Dacia Sandero Stepway Extreme+ TCe 110 (2024) short test

The Dacia Sandero is one of the Renault subsidiary's most successful models. The small car has been carefully modernised for the 2024 model year. The assistance systems, in particular, have been significantly upgraded. We have already driven the Sandero as the top version Stepway Extreme+ TCe 110.

Dacia is on the upswing. The brand, which is very successful and popular with private customers in particular, can also confirm its clear upward trend in 2024. The Sandero, which is the best-selling car to private customers in Germany, is a key component of this success. In Europe, it is even the best-selling car of all. The rugged Stepway variant is particularly popular, with two-thirds of Sandero buyers across Europe opting for it.

Gallery: Dacia Sandero Stepway (2024) test

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Source: Motor1.com

Against the backdrop of the EU's GSR II safety directive, which came into force this year, Dacia has packed a host of modern assistance systems into the 2024 model year. For example, traffic sign recognition, including the ever-popular speed warning system, lane departure warning, and a drowsiness warning system, are now standard. Automatic light and rain systems, rear parking assistance, and data memory, are now also always on board. Our "Extreme+" also comes with front parking assistance.

It is very convenient to be able to compile your own set-up of assistance systems, which can then be called up with a click using the "My Safety" button on the dashboard. Every vehicle in the Renault-Nissan Alliance now offers this welcome function.

Crisp and as a Stepway with a touch of adventure: the Sandero outfit

Exterior

Not much has changed visually. What is new is the fact that the colour "Safari Beige" is offered exclusively for the Stepway. This is intended to emphasise the Dacia motto "Outdoor & Robust". A few new wheels are also on offer. More was not necessary because the Sandero presented in 2021 still looks fresh today. Especially after it was given the new Dacia family face and logo two years ago. The "normal" Sandero has been joined by the top-of-the-range "Journey" version with very good equipment, which is the counterpart to the "Extreme" equipment of the Stepway.

The roof rail concept of the Stepway is not new, but very interesting. The modular system initially serves as normal roof rails but can also be folded to the side and anchored crosswise in a flash. This means that you no longer need the usual crossbars to mount roof boxes or bike racks.

A brilliantly simple solution! And the best thing is: it is standard in all Sandero Stepways. This means that products from Dacia's "InNature" programme, such as the special roof rack, can also be fitted without any problems.

Ingenious roof rails. Elsewhere it would be called that: Simply clever...

Interior

As usual with Dacia, the interior is dominated by rather soberly arranged hard plastic, which, in our case, is somewhat refreshed by a few copper-coloured accents. So the whole thing doesn't look quite so dull. The workmanship is quite good, no rattling or crackling can be heard.

Given the size of the vehicle, the space is absolutely fine, even in the rear. Two 1.87 metre tall people can just about sit behind each other, and the boot is also sufficient, with 328 usable litres. With the rear seats folded down, the rear can hold a maximum of 1,108 litres. The amount of space is therefore good for a small car.

Only the Extreme version has colour

Place at the back is fine

Plastic interior enhanced with copper-coloured accents

Despite the new wealth of functions, operation is quite simple. Real physical buttons and rotary controls for the climate control (with seat heating!) mean that the depth of functions on the eight-inch touchscreen (standard from Extreme) can be kept to a minimum.

USB-C ports at the front and optionally also at the rear are new. The hands-free keycard, which is standard from "Extreme" upwards, means that the bulky card key can stay in your pocket. In contrast, only the "Extreme +" has the raised centre console including storage compartment on board, as does the electric parking brake.

Engine

Under the bonnet of our Stepway is the top-of-the-range engine, namely the 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder with 110 bhp. As of this year, the Group engine fulfils the current Euro 6e emissions standard but otherwise remains unchanged. Coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox, this hatchback offers a thoroughly appealing performance. After 10 seconds, 62 mph is history, and it is only at 112 mph that the driving resistance wins out over the engine power. This means you are well on your way, and even on the motorway, the left lane is not taboo.

Honest skin: No cover and lots of technology in the engine bay

Due to the torque being applied quite late (148 lb-ft at 2,900-3,500 rpm), the power delivery is quite sporty, with a clear kick after a short thought second. Shifting gears is somewhat gristly with long travel. However, thanks to the relatively high performance, the low weight of just 1,100 kilograms, and the turbo characteristics, you rarely have to reach for the gear lever.

Driving impression

The low weight is also noticeable in the driving behaviour. The Sandero manoeuvres nimbly around all kinds of bends, with the smooth but rather indirect steering also playing its part. The Dacia is not particularly plush, but it offers acceptable comfort.

Thanks to the increased ground clearance, the Stepway can also do its thing on field or forest tracks without being a real off-road vehicle, of course. There is even an "Extended Grip" driving programme for slippery surfaces, which means that the Stepway can do more off-road than you might think.

Not an athlete, but fast to ride

Price

Price has traditionally been Dacia's strong point. This has not changed even in times of galloping inflation. Funnily enough, "our" test vehicle, the Stepway Extreme+ TCe 110, is currently unavailable in the German configurator. Here, the highest equipment level is currently necessarily linked to the ECO-G 100 with dual LPG drive.

If you still want all this with the top petrol engine, simply configure an "Extreme" for 17,900 euros and book the options for a special paint, navigation system, city package, and heated seats. With a final price of 19,900 euros in Germany, the result is still just under the magic 20K mark.

Incidentally, the Stepway fun starts at just 15,100 euros for the Essential TCe 90, and as the maintenance costs also remain at a very low level, you still can't get more car for your money anywhere else.

More from Dacia:

A Dacia like this has never been seen before, here is the Sandrider

First Dacia Spring delivered in the UK

Conclusion

The Dacia Sandero Stepway remains true to the Dacia principles, even in the highest trim level Extreme+, and after the product upgrade, namely to be an essential and honest car with a top price-performance ratio, which is above all practical and in this version surprises with a little luxury. Otherwise, as always, the Dacia promises nothing it can't deliver, which is certainly a large part of its success.

Photo: Motor1.com