The Dacia models revealed at the Paris Motor Show 2012
Dacia Sandero 2012
The Renault-owned Romanian budget brand, Dacia, has showcased three renewed models at the Paris motor show: the Logan, the Sandero and the Sandero Stepway.
Not all of the models will be available in all markets, for instance the Logan will not be available on the UK market, because it is meant for the brand’s established markets in Continental Europe and the Mediterranean.
The new models showcase the new design language which wants to be more assertive and upmarket. the models share a very similar frontal styling with a large grille design with prominent horizontal starkes and angular headlamps which extend from that, accentuated by pronounced wheelarches and sills.
As far as the Sandero Stepway is concerned, the previous model made up half of the model generation’s total sales and with this new model, Dacia are aiming at appealing to a broader customer base, capitalizing on the increasing popularity of the crossover sector.
While it is built on the same platform as the previous model, the Stepway is forty milimeters higher than the regular Sandero hatchback and features a few mini-SUV styling choices, such as rear and front skid plates, fog lamps and two-tone roof bars.
Considering that these models are rather popular in emerging markets, all three models have generous ground clearance and underbody protection, however they will come with a more comprehensive range of engines, including Renault’s three-cylinder turbocharged TCe 90 unit. The designers at Dacia also say that interior noise intrusion has been improved thanks to increased soundproofing in the engine bay as well as improvements in the road noise control area.
The Sandero Stepway crossover will only be available in two equipment levels, but this isn’t a surprise, considering Dacia’s customary minimal range of trim variants. The highest trim level will boast fresh equipment including features like Bluetooth-enabled media and touch-screen navigation systems, while the Logan and the Sandero will be available with rear parking sensors and cruise control, and front and side driver and passenger airbags as well as stability control will come standard across all cars, regardless of trim-level.
Production of the three new modles will be shared between the Romanian Pitesti plant and the Moroccan Casablanca plant.
