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Dacia Sandero 2024 review

Hatchback Petrol

Dacia Sandero 2024 — front three-quarter view

Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Dacia Sandero is Britain's cheapest new car, and that is only the start of its appeal. Now in its third generation, the 2024 Sandero proves that honest, simple motoring still has a place: it seats five adults in reasonable comfort, carries 328 litres of luggage and sips fuel, all for the price of a well-used supermini from a mainstream brand.

Power comes from Renault's proven 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with 90PS, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. It is not quick, and with a full load it needs to be worked hard on hills, but around town it is willing and returns close to 50mpg in real-world driving. A bi-fuel LPG version cuts fuel costs further for high-mileage drivers with filling stations nearby.

You will find hard plastics throughout the cabin and only a two-star Euro NCAP rating, because Dacia spends money on the essentials rather than the latest driver aids. But the fundamentals are sound: proven mechanicals, low insurance groups, cheap servicing and a genuinely spacious cabin. For budget-conscious buyers, new-car peace of mind at used-car money is a powerful proposition.

UK price from: £13,795

Specifications

Engine	1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (TCe 90)
Power	90 PS (67 kW)
0-60 mph	11.7 seconds
Top speed	111 mph
Fuel economy	52.3 mpg (WLTP combined)
CO2	122 g/km
Boot space	328 litres
Length	4,088 mm
Transmission	6-speed manual
Drive	Front-wheel drive

Features

8-inch touchscreen with media display and navigation
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Smartphone holder dock on Essential trim
LED daytime running lights
Cruise control with speed limiter
Rear parking sensors on Expression trim and above
Automatic air conditioning on Expression trim and above
Height-adjustable driver's seat

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (set)	£29.99	OEM quality; fits 2021-on Sandero III, front axle
Oil filter	£7.99	Spin-on type for 1.0 TCe engines
Cabin pollen filter	£11.99	Standard type; replace every 2 years
Wiper blades (pair, 22in/16in)	£18.99	Flat aero type, front pair
Clutch kit	£189.99	Three-piece kit for 1.0 TCe manual; typically due beyond 80,000 miles
Front brake discs (pair)	£54.99	258mm solid; fits front axle

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Unbeatable value: cheapest new car in its class by a mile
Surprisingly roomy cabin with a decent 328-litre boot
Simple, proven mechanicals keep running costs tiny
Honest, likeable character with low insurance groups

Cons

Basic safety kit: only a 2-star Euro NCAP rating
Cabin is full of hard, scratchy plastics
The 90PS engine feels breathless with a full load
Refinement lags behind pricier rivals at motorway speeds

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dacia Sandero too cheap to be good?

No. It uses proven Renault mechanicals and simply skips expensive extras. It is basic rather than badly built, and UK owners consistently rate it highly for value for money.

Why did the Sandero get 2 stars for safety?

It lacks some of the driver-assistance technology that Euro NCAP now rewards, but its underlying crash structure is sound. If the maximum safety kit matters to you, look at pricier rivals instead.

What MPG does the Sandero TCe 90 get?

Expect around 47 to 50 mpg in mixed driving. Town work returns high-40s mpg, while steady motorway runs can reach the mid-50s.

Should I buy the bi-fuel LPG version?

If you cover high miles and have LPG stations nearby, the Bi-Fuel 100 cuts fuel costs noticeably. For average annual mileage, the standard petrol is simpler to live with.