Dacia Sandero review - Interior, design and technology

Anyone who has driven a Renault hatchback from the late nineties or early noughties will feel right at home inside the Dacia Sandero. The instruments appear to be taken from a 1999 Clio, the column stalks from a 2001 Scenic, and the hazard lights and central locking buttons from an old Laguna. It would be unforgivable from other brands, but this is exactly how Dacia keeps its prices so low. Everything works fine, so why would you worry about where it comes from or what it looks like? 

The same goes for overall cabin quality. Given its price, you’d expect the Dacia to feel basic. The materials aren’t up to Ford standards, but a new steering wheel and trim inserts help lift otherwise utilitarian feel. The plastics in the dash are functional, rather than pleasing to touch – they’re there to hold the instruments and switches in place, and to cover up the heating and electrical systems. If you want any kind of high-grade, soft-touch materials, you’ll have to look elsewhere and dig deeper into your pockets.  

A facelift in 2017 has added new lights and bumpers to the Sandero, so it's looking a bit less tired these days – although the changes are pretty minor overall.

You have to spec the mid-range Essential trim to gain manual air-con and front electric windows, while buyers wanting rear electric windows, an upgraded steering wheel and a front central armrest will have to upgrade to the top Comfort models and then pay extra to add the Comfort Pack.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The basic Access version of the Dacia Sandero doesn’t even come with a stereo; to help keep the price down, the company simply provides a pre-wiring set-up so you can install your own head unit.

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Move up to Essential spec, and things start to get a bit more modern inside with the inclusion of a DAB stereo system, although Comfort versions include rear parking sensors and the brand’s MediaNav touchscreen sat-nav. The seven-inch display features smartphone connectivity, too, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.