Dacia Sandero (2013 - 2021) 0.9 TCe Laureate 5d Owner Review

Knowing from careful research before purchase I realized the beast wouldn't be sophisticated or refined (you can't realistically entertain such hopes given its competitively low price) but in many areas its abilities unexpectedly surprise. True, as anticipated, the gearbox doesn't endear as it's decidedly notchy but, that said, the lever neatly slots into place each time without fuss. The Sandero is a pleasant and willing companion on the motorway - ridewise fine, though not entirely so in town - despite a tad excessive wind noise. What particularly pleases me is, hallelujah, a sensibly calibrated 10/30/50/70 speedometer and, amazingly, a speed limiter facility along with cruise control. It's infuriating, however, that Dacia doesn't supply aftermarket protective door rubbing strips - grrrrrrrrrrrr!! The lively state-of-the-art engine is the star element in the package, a gem. The fact that the rest of the car features twenty-year-old Renault remnants is no bad thing, an advantage actually because they're tried and tested components and thus less likely to give cause for concern. Modern cars are increasingly complicated but obviously not so in this case, therefore there's reduced potential for things to go wrong; in the nicest sense of the word it's a clever marketing strategy and presumably the reason why the manufacturer can offer so much for relatively little dosh. Notwithstanding my example is five years old, from no section of the vehicle is there the slightest hint of squeaks, rattles, creaks or groans, which speaks highly about build quality. Just to add, the cabin is dull and dreary but, like the boot, cavernous. In summary, I see this Romanian visitor to our shores as a sort of automotive adolescent: For the most part it does what it says on the teen.