Changes include new hybrid powertrains for the popular Sandero and Sandero Stepway, alongside digital interface updates and richer standard equipment. The Sandero-derived seven-seater jogger has already adopted this more powerful hybrid setup, according to AutoExpress.
The new engine available for Dacia Sandero is the 155 Hybrid unit, which comes alongside the existing thermal engine — 100 TCe, a three-cylinder turbo. The system uses the same architecture as the other hybrid models in the Dacia and Renault family: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with an electric motor and an integrated generator-starter. The battery is modest, of only 1.4 kWh, but it allows running with the thermal engine off up to 80% in urban traffic.
Combined power reaches 153 HP, 52 HP more than the purely thermal version. However, the three-cylinder engine remains with more torque, with 200 Nm compared to the hybrid’s 170 Nm. Performance figures have yet to be confirmed for the Sandero, but the slightly larger Jogger, equipped with the same system, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 178 km/h — 0.7 seconds faster than the purely thermal variant of the Sandero.
Perhaps more relevant to many buyers, however, are the improvements in fuel consumption. Dacia didn’t provide exact figures for the Sandero, but the Jogger with the same hybrid powertrain consumes 4.6 liters per 100 km in the homologation cycle and emits 104 g CO2/km — that’s around 1.4 l/100 km less and 17 g/km less than the current Sandero thermal. Similar improvements are expected for the Sandero.
For the privilege of hybrid assistance, buyers will have to fork out around €3,500 more, judging by the price difference between the thermal and hybrid versions of the Jogger.
According to experts, the new Dacia Sandero model could be one of the cars with the lowest running costs.
A few aesthetic touches have also been introduced to the rest of the range. Stepway models with high ground clearance get a new exterior cladding material made from 20% recycled polymer. It’s called Starkle and requires no additional coatings or painting after manufacture, helping to both reduce the car’s carbon footprint and make it easier to recycle at the end of its life cycle.
In terms of equipment, higher-level models now benefit from automatic headlights, a multi-view camera system and power-folding rear-view mirrors. Inside, the instrument panel received redesigned graphics for a more modern look. Also, all new Sandero, Stepway and Jogger versions comply with the latest European safety regulations, which require driver attention monitoring systems and autonomous emergency braking.
