

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

[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 👍🏻

[dianesmith]

Dacia Sandero Stepway..ordered great review thanks..

[trackingcalin]

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

[DontPanicDear]

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

[daviddunne]

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

[Peac]

I always liked the ride quality of this car

[anglosaxonmike]

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