By James Stinson
Dacia is giving its hugely popular Sandero and Sandero Stepway full hybrid power for the first time, bringing lower fuel consumption and automatic transmission to two of the cheapest new cars on the market.
The new Hybrid 155 models combine a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a small 1.4kWh battery. Combined output is around 153bhp, making the hybrid considerably more potent than the conventional petrol versions.
Dacia says both cars can accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds. More importantly for most buyers, the company claims the hybrid can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent compared with an equivalent petrol model.
Electric driving without plugging in
Unlike a plug-in hybrid or EV, there is no cable involved. The battery is replenished by the petrol engine and regenerative braking, while an unusual clutchless automatic transmission uses four ratios for the petrol engine and two for electric operation.
The system always starts the car using electric power and Dacia reckons the Sandero can spend as much as 80 per cent of its time driving electrically in urban conditions.
It should make the Sandero noticeably quieter and easier to drive around town, although the very small battery means this isn’t a car capable of travelling any meaningful distance as a pure EV.
Buyers not interested in the hybrid can still choose conventional engines. The UK Sandero range includes the 99bhp 1.0-litre TCe 100 three-cylinder petrol engine, keeping the cheapest versions firmly focused on affordability.
Plenty of kit
The hybrid isn’t available in the cheapest Essential specification. Instead, the Sandero Hybrid 155 starts with Expression trim.
Standard equipment is nevertheless generous. Expression receives a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, Bluetooth, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, automatic lights and wipers and a reversing camera. Dacia’s YouClip mounting system is also included.
Journey adds a seven-inch digital instrument display, connected navigation, six-speaker Arkamys audio, climate control, keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charging and a Multiview camera.
The Stepway takes much the same formula but adds the more rugged crossover styling and raised 200mm ground clearance. Its modular roof bars add useful versatility, while flagship Extreme specification brings Extended Grip, Blind Spot Warning, a Multiview camera and Copper Brown detailing.
Practicality hasn’t suffered in the move to hybrid power. Dacia quotes 410 litres of boot capacity, increasing to 1,455 litres with the rear seats folded, plus a useful 1,100kg braked towing capacity.
Rivals have reason to worry
The Sandero has built its reputation on offering supermini practicality without supermini prices, and hybrid power strengthens that argument.
At £17,995, the Sandero Hybrid 155 is currently Britain’s cheapest full hybrid, around £2,000 below the MG3 Hybrid and roughly £5,000 cheaper than an entry-level Toyota Yaris Hybrid. That doesn’t necessarily make the Dacia the more sophisticated car, and buyers prepared to spend extra may find plusher interiors and more polished driving experiences elsewhere. But the price difference is difficult to ignore.
The regular Sandero remains cheaper still, so drivers covering relatively low mileages will need to decide whether the hybrid’s additional efficiency, performance and automatic gearbox warrant the premium.
The Sandero Hybrid 155 Expression costs £17,995, rising to £19,295 for Journey. Sandero Stepway Hybrid 155 starts at £19,295 in Expression trim, with the better-equipped Extreme costing £20,595.
Both hybrid models are available to order in the UK now.
