A Renault Sandero Stepway, which recently went into local production, has been added to CAR’s long-term test fleet. I am one of three of its “owners” – the Sandero was allocated to CAR’s three youngest journalists, specifically to see how it will fit the very different lifestyles of all three “young and about” scribes.
When it was launched in 2009, the Renault Sandero was the first model from the French manufacturer to be produced in South Africa in three decades. It is a result of the Renault/Nissan alliance and is built at the Nissan plant just outside of Pretoria.
In an attempt to make the Sandero more appealing as a leisure vehicle, the Stepway gets 16-inch alloys, integrated front foglamps, roof rails, front and rear skid plates and a chromed exhaust tailpipe. It’s not the prettiest car in our fleet, but – SUVs and MPVs aside – it is one of the most practical seeing as it can traverse rough gravel roads without the driver having to fear damage to low-profile tyres and side skirts or bumpers.
Hard plastics dominate the cabin materials, but so far it’s all working and no rattles or squeaks have emerged. The after-market audio system is satisfactory once you’ve figured out how to switch it on, and the addition of USB connectivity is very much appreciated by all of us – no one carries a CD wallet around anymore – it’s very uncool.
Finding a comfortable driving position was not very easy for two out of the three of the drivers (Kyle Kock, Juliet McGuire and myself) and the consensus is that the seat could do with some height adjustment – it’s too high and this gives the feeling of sitting in a chair.
Under the bonnet lies Renault’s 1,6-litre eight-valve four-cylinder unit that produces 64 kW at 5 500 r/min and 128 N.m of torque at 3 000 r/min. We agree that the Sandero Stepway could use a bit more low-down torque for added grunt. As the revs climb however, and as you reach cruising speed, the Sandero Stepway delivers a relaxed, easy-going driving experience. The transmission can feel slightly notchy during changeovers, though.
It’s early days yet and we’re all looking forward to taking it on the long road and maybe some gravel… er… dusty roads to see what this crossover is made of. Oh, and of course to see how it fits into the lifestyle of the Camps Bay cruiser (Juliet), boy racer (Kyle) and club hopper (me).
