Dacia Sandero Access 1.2 16v 5dr Car Review - April 2013

With its low, low price tag, you’re probably not expecting much from the Dacia Sandero, and while you would be correct in that assumption to a point, its certainly not unacceptable. When the Sandero is on the move it is surprisingly quiet and the seats provide sufficient support for comfort even on longer journeys. The suspension is capable of ironing out the bumps in the road. However, the heavy steering is a bit vague and woolly, and the car does suffer from noticeable body roll which increases with speed. The 75bhp engine in the entry-level Dacia Sandero Access 1.2 is somewhat breathless compared the 90bhp units found in more expensive models in the range.

While the low price of the Dacia Sandero Access will turn heads, its looks will not, but what were you expecting? But while the styling may be plain, it is acceptable and practical, and certainly does not scream its low price tag at you. Being both the lowest priced new car on the UK market and the entry level model in the range, the Sandero Access has a somewhat spartan level of equipment. For £5,995 you get power steering, stability control, immobiliser, and that’s about it, although a £430 joint optional extra will see the car come with an alarm and a rear parking sensor too.

The bargain basement look of the Dacia Sandero Access 1.2 16v 5dr belies it well thought out design which sees three adults accommodated in the rear seats, and an impressive 320-litres of boot capacity which grows to 1200 litres once the rear seats have been lowered. The Dacia Sandero Access also benefits from using existing technology from Dacia’s parent company Renault, particularly in the engine department, so despite the lack of brand recognition it is by no means an unknown quantity. The Sandero comes with stability and control and driver, passenger, and front side airbags as standard, and also has a 3-year, 60,000-mile manufacturers warranty.

As someone once said, you get what you pay for, but what’s not to like about a new car for £5,995? Okay, the standard equipment levels reflect the price, but then so do the running costs. The Dacia Sandero Access 1.2 16v 5dr has a combined fuel economy figure of 48.7mpg, and its CO2 emissions figure of 135g/km sees it fall into Road Tax Band E, so it won’t break the bank to run. Don’t expect a sparkling performance on the used market, but the Dacia Sandero Access is ideal for the budget conscious motorist – first time new car buyers in particular – who plan keep the car for a good length of time and benefit from it’s low initial purchase price and running costs. To put it into perspective, let’s look at another brand which has recently been in favour with new car bargain hunters – Kia. The entry level Kia Picanto will set you back £8,045 and, while it is marginally better equipped than the Dacia Sandero Access 1.2 16v 5dr, that represents a price difference of over £2,000. At this end of the market that is not an insignificant saving.