Dacia Sandero

Fresh look and new 1.0-litre engine boost budget hatch.

- Sam Naylor

DACIA has updated its entire range, with the new line-up of cars getting a handful of small changes to the styling but also a brand new engine: a 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol that powers the entry-level models, replacing the old 1.2-litre unit.

The super-affordable £5,995 Sandero Access is available in the UK with the small engine, and Dacia’s UK boss reassured us that “we do sell some” of the stripped back superminis. But we’ve tested the new Sandero in Ambiance trim. After all, most buyers will go for the higher specification, as it brings niceties such as air-con, a DAB radio and electric windows.

At £6,995, the Sandero Ambiance is genuinely better value than ever. Because the price hasn’t changed yet there’s more kit, buyers are getting even more for their money. Plus, competitors have been slowly creeping up in price over the past few years, but Dacia has kept its costs steady.

Price is so important for the budget brand’s range, so we’re glad that the Sandero remains such good value. As well as the kit we’ve mentioned, the Ambiance model comes with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, remote locking, a new-look dashboard and hill start assist. It’s a basic but commendable kit list for a car of this price, although you’d hardly say this Sandero is packed with toys.