• Diesel the more economical on longer drives
• Turbocharged petrol the best choice all-round
• Purchase price is low, but so is resale value

With a claimed fuel economy figure of up to 62.7mpg available, the diesel Dacia Sandero Stepway – badged as Blue dCi 95 – is the model to go for if you’re concerned about lowering your fuel costs above all else.

The Sandero Stepway’s lightweight construction and lack of gadgetry helps it out in this regard, and in our experience you’re likely to achieve a realistic figure in the high 50s, which is undeniably impressive.

The diesel’s also a very relaxed engine thanks to its low-down torque, so you won’t need to rev it and spoil your fuel economy if you want to get a hurry on.

We certainly can’t say the same about the entry-level petrol engine, though. It’s a non-turbocharged 1.0-litre, badged SCe 75, and making meaningful progress will require it to be run ragged. For this reason we don’t expect the claimed maximum fuel economy of 45.6mpg to be all that feasible.

A better choice is the turbocharged TCe 90 petrol engine, which is actually smaller in capacity but has improved power and torque. Claimed maximum fuel economy is an identical 45.6mpg, which we’ve found to be within the realms of possibility.

CO2 figures are low, particularly the diesel, which returns just 103g/km. The two petrol engines return 124g/km and 127g/km respectively.

As for buying and selling the Sandero Stepway, you’re likely to be delighted and annoyed in equal measure. This is a cheap car by any metric, and even the range-topping version costs far less than many entry-level competitors. For example, the cheapest Ford Fiesta comes in at around £3,000 more than the most expensive Sandero Stepway.

That lack of value makes itself known come resale time, though, and the Sandero Stepway is unlikely to retain much of its already meagre value.

Insurance costs, being a cheap car in a low insurance group, are minimal, while Dacia servicing is reasonably priced.

Reliability

• Trusted components should prove hardwearing
• Standard warranty is only 3 years
• Recalls mainly airbag-related

The Sandero Stepway is based on a set of tried and trusted components from the Renault Group – some even saw service on the Mk2 Renault Clio of the 1990s. Certainly all of the switchgear used inside feels built to last. It’s been subject to five recalls so far – four of which have been related to the airbag, while one involved a small number of cars with a failed steering component.

Unlike some other budget manufacturers including Kia, SsangYong and MG, Dacia doesn’t offer a super-long warranty – instead, you just get a standard three years of cover, which is a shame.

However, if you’re the sort who likes to work on their own cars, the Sandero Stepway could be a good option, as it’s got a roomy, simple engine bay with very little in the way of obstruction.