At the Paris Motor Show last year, Renault revealed the facelifted Sandero range (albeit in Dacia guise). And now this updated entry-level hatchback line-up has arrived in South Africa.
Interestingly, Renault SA has tweaked the local range somewhat, essentially binning the top-spec Dynamique hatchback in favour of a second, mid-range Stepway derivative.
The new line-up starts at R159 900 (up some R12 000, although now standard with air-conditioning) for the basic hatchback in Expression guise. This same trim level is then applied to the first of two Stepway variants (R174 900), with the second Stepway model featuring the posher Dynamique specification and coming in at R189 900 (interestingly, some R5 000 cheaper than the outgoing Stepway).
The Stepway variants feature an integrated roof spoiler, raised ground clearance, roof bars, front and rear skid plates, wheel arch mouldings and front foglamps.
All models are powered by an unchanged 0,9-litre turbo-triple, still worth 66 kW and 135 N.m, and linked to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The new models adopt the French brand’s latest C-shaped lighting signature courtesy of fresh LED daytime running lights. Up front, there’s also a new radiator grille, along with a redesigned bumper and restyled foglamp trim. The taillights and rear bumper have also come in for some work.
But perhaps the most significant changes have taken place in the cabin, which boasts new trim and “higher quality” materials.
Renault has also apparently seen fit to address a few of the ergonomic quirks of the outgoing model, relocating the hooter from the end of the indicator stalk to the centre of the redesigned steering wheel (which now also features “easier to use” speed limiter/cruiser control buttons), for instance.
The electric window controls, too, have been transferred from the centre console to the door panels, while the petrol flap can now be released from inside the vehicle.
All models come with a five-year or 150 000 km warranty and a two-year or 30 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
Pricing:
Renault Sandero Expression 66 kW Turbo: R159 900
Renault Sandero Stepway Expression 66 kW Turbo: R174 900
Renault Sandero Stepway Dynamique 66 kW Turbo: R189 900