2021 Renault Sandero Stepway
First launched in 2009, the Renault Sandero entered the fray as a budget hatchback and has been a popular option for small families in South Africa. Since 2009 they have sold more than 64 100 units of the Renault Sandero and over 30 500 Renault Sandero Stepway variants since their inception in 2011.
Even though the Renault Sandero Stepway is a budget car, it has a cheerful feel about it. Perhaps it’s the Techroad look, SUV-type styling and higher ground clearance or the number of features you get for the price. Whichever way you look at it, the Renault Sandero Stepway is one of the cheapest new cars on the market and well worth it for the price. Let’s take a closer look at the performance, specs and features.
Exterior And Interior Features
In terms of looks, it’s easy to mistake the Renault Sandero Stepway for a compact SUV considering the grey plastic bumpers to help hide scratches, higher ground clearance, 16” FLEX wheels and roof rails for mounting a storage box. However, it’s a standard Sandero but stands taller than which makes it easy for almost anyone getting in and out.
For the price, there is plenty of room for the driver and passengers with more than enough space at the back for two adults. The new Sandero Stepway has a 292-litre boot which can be extended with the folding seats making it bigger than other cars in similar price brackets, like the VW Up. The extra space also helps with loading and unloading while fitting the child seat is also much easier.
For a budget car, the cabin is pretty good with everything you’d expect in a modern car. There is a seven-inch infotainment system with on-board navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth and a reverse camera. It also comes standard with Electric windows front/back, Central door locking with remote, On-board computer, a Driver armrest and Power-assisted steering.
Engine Specifications And Performance
Based on a combination of innovative technologies, with some coming from Formula 1®, the Sandero engine offers driving pleasure with fuel good consumption levels and limiting CO2 emissions.
On the road, the Renault Sandero Stepway does well for the engine size and price range. The 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine delivers 66 kW at 135 Nm of torque with enough drive power but there is some turbo lag below 2 000rpm. That said, if you build up the revs, the engine will pull off smoothly in all the gears providing a pleasant all-round driving experience.
A softer suspension makes for a comfortable ride as it absorbs most of the bumps and even handles potholes pretty well. When it comes to safety, Renault doesn’t disappoint as the new Sandero Stepway comes standard with ISOFIX system in rear side seats, Driver and front-seat passenger-side airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Hill Start Assist (HSA), ABS + Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Speed limiter/Cruise control.
If you are looking for an inexpensive car with more space, a fair number of driver-assist technologies and features for a similar price tag than its rivals, the Renault Sandero Stepway checks all the boxes.
Pricing of the new Renault Sandero Stepway Techroad is R251 900* and comes with Renault’s 5-year / 150 000 km warranty and the standard 2-year / 30 000 km service plan.
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* Pricing accurate as of February 2021
