Following a R1 billion investment earlier this year, Renault’s new Sandero Stepway, produced at alliance partner Nissan’s Rosslyn assembly plant alongside its siblings, is ready to take on the light car market in a new outfit, adding crossover zeal to the rest of the Sandero range.
“The Stepway has already been a huge sales success in emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico and Romania, while also boosting demand for the Sandero range as a whole. We expect a similar trend to emerge in SA, says Xavier Gobille, managing director of Renault South Africa.
For the purposes of practicality, the Stepway gains 16-inch alloys, integrated front foglamps, roof rails, front and rear skid plates, as well as a chromed exhaust tailpipe.
The Stepway’s interior boasts a one-piece facia to minimise rattles and decrease injury in the event of a front-end collision, while the charcoal-coloured upholstery is contrasted by the silver fabric on the seat backrests and headrestraints, as well as silver centre facia panel. The 320 dm3 luggage capacity can be extended to 1 200 dm3 with the split rear seat folded.
The Stepway is powered by Renault’s 1,6-litre eight-valve four-cylinder unit, which produces 64 kW at 5 500 r/min and 128 N.m of torque at 3 000 r/min. A five-speed manual gearbox allows for a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 11,5 seconds and top speed of 175 km/h. Renault also claims a combined cycle consumption figure of 7,2 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 183 g/km.
The Stepway features a MacPherson type front suspension and torsion beam set-up at the rear. In line with its crossover looks, the Stepway is 20 mm higher than the rest of its Sandero siblings. Power steering, as well as ABS with EBD and emergency brake assist are also on hand to optimise ride and handling.
Standard features includes air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows, an MP3 and iPod-compatible four-speaker sound system, and height-adjustable driver’s seat, while passive safety specification includes dual front airbags and front-and-rear head restraints.
The Sandero Stepway will be available for R149 900, which includes with a three-years/45 000 km service plan, five-years/100 000 km warranty and six-years anti-corrosion warranty.
