Dacia Sandero Stepway

What makes the Sandero very down-to-earth: it is not an SUV, but a traditional hatchback. Such cars are simpler and therefore more economical to build. Moreover, the centre of gravity is lower and the streamline is better. To still give the Sandero an adventurous touch, there is a so-called "Stepway" variant.

This can be recognised by bumpers all around, roof rails and extra ground clearance. From model year 2026, the Sandero Stepway has a bar visually connecting the rear lights for a distinctive look. The front bumper and headlights have been redesigned for a more modern look. The aforementioned bumpers are now made of "Starkle"; a plastic that is 20% recycled material. It is already strong without paint or other treatment and therefore relatively environmentally friendly to produce. Finally, the Sandero (Stepway) is available in the new colour "Amber Yellow" and that looks particularly good on the test car!

The extra ground clearance allows for a slightly higher entry and thus fractionally better all-round visibility. Space up front is good, making the Sandero feel larger inside than its exterior dimensions suggest. Rear seat space is good for a car of this size. As the inner lining of the tailgate is only partially clad, this is where the Sandero betrays that it is an economy car. On the contrary, the other trim and build quality leave little to be desired.

Equipment

This also applies to the equipment of the "Extreme"version driven here. That features a full audio, communication and navigation system on a new 10-inch screen. Because the display is generously sized, the Sandero once again gives a little less the feel of a budget car and a little more that of a budget mid-size car. The navigation system is now provided by Europe's HERE rather than US-based Google. The Sandero supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This can be done wirelessly or via one of the two USB-C connections in the centre console.

The Sandero (Stepway) still has traditional, physical buttons on the dashboard, so it does not join the trend of minimalism. On the contrary, it is very modern: at the heart of large rotary knobs the selected temperature is displayed from the (1 zone) climate control system.

Since required by the European Union, safety features have been expanded. For example, there is now a camera in the A-pillar that continuously monitors the driver's eyes. When the driver does not look ahead, a warning sounds. As with parent company Renault, pressing a button to the left of the steering wheel twice suffices to silence most safety features.

Eco-G 120

The reason for driving the Sandero (Stepway) again is the introduction of the so-called "Eco-G 120" engine (not available in the UK for now). True to Dacia tradition, it runs on both petrol and LPG. The "Eco-G 120" engine is mated to a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The latter ensures that a next or previous gear is ready to go in most cases, so that shift times are virtually zero. In addition, this automatic gearbox shifts so smoothly in practice that it seems as if the Sandero accelerates in one continuous line.

At least, when the pace is built up gradually. When suddenly a lot of power is needed, the three-cylinder briefly yawns in the revs and a ruffling sound breaks the peace in the Sandero. Previously, the Sandero (Stepway) delivered a maximum of 110 hp and with this new motorisation, that increases to 120 hp. Yet it is not the improved performance that makes the "Eco-G 120" stand out, but the ease with which it is delivered. Together with the standard automatic gearbox, the Sandero (Stepway) now has a more mature character, again making the car feel less cheap than before.

Handling

The main difference with larger and more expensive cars is in handling. Those cars react just that little bit calmer on bad road surfaces and are just that little bit more good-natured in extreme situations. Thereby, the brakes of the Sandero (Stepway) require some getting used to, as they bite hard and eagerly. Despite this lack of refinement, the Sandero's road handling still makes the mark. Moreover, the Stepway version offers an extra bonus with its increased ground clearance and thus slightly longer suspension travel for more comfort. It also ensures that the Stepway can cope with slightly rougher terrain than a standard hatchback.

Conclusion

Did Dacia manage to make the difference between the standard Sandero and Sandero Stepway bigger? Yes, the looks have become more appealing. More importantly, however, both variants have been given richer equipment for the 2026 model year and offer more safety. With the "Eco-G 120" engine, the Sandero (Stepway) offers better performance than before, which is also delivered with more convenience.

What has remained is its down-to-earth character, while the car moves with the times where necessary. A Dacia Sandero offers everything that a car in 2026 requires, but no more than that to keep the price competitive. The improvements ensure that the Sandero has acquired a more mature character and Dacia even better conceals what has been cut back. In short: a Step in the right direction for the Sandero Stepway!

-d