Dacia Sandero Stepway launched in Europe

When we saw the press release for the Dacia Sandero Stepway come in, we at first thought that this was the launch of the production version of the Dacia Duster we saw at Geneva a couple of months ago. It had been a long day, and we were busy arguing about what a let-down it was after all the promise the Dacia Duster concept offered. But of course, when we bothered to look properly, we realised we were barking up the wrong tree completely.

The Dacia Sandero Stepway is in fact the European version of the Stepway that was launched in Brazil at the end of last year by the Romanian version of Renault, and has now had its European launch at this week’s Barcelona Motor Show.

Based on the Dacia Sandero hatchback, the Sandero features a raised ride height, a satin finished chrome nose and roof bars, 16″ wheels and a chrome exhaust pipe. It comes equipped with EBD (electronic brake distribution) and EBA (emergency brake assist).

Power comes from one of two engines, depending on the market. You either get a 1.6 litre, 90bhp petrol engine or a 1.7 litre dCi. The petrol engine manages 37mpg and the diesel 53mpg. Emissions are 140g/km on the diesel.

The Dacia Sandero Stepway launches in Europe in September, but it doesn’t look like it will come to the UK. As with all Dacias, the Sandero Stepway comes with a 3yr, 100,000 mile warranty, and although we have no word on prices you can safely bet it will be quite cheap.