With previous concerns about the pricing of higher-spec Sanderos, the global economic downturn has no doubt convinced Renault to introduce three Sandero models – Sandero United, Cup and League. These “newcomers” are based on existing models with the only change being a three years/ 45 000 km service plan that replaces the five years/ 60 0000 km maintenance plan.Renault SA claims that the addition of these more affordable models is the result of “the global economic slowdown, and the inability of many potential customers to secure financing due to severe credit restrictions”. The company claims that this means that “affordability remains the overriding trend in the new car market at present.”
The cheapest of the three new entrants is the Sandero United model, which is based on the Sandero Expression Pack. It comes fitted with power steering, dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, as well as central locking. For added security, this model comes with Renault Anti-Intrusion Device (RAID). This model retails for R119 800. For R132 800, the Cup model offers the same specification as the Expression+ Pack, which includes electric front windows, a radio CD MP3 player, a trip computer, chrome door handles and colour-coded mirrors as standard. With the same comfort and convenience features as the Dynamique model, the Sandero League is equipped with 15-inch alloys, electric mirrors, power windows front and rear and front fog lamps, and costs R139 800.
The 1,6-litre engine that powers all three new models delivers 64 kW at 5 500 r/min and 128 N.m at 3 000 r/min. This gives the Sandero a zero to 100 km/h dash of 11,5 seconds and a top speed of 174 km/h. Claimed fuel consumption stands at 7,2 litres/100 km on the combined cycle.
Built in Rosslyn, Pretoria as part of a R1-billion Renault-Nissan Alliance joint investment, the Sandero is underpinned by the Alliance companies B0 platform, which forms the basis of such models as the Renault Logan and Nissan NP200.
