Skip advert
Advertisement

Dacia Sandero vs rivals

The UK’s cheapest new car, the Dacia Sandero, goes head-to-head with three great-value rivals

Dacia Sandero vs rivals

Supermarkets have been selling value-branded products for years, but it has taken until now for car manufacturers to cotton on to the idea. Leading the charge is Dacia, which is already forging a strong reputation with its no-nonsense Duster off-roader. Now it’s the turn of the Sandero supermini which, at £5,995, is Britain’s cheapest car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Yes, it only comes with the most basic equipment, but this frugal model is promising a new car ownership experience for thousands less than its cheapest city car rivals. So, is the Sandero the ideal motoring antidote to credit crunch Britain? To find out, we pitched it against three top value-for-money rivals.

Our Car of the Year, the Skoda Citigo, is more expensive, but it sets the standard for quality, refinement and practicality, while the Kia Picanto proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style and kit when you’re saving cash.

Finally, the cheeky Suzuki Alto is currently available with a VAT-free deal, reducing its entry price to within a fiver of the Dacia’s.

Verdict

If this verdict was based purely on the bottom line, the bargain-basement Sandero would be the winner. No other car is cheaper for buyers wanting a new model that gets your family from A to B.

But there’s more to this test than list price – and as a result the Dacia struggles to make a strong case for itself. It’s old-fashioned to drive and suffers from a low-rent interior and a miserly kit list. On top of that, its ageing engine emits the most CO2, meaning you’ll be lumbered with a hefty bill for road tax each year.

However, it does finish ahead of the Suzuki, which impresses with its keen driving dynamics, but is let down by its tiny boot and cramped cabin.

Second place goes to the Kia, which offers lots of standard equipment and style for the cash. If only it was more engaging to drive. That leaves the way clear for the Skoda Citigo. It’s not cheap to buy and can’t match the Picanto for gadgets, but is practical, well built and great to drive. On top of that, it’s very refined.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Sandero

Dacia Sandero

RRP £10,405Avg. savings £818 off RRP*Used from £7,750
Dacia Sandero Stepway

Dacia Sandero Stepway

RRP £14,045Avg. savings £904 off RRP*Used from £8,999
Citroen C3

Citroen C3

RRP £18,805Avg. savings £1,908 off RRP*Used from £6,899
Dacia Jogger

Dacia Jogger

RRP £18,255Avg. savings £675 off RRP*Used from £11,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
17 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025