Budget brand Dacia frequently plays the special edition card to boost its range’s appeal and right on cue it has burst into 2020 with a trio of SE Twenty limited availability models.
Focusing on the more rugged-looking end of the Romanian marque’s line-up, SE Twenty versions of the Duster SUV, as well as the jacked-up Sandero Stepway and Logan MCV Stepway, are available to order now, with deliveries commencing in March 2020.
What makes the SE Twenty models special?
Whichever of the three Dacias you choose, SE Twenty models are based upon the corresponding Comfort trim levels – already generous packages that we typically regard as the ones to go for.
Comfort-grade Sandero and Logan MCV Stepways already feature air-con, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control with speed limiter plus rear parking sensors. Duster Comforts add a seven-function trip computer as well as electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.
From the outside, the SE Twenty versions are simple to distinguish courtesy of unique graphics along the lower edges of the doors, with a matching set of body stickers around the windows – they’re black and feature a hexagonal pattern that wouldn’t look out of place on the cover of a Chemistry textbook.
These are complemented by glossy black door mirror caps, although these do without any patterns, and contrast with the blue centre caps for the alloy wheels: 16-inch items on the Sandero and Logan MCV Stepways; 17-inch diamond-cut jobs for the Duster, as already used on the top-flight Prestige trim.
Sounds tame – what about inside?
Well, don’t forget Dacia operates at the value-focused end of the market, so changes will be minimal, a theme that’s reinforced once you’ve climbed aboard.
Swathed in a sombre grey fabric, the seats are enlivened by some bright blue mesh inserts on their outer edges, while the words Stepway or Duster – depending on model – are embroidered in the same hue.
Other modifications are limited to a similarly blue plastic insert around the central element of the dashboard and floor mats unique to the SE Twenty versions.
How much do the Dacia SE Twenty models cost?
Priced at £11,295 the Sandero Stepway SE Twenty is only available with the petrol-powered TCe 90 engine, a motor that also appears in the £12,795 Logan MCV Stepway version, but where you will also find a diesel Blue dCi 95 alternative for £14.695.
Those prices are £400 more expensive model-for-model than the equivalent Comfort versions, with only a reversing camera being fitted from the optional extras list. Given that can be had for just £225 on a Comfort-spec Stepway, you would have to really like the SE Twenty makeover to justify going for one.
Conversely, Duster SE Twenty models represent better value for money. Yes, they’re £650 more than the equivalent Comfort versions, but they do include the 17-inch alloy wheel upgrade, plus multi-view parking cameras and blindspot warnings that are not otherwise available, unless you spend a further £550 upgrading to a Prestige.
Three Duster SE Twenty specials are available:
- >> Petrol TCe 130 4×2 – £15,645
- >> Diesel Blue dCi 115 4×2 – £16,645
- >> Diesel Blue dCi 115 4x4 – £18,645
Unless you cover high annual mileages or live in the shadow of Snowdon, we would plump for the cheapest of those.
Further reading:
- >> Find out why we rate the Dacia Duster so highly with our full review
- >> Fancy Stepway looks in a plusher package? Read our Ford Focus Active review
- >> Access all areas: is the best Dacia Sandero also the cheapest?
