Dacia Sandero Review – Is It Still the Best Budget Hatchback?

On the outside, the front end has been given a slight redesign – the grille is much cleaner, the headlights are a bit sharper, and the bumper has more definition, all helping the car look that little bit more grown-up without going over the top.

Along the sides, we were very impressed with its body lines, that really have been subtly tweaked to look more stylish and modern here, and you’ll notice new steel wheel designs that bring a bit more style even to the lower trims as well.

Higher trims, like the Expression and Extreme, now also include extra rugged touches, such as roof bars and chunkier detailing, giving the Sandero here a dash of crossover character, while still being very much a hatchback at heart.

Inside the cabin, the upgrades continue, too.

Here you get a new built-in smartphone holder, that now comes as standard, and which is perfect for both navigation or music on the go, as a result.

The cabin's materials that have also been used also feel slightly more upmarket, and there are more thoughtful storage areas dotted around as well - all of which help to make your everyday driving that bit easier as a result.

It’s these small but very smart touches, in our view, that really do help to make the 2025 Sandero feel more polished and more in tune with what everyday drivers actually want these days.

For example, at the front, the new Sandero has had a gentle nip and tuck.

What we mean by this is that the headlamps now feature Dacia’s distinctive Y-shaped LED pattern, which gives it a much sharper face as a result.

The grille is also smarter looking, and the front bumpers have a tidy-up too – nothing wild, but it all comes together very nicely in our view.

The Dacia badge then sits loud and proud, and everything just looks clean and well-proportioned for a car in this price range, to be honest.

Up front, the Sandero also comes fitted with LED dipped headlights as standard – and they are a proper upgrade from the old halogen units as well.

For instance, here they light up the road ahead beautifully with a clear, bright beam - perfect for late-night drives or misty mornings.

Plus, they use less energy and last longer, making them both efficient and reliable overall as well.

Looking at it side-on, though, the Sandero remains nicely compact with a sturdy little stance, and you can just tell it will be easy to park as a result.

There is also a good bit of ground clearance, which is great for speed bumps and country lanes too, and you will spot a few subtle creases that add shape without being shouty about it.

Then, depending on the trim you go for, you can get added black hard plastic trim around the wheel arches for that slightly outdoorsy look, all of which is very neat and sensible, just how most people will like it.

The roofline then gently slopes to help with your aerodynamics, but it does not pinch the rear headroom in doing so, which is fab if you are tall or lugging gear around.

On the fancier trims as well, you will get integrated roof bars, which are perfect for popping on a roof box or a bike rack here too.

Higher trims, such as with the Journey model, also get colour-contrasting roofs, which also add a nice splash of style without looking over the top in doing so.

Around the back, the Sandero then helps to keep things straightforward but still does so by looking smart in the process.

Here, its rear lights follow that same Y-shaped LED theme as the front, which ties the whole look together nicely in our view.

This rear look is then complemented well by the tailgate. Here it is also very simple to operate and easy to reach, and you’ll find a discreet Sandero badge just beneath the rear screen here too.

You also get rear parking sensors, which are built in as standard on higher trims – a small touch we think, due to it making your daily drive so much easier, as a result.

Base models come with solid, no-nonsense 15-inch steel wheels, which will help to keep your running costs down, as these can be cheap to replace and durable too.

If you go for a higher trim, you’ll get a set of more stylish two-tone wheel covers that look pretty close to alloy wheels as well.

They are still fitted with budget-friendly tyres too, which is great news for your wallet when it’s time to swap them out if you want to keep the same ones.

For example, here, depending on the trim you go for, you have an option of:

• 16-inch wheels in Atara Flexwheels
• 15-inch Steel Wheels with Elma Hubcaps
• 16-inch Randia Alloy Wheels

Moving to your paint options, here the Sandero’s colour choices are very cheerful and nicely varied as well.

So, whether you are after something subtle or a bit brighter, there really is a shade for you.

Some trims here even let you pick contrasting roof colours for a splash more personality as well.

For instance, here you can choose from:

• Glacier White
• Pearl Black
• Shadow Grey
• Iron Blue
• Urban Grey
• Cedar Green

Paint Options by Trim

By trim, you have:

◯ = Optional / – = Not available

At the back, you will also notice that the Sandero proudly features Dacia’s new Y-shaped rear lights, which give you a very stylish touch that helps it stand out from the crowd by a good distance, we think.

An added bonus, unlike many high-end luxury cars, they are also not just for show, either.

Here, the LED pattern gives you a crisp, modern look while also improving your visibility for other road users at the same time.

It is a small detail, but it adds a lot of character, especially when viewed at night or in gloomy weather.

The front seats, for example, are surprisingly supportive for a budget-friendly hatchback we found.

There is also a good amount of legroom (up to 1,030mm) and a comfortable seating position here that will suit most drivers.

Here, you can also adjust the seat height manually, and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes as well, which we must admit is rare at this price point.

Overall, the layout here is clear and simple, with a straightforward dashboard and easy-to-read dials, with everything being where you would expect it - and importantly, there really is nothing fussy to get in the way.

In the back, you will then find a comfortable space for long journeys, for two adults or three kids without any issues.

Both the headroom (circa 878 mm) and legroom (circa 867 mm) are better than you might think for a car this size, and the upright roofline means even taller passengers won’t feel too squashed.

All of which makes it perfectly fine for school runs, shopping trips, short runs, and occasional longer drives as well.

The Dacia Sandero also does a good job at keeping things practical and fuss-free when it comes to rear seat flexibility as well.

For instance, all versions come with 60/40 split-folding rear seats as standard, giving you that extra space and options you need when you need to carry larger loads or awkward-shaped items.

So, whether it is folding down one side to fit a pushchair in while still having room for a passenger, or dropping both seats for a big shop or flat-pack furniture, the layout here works well in everyday situations in our expert view.

The Sandero’s kit list is also refreshingly generous for a car that doesn’t cost the earth.

For example, even the basic trims come with electric front windows, hill start assist, and a handy speed limiter.

Then, if you go up a level, you will find cruise control, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, and a proper digital display behind the steering wheel as well.

There is also a smartphone app in the mix on some trims to take advantage of as well, which gives you even more control over things like remote locking and service updates, too, we must note.

You can then also get a bright and responsive 8-inch touchscreen on top of the dashboard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support built-in – not bad at all for a budget hatch!

We also found this to be clear, easy to use, and links up with your phone in no time.

The infotainment system also comes with Bluetooth, USB ports, and a smart little phone dock on most models, too.

Even the basic setup on the entry-level models gives you a user-friendly display and media controls as well – all very simple and sensible, really.

For your comfort features, the Dacia Sandero makes great use of its interior space, with a focus on practical comfort that is more than evident.

For example, there really are plenty of clever storage options dotted about – trays, pockets, and bottle holders – and seating that’s supportive enough for everyday use.

Another area we liked is that the suspension seems to soak up town bumps nicely for its price point, though it can get a tad firm on country roads, which is to be expected of any car in this segment at this retail price point, really.

Still, we thought it handled speed bumps and potholes really well, making it a very easy car to drive, and this is supported really well thanks to its automatic air conditioning system, which comes as standard on most models as well, which is ideal for those hot days, especially.

All in all, for a car at this price, it feels far better built and more pleasant inside than you might expect, making it a proper everyday car, not just something to get you from A to B.

The materials used in the upholstery also impressed us, and are solid and built to last.

Granted, you won’t find leather or soft-touch plastics here, but the fabrics feel tough enough for family life, which is the main thing.

The higher trims like the Journey and the Extreme do spice things up a bit here, with some nice contrast stitching and textured inserts, giving the cabin a bit of personality in the process.

We must note as well that everything is just easy to clean, too, which is a bonus if you've got kids or pets hopping in and out frequently.

Cabin storage is also spot on.

For example, here you get a roomy glove box, deep door bins, a central storage tray, and cup holders in all the right places.

Then some trims even have handy extras like a centre console box and phone cradle as well.

Overall, the car may not be flashy, but it is all really well thought-out and super practical.

With the hands-free access and ignition card as well, you will find that this is no more rummaging for your keys.

Instead, here, if you want to use it, with the hands-free key card, you can unlock, start, and lock your Sandero without even taking the card out of your pocket or bag.

Just walk up, hop in, press start with the card in your pocket, and you are off.

It’s one of those little luxuries that makes everyday driving that bit easier, especially when your hands are full of shopping bags or school gear as well.

Then, behind the steering wheel, you will find a very stylish and easy-to-read digital display that keeps you informed nicely without distracting you at all.

For example, it shows off useful info like your speed, fuel range, and trip details – all with bright, modern graphics as it does so too.

It then gives the cabin a fresh, up-to-date feel while keeping things simple and focused on the road ahead.

The Sandero’s new tech also gives you more bang for your money as well.

For example, here even the entry-level models get a handy smartphone dock with steering wheel audio controls.

If you then step up to the Media Display system and you will enjoy an 8-inch touchscreen with voice recognition and wired smartphone mirroring through Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ as well.

As a result, here everything is just laid out clearly, so it is easy to use as well.

If you then want a bit more, the Media Nav system adds built-in sat nav, plus Wi-Fi-based smartphone mirroring for a cleaner, cable-free setup too.

Here you will also notice that you also get six speakers dotted around the cabin for a richer sound experience – great for podcasts, music, or a cheeky road trip playlist.

Altogether, we found it to be a cracking system for the price, and one that makes longer journeys feel that little bit more premium.

The Sandero is also surprisingly quiet on the go, especially around town, and this is helped further thanks to its lightweight design, which means it feels agile without being twitchy in doing so.

Its manual gearbox is also slick enough, and if you opt for the CVT auto version, it really will take the stress out of stop-start traffic especially well.

Here we found that the Sandero really shines in the city.

For instance, it is really easy to park, has great visibility, and the suspension is well-tuned to soak up potholes and speed bumps with ease.

Out on the country roads, it still holds its own very nicely, we thought as well, though don’t expect fireworks on the track, as it's not built for that.

At motorway speeds, it is also comfortable enough for long hauls at higher speeds as well here, but you may hear some more road noise, which is to be expected.

Here it gets the job done.

The 1.0-litre engine offers a 0–62mph time of around 11.5 seconds on the Bi-Fuel version, with a top speed of about 110 mph, which on the whole is pretty respectable for a car in this class.

The Bi-Fuel version also gives you up to 800 miles of combined range when using both petrol and LPG tanks, which is brilliant for road trips and fewer stops at the pump as well.

Since the Sandero is not an electric car, there is no charging needed here – just fill up with fuel and off you go.

But the Bi-Fuel model does give you two tanks: one for petrol and one for LPG, which is cheaper to run and slightly cleaner too.

Refilling your LPG tank also takes just a few minutes and is available at most larger petrol stations too, so you shouldn't be stuck here in doing so.

Here’s a quick look at what the Sandero’s packing under the bonnet:

When it comes to your fuel efficiency, the Sandero really is at its best when pottering around town or cruising on A-roads.

For instance, here you can get up to 53.3 mpg (WLTP) in the petrol versions, and the Bi-Fuel model can be even more economical when using LPG as well.

Then, in stop-start traffic, we must note here, the engine stays smooth and sips fuel rather than guzzling it, helping to give it its long range, as a result.

Cold mornings, or short runs, will see a slight drop in your fuel economy, but by nothing dramatic, and it still remains one of the most efficient cars in its class here as well.

As you can see, choosing the best engine for your Dacia Sandero really depends on how and where you drive – but here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.

The entry-level SCe 65 engine is really simple, reliable, and ideal if you mainly potter about town or do short journeys, as it is a 1.0-litre non-turbo petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox – nothing fancy, but cheap to run and insure.

If you’re after a bit more zip, the TCe 90 turbocharged engine is the sweet spot. It offers better acceleration, smoother motorway cruising, and can be paired with either a manual or automatic CVT gearbox. It’s still very efficient and doesn’t cost much more than the base version.

Then, for drivers looking to cut running costs, the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel is a cracking option, as it runs on both petrol and LPG, giving you impressive range and cheaper fill-ups – perfect for long-distance drivers or budget-conscious buyers.

Our pick?
The TCe 90 strikes the best balance of performance, efficiency, and price – but if saving money on fuel is your top priority, the Bi-Fuel version is well worth a look as well, and if you really want to prioitise towing and speed, then the TCE 100 is for you.

The Sandero remains one of Britain’s cheapest new cars, starting well under £15,000 even in 2025.

That’s incredible value for a well-equipped supermini with modern tech and strong safety credentials.

Real-world figures here are just as impressive. The TCe 90 petrol version returns up to 53.3 mpg (WLTP), while the Bi-Fuel model offers up to 43.5 mpg on LPG and over 800 miles of combined range. LPG is typically 40% cheaper than petrol per litre — that’s proper savings over time.

The Sandero sits in low insurance groups - starting from Group 3 for the SCe 65, and ranging up to Group 13 for top-spec Bi-Fuel models. That means lower premiums, especially for new drivers or families adding a second car.

Thanks to its efficient engines, the Sandero qualifies for the lower end of the VED scale. Many versions fall within the £180 flat annual rate, which is great for budgeting.

Simple mechanics and Renault-sourced parts make servicing straightforward and inexpensive. Dacia offers cost-effective service plans and extended warranties too, helping keep things predictable long-term.

The Sandero holds its value surprisingly well for a budget model, thanks to its reputation for reliability and strong demand on the secondhand market. Bi-Fuel models, in particular, are attractive to used buyers seeking low running costs.

When you put all that together - low upfront cost, brilliant fuel economy, cheap insurance, and strong reliability - the Sandero isn’t just a cheap car. It’s a clever one.

As a result, for your ongoing running cost, here it gives you everything you need, nothing you don’t, and leaves more money in your pocket for the things that matter most.

The latest model of the Sandero has seen Dacia upping its tech game as well.

For instance, what you get now is a bundle of driver assistance systems that help take the edge off your everyday driving.

Safety also doesn’t mean complexity here either – it is all straightforward, smartly laid out, and genuinely helpful.

For example, there is even a “My Safety” menu to help you personalise your favourite safety equipment as well, and it does so, being clever without being complicated - and that’s exactly one of the things that makes it stand out in its class in our view.

Standard on most trims, this feature gives you extra peace of mind. If it detects something in your path – be it another car, a pedestrian, or someone on a bike – it’ll warn you and even brake for you if needed. It’s one of those features you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.

Worried about drifting out of lane on the motorway? No need. This system nudges the wheel gently to keep you centered if it thinks you’re veering off without using your indicators. It's subtle but makes a big difference on long drives or when you're a bit tired.

This little helper keeps an eye on your driving style and lets you know if it thinks you’re losing concentration. A gentle reminder to take a break if you’ve been on the road a while – a nice safety net, especially on longer journeys.

If you’re in an unfamiliar area, this feature’s a gem. It reads road signs as you go and flashes up the current speed limit right on your dash. Go over the limit, and it’ll ping a little alert, which you can switch off if you’d rather drive in peace. Handy for keeping points off your licence!

The Dacia Sandero also comes with all the must-haves: lane keep assist, emergency braking, cruise control, speed limiter, and tyre pressure monitoring, to name just a few.

It has also earned a solid safety rating from Euro NCAP as well, especially considering its price point, and this is also backed up by it winning a lot of rewards over time, with many factoring in its reliability and performance. Furthermore, the Sandero has also done brilliantly in reliability surveys as well, often landing in the top three, beating many more expensive and premium brands along the way.

For example, some of its awards it has won include, for instance:

• Best Small Car for Value Award at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards
• Best Budget Car Award at the Autocar Awards
• Supermini of the Year Award at the Auto Express Awards
• Best Value New Car Award at the Auto Trader New Car Awards
• Best Small Car for Less Than £12,000 Award at the What Car? Awards
• Best Small Car for Less Than £10,000 Award at the What Car? Awards
• Best Cheap Car Award at the Carbuyer Awards
• Best Car for Winter Award at the Carbuyer Awards
• Best Value Car Award at the Honest John Satisfaction Index
• Best Value Car Award at the Parkers Awards
• Value Car of the Year Award at The Sun Motor Awards
• Best Small Car Award at the Top Gear Awards
• Best Value Car Award at the Business Car Awards
• Best Small Car Award at the Carwow Awards
• Best Value Car Award at the News UK Motor Awards
• Best Supermini Award at the Fleet News Awards
• Best Small Hatchback Award at the Company Car Today Awards
• Best Value Car Award at the UK Car of the Year Awards
• Best Small Car Award at the GreenFleet Awards
• Best Value Car Award at the Motor Trader Industry Awards

All in all, while it’s not loaded with every bell and whistle, it does deliver well on the essentials and then some, making it a very smart and sensible choice for those drivers who want peace of mind without a massive bill.

• External Appearance
  • Black Grille with Dacia Logo and White Decorative Inserts
  • LED Signature Lighting
  • Automatic Activation of Daytime LED Running Lights
  • Body-Coloured Front/Rear Bumpers
  • Black Exterior Door Handles
  • Black Door Mirrors
  • 15" Steel Wheels with Elma Hubcaps
• Interior Design
  • Fog Grey Airvent Surrounds and White Sliders
  • Titanium Black Door Panels
  • Black Interior Door Handles
  • Split-Fold Rear Bench 1/3 & 2/3
  • Special Essential Upholstery
• Active and Passive Safety
  • My Safety Button to Manage Driver Assistance Systems
  • Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS) + Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Automatic Emergency Suburban Braking with Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Hill Start Assist (HSA)
  • Emergency Call (E-Call)
  • Event (Accident) Data Logger
  • Alcohol Immobiliser Predisposition
  • Traffic Sign Recognition with Speed Alert/Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA)
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Driver Fatigue Detection System
  • Front / Rear "Rescue Code®" QR Code
  • Driver's Front Airbag / Passenger's Side Airbag (Deactivatable)
  • Shoulder and Curtain Side Airbags
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Tyre Pressure Detection
  • Tyre Inflation Kit
  • Isofix Mounts for Child Seats in Both Side Rear Seats
• Driving and Controls
  • Rain and Light Sensors
  • Power Assisted Steering
  • Stop & Start
  • On-Board Computer: Distance Travelled, Average Speed, Range, Average Consumption (Including LPG)
  • Speed Limiter / Cruise Control
• Visibility
  • Door Mirrors with Interior Manual Adjustment
• Comfort
  • Electric Door Locking with Radio Frequency Remote Control
  • Automatic Locking of Doors When in Motion
  • Front Electric Driver and Passenger Windows
  • Height-Adjustable Steering Wheel
  • Front Ceiling Light
  • 1 Front 12V Socket
  • Manual Air Con / Climate Control
• Multimedia & Audio
  • New Media Control: DAB Radio with Steering Wheel Controls, Jack Socket and 2 Speakers
  • Bluetooth® Telephone System with Satellite Controls on the Steering Wheel
  • Fixed Smartphone Holder on the Dashboard
  • New Application for Dacia Media Control Smartphone
• Options
  • Spare Wheel + Jack (Excluding Bi-Fuel Versions)
  • Metallic Paint

• External Appearance
  • Body-Colour Door Mirrors
  • Body-Coloured Exterior Door Handles
  • 16" Atara Flexwheels
• Interior Design
  • Steel Grey Interior Door Handles
  • Fabric Upholstery on the Dashboard and Front Door Armrests
  • Special Expression Upholstery
  • Height- and Depth-Adjustable Soft Feel Steering Wheel
• Active and Passive Safety
  • Rear Parking Sensors with Rear-view Camera
• Visibility
  • Front Fog Lights
  • Electrically Adjustable Door Mirrors
  • Automatic Windscreen Wipers
• Comfort
  • 4 Electric Windows with Driver’s Side One-Touch Function
  • Front Ceiling Light
  • Keyless Entry
• Multimedia & Audio
  • Media Display: Multimedia System with 8" Touchscreen
  • DAB Digital Radio
  • Smartphone Mirroring via USB Cable
  • Bluetooth® Connection
  • Satellite Controls on Steering Wheel
  • 4 Speakers and 1 USB-A Socket
• Options
  • Metallic Paint
  • Spare Wheel (Excluding Bi-Fuel Versions)

• External Appearance
  • 16" Randia Alloy Wheels
  • Black Door Mirrors
  • Shark Fin Antenna
• Interior Design
  • Door Sill Protection
• Driving and Controls
  • Front and Rear Parking Sensors with Reversing Camera
  • Blind Spot Warning
  • Electronic Parking Brake
• Comfort
  • Automatic Heating and Air Conditioning System
  • Modular Boot with Twin-Level Floor
  • High Central Armrest with Console Storage
• Multimedia & Audio
  • Removable Telephone Holder
  • 8" MediaNav with DAB Radio, Smartphone Replication, Bluetooth
  • 6 Speakers with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • USB-C Plug (Rear)
• Options
  • Metallic Paint
  • Spare Wheel (Excluding Bi-Fuel Versions)

• = Standard | ◦ = Optional | – = Not available | +/- = Height adjustable only