Review: 2022 Dacia Sandero III Stepway 1.0 TCe 90 CVT

The 2022 Dacia Sandero Stepway is a crossover that combines affordability with practicality, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. With its recent facelift, the Sandero Stepway offers a fresh look and improved features, all while maintaining its reputation for value. Whether you're navigating city streets or planning a weekend getaway, this vehicle promises to deliver a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics, let's clarify some key terms. The Dacia Sandero Stepway is a 'crossover,' which means it blends features of a car and an SUV, offering higher ground clearance and a more rugged look. The '1.0 TCe 90' refers to its engine type, a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 91 horsepower. The 'CVT' stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, a type of automatic transmission that provides smooth acceleration without the traditional gear shifts.

Main Features and Performance

The 2022 Dacia Sandero Stepway is powered by a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder engine with a turbocharger, delivering 91 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque. This setup is ideal for city driving, offering enough power for daily commutes while maintaining fuel efficiency. The car's fuel consumption ranges from 5.8 to 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 40.55 to 37.94 US mpg), making it economical for long drives as well.

With a kerb weight of 1122 kg, the Sandero Stepway is light, contributing to its agility and ease of handling. The vehicle's dimensions, including a length of 4099 mm and a width of 1848 mm, make it compact enough for urban environments while providing ample interior space. The trunk offers a minimum of 328 liters of space, expandable to 1108 liters, accommodating both daily errands and larger loads.

The Sandero Stepway's suspension system, featuring a McPherson front and semi-dependent rear, ensures a comfortable ride over various terrains. Its front-wheel-drive system and electric power steering enhance maneuverability, especially in tight city spaces.

Suitability for Different Lifestyles

When considering the Sandero Stepway for specific purposes, it's essential to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses:

City Driving: The compact size and efficient fuel consumption make it perfect for urban settings. Its high ground clearance of 201 mm helps navigate potholes and speed bumps with ease.
Long-Distance Travel: While the fuel efficiency is a plus, the engine's power might feel limited on highways, especially when overtaking.
Family Use: With five seats and a spacious trunk, it's suitable for small families. However, the rear drum brakes might not offer the same stopping power as disc brakes in emergency situations.
Single Ownership: Ideal for singles or couples who need a reliable, cost-effective vehicle for daily use.
Adventure Lifestyles: The crossover design and roof load capacity make it a decent choice for light off-road adventures, though it's not built for extreme conditions.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Affordable price, good fuel economy, spacious interior, high ground clearance.
Weaknesses: Limited engine power for high-speed travel, rear drum brakes, basic interior features.

Conclusion

The 2022 Dacia Sandero Stepway is a practical choice for those seeking a budget-friendly crossover with modern features. Its strengths lie in city driving and everyday practicality, making it a versatile option for various lifestyles. When considering a new car, think about what features matter most to you. Do you prioritize fuel efficiency, space, or affordability?

Specifications Table

Attribute	Details
Generation	Sandero III Stepway (facelift 2022)
Modification (Engine)	1.0 TCe 90 (91 Hp) CVT
Powertrain Architecture	Internal Combustion engine
Body Type	Crossover
Seats	5
Doors	5
Combined Fuel Consumption	5.8-6.2 l/100 km
CO2 Emissions	131-140 g/km
Fuel Type	Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	Not specified
Maximum Speed	Not specified
Emission Standard	Euro 6 DFull
Engine Displacement	999 cm3
Number of Cylinders	3
Engine Configuration	Inline
Power Output	91 Hp
Torque	142 Nm
Kerb Weight	1122 kg
Max Load	479 kg
Trunk Space (Minimum and Maximum)	328 l / 1108 l
Fuel Tank Capacity	50 l
Length	4099 mm
Width	1848 mm
Height	1587 mm
Wheelbase	2604 mm
Drive Wheel System	Front wheel drive
Number of Gears (Transmission Type)	CVT
Front Suspension	Independent, type McPherson
Rear Suspension	Semi-dependent beam
Front Brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes	Drum
Assisting Systems	ABS
Power Steering	Electric Steering
Tire Size	205/60 R16
Wheel Rims Size	16