PRESS KIT (UK)

3 December 2012

DACIA GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

WITH NEW SANDERO AND SANDERO STEPWAY    

After an anxious wait for right-hand-drive production, the Dacia brand finally arrives on British shores in January 2013. The charge will be led by the Duster SUV and the all-new Sandero supermini. Its SUV-inspired Sandero Stepway sibling, will join the fold in May 2013. Between them, the three will be looking to offer an unrivalled package of price/space/equipment, simplicity, reliability and attractive prices, the like of which the UK has never seen before. 

Already huge global successes in their own right, Dacia is renewing three of its emblematic models for the first time: Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Logan (the Logan saloon won’t be sold in the UK): 

• New Dacia Sandero, a spacious, yet compact supermini, offering impressive cabin space for five adults
• New Dacia Sandero Stepway, an affordable supermini crossover with its own unique personality

Dacia answers with even more generosity

Each of the three new Dacia models feature contemporary, upmarket looks, with more than a hint of ruggedness to them, to underline their impressive levels of reliability.

Aside from obvious changes on the outside, the second-generation Sandero and Sandero Stepway all come, as you’d expect, with even more comfort and equipment. In amongst the new additions are several pieces of new kit, including the 7-inch touchscreen MediaNav multimedia system, cruise control (a first in the Dacia line-up) and speed limiter. Driveability takes a significant step forward too, with Euro 5 compliance and the arrival of two new engines. 

Buying a Dacia makes more sense than ever

“Affordable to buy and run” epitomises everything that Dacia stands for. When it comes to the latter, the latest versions of Sandero and Sandero Stepway will take it in their stride with the arrival of the new 0.9-litre TCe 90 petrol engine, and a hefty upgrade to the 1.5 dCi 90 diesel unit, giving an even better driving experience and less time stuck at the pumps. 

All Dacia vehicles offer the size of one segment for the price of the segment below, and the new Sandero and Sandero Stepway are no exception. Both have a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and ample cabin space for five. 

Dacia boosts peace of mind

Safety levels have been increased on the New Sandero and Sandero Stepway, with front side airbags and ESC on all UK versions. 

UK pre-order books for New Sandero opened on 22^nd October 2012, while those for New Sandero Stepway open online and in Dacia Retailers from 1^st January 2013. 

_{GENEROSITY, PLAIN AND SIMPLE}

 Dacia keeps pace with shifting customer expectations in today’s changing world. As part of that, New Sandero and Sandero Stepway all belong to the new generation of Dacia vehicles that started with Lodgy. Attractive design goes hand in hand with modern features. 

Dacia’s new hallmark design

Each of Dacia’s three new models showcases the brand’s new visual identity, with a strong family resemblance between each of them, which also reflects the high level of vehicle quality.

Distinctive exterior design

“The harmonious frontal design features a centrepiece Dacia badge set in the front grille. The large headlights and wide grille combine for an expressive appearance. With its large ratio of metal to glazed surfaces, the profile exudes robustness, and this impression is reinforced by the sculpted body, the prominent wheelarches and the hollow flanks. The pronounced sweep of the windscreen makes for a sleek silhouette and improved aerodynamics.“

David Durand, entry range design director  

New Sandero, an attractive and contemporary supermini

In its youthful style, Dacia’s five-door supermini asserts its no-nonsense aspirations afresh. It’s styled to highlight the versatility of a car that is eminently compact on the outside (1,733 mm wide by 4,058 mm long, overall), yet hugely spacious on the inside. Reliability and practicality come as a given in a modern, dynamic package. 

Stylish 15-inch ‘Sahara’ alloy wheels are available as an option on New Sandero, while the two UK trim levels of Sandero Stepway benefit from striking 16-inch “Stepway” design wheels.

New Sandero Stepway, an affordable supermini crossover with personality 

New Sandero Stepway is more than just a variant of New Sandero, and was designed from the outset with its own individual personality. Of course it keeps all of Sandero’s functionality, but then adds its own sense of ruggedness, to address the needs of those seeking a more SUV-styled car. 

New Sandero Stepway is ready for adventure, with ground clearance 40 mm higher than Sandero in Western Europe (or 26 mm higher in countries with reinforced suspensions, such as Romania). 

Its tough personality stands out immediately thanks to its new front styling and special bodywork features: front and rear skidplates, new two-tone bumpers and radiator grille, foglights, wide wheelarches with protectors and longitudinal roof bars.   

The adventurous spirit of the third model to join the UK Dacia line-up shines through in the New Sandero Stepway interior too, with special upholstery and grey stitch highlights.

Attractive interior design 

As well as boasting a beefier exterior, New Sandero Stepway also gets a boost in quality inside, with styling, ergonomics and attention to detail all culminating in a new sense of comfort.

The Dacia design team focused heavily on quality materials and chunky shapes. On both new models a modern dark carbon or two-tone dashboard debuts with chrome instrument surrounds (depending on trim level). On some trims, air vent surrounds, the steering wheel badge and gearlever insert are also picked out in chrome. 

The new dashboard features comprehensive instrumentation, especially on Lauréate with its seven-function trip computer, which displays the outside temperature, time, indicator direction, alongside displays of instantaneous and average fuel consumption, vehicle fuel range in litres and miles, distance since last fill-up, and distance until the next service. 

The steering wheel and driver’s seat are height-adjustable (depending on version), and there’s a wide footrest area and a central armrest (optional on some versions). 

New Sandero and Sandero Stepway get a range of smart new upholsteries, including optional leather upholstery on Laureate versions, to complement the standard leather gearknob and steering wheel.

 (Seat back, bottom, headrest and side bolsters in leather (pigmented corrected grain, bovine leather). 

New equipment, functional and useful

“As comprehensive modern equipment extends to more and more second-hand cars, we can expect a rise in customer expectations, especially when it comes to comfort. All of our new vehicles offer the features recently launched on Lodgy, or go further still, as with cruise control.” David Holderbach, entry range product director 

Dacia makes no compromises on its philosophy: all new equipment is functional, simple and 100% useful.

MediaNav, a complete multimedia system 

MediaNav first appeared on Dacia Lodgy and Dokker, and now appears in both Sandero and Sandero Stepway. The system is highly intuitive and easy to use, with a prominent 7-inch colour touchscreen. Opening with a simple Menu page, users simply navigate naturally through the various functions. 

MediaNav includes radio and Bluetooth^® technology for hands-free phone capabilities as well as audio streaming. Personal mobile devices connect to the front-panel USB or jack, and are controlled directly from the touchscreen, or from the steering wheel controls for USB devices, while information is displayed on the screen. 

MediaNav also includes sat nav, with 2D and 3D (Birdview) displays. Customers can update or enhance MediaNav content, with maps for example. To add or update data, users just download it onto a USB stick from the website https://dacia.Naviextras.com, then plug it into the MediaNav system and follow the instructions on the screen. 

New Sandero and Sandero Stepway each offer an easy-to-use and highly effective multimedia solution. The integrated radio/CD system on Ambiance and above features a screen forming part of the centre console, large enough for a three-line information read-out. The system also includes front panel mounted USB and jack sockets. 

The in-dash audio system is controlled from the steering wheel and also supports Bluetooth^® technology, meaning you can phone without taking your hands off the wheel, synchronise your phonebook and log, and play music from a mobile device directly through the vehicle loudspeakers. 

Cruise control, plus speed limiter 

Cruise control is available on New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, alongside the speed limiter (Lauréate in UK). Both functions, and the speed, are operated from a single button on the steering wheel. 

Rear parking sensors 

In the UK, rear parking sensors adorn Lauréate versions, with sensors in the rear bumper triggering an audible signal that warns the driver of an obstacle behind the car. This function switches on automatically when reverse is selected. 

Wide range of accessories 

Dacia offers a wide range of practical accessories such as protective side strips, mats and luggage net. For trips away, there’s a top box, ski rack, tow hook, bike rack and even an ice box (country dependent) Then, there are customisation items including stripping, exclusive wheels and foglight trims (country dependent). 

Already proving a huge attraction on Duster, the latest two models will also give customers the chance to add on keenly priced accessories. With the latest two models in the UK this will include a Protection Pack and Touring Pack on Sandero, and a Touring Pack on Sandero Stepway. 

Enhancements to driveability

Dacia’s three new models build upon what is already a great reputation for driveability. 

Improved acoustics 

Designers gave special attention to acoustics on New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway. The surface area of soundproofing components has been increased and the padding quality improved, in engine compartment and windscreen areas. This substantially reduces engine noise in the passenger compartment. In addition, new injectors reduce diesel engine running noise. Wind noise is reduced by additional aerodynamic sealing in the doorways. And certain superstructure parts have been reinforced to avoid unpleasant resonance effects. 

The result is an all-round quieter travelling environment. And music sounds better too, thanks to new signal processing electronics that enhance sound reproduction and listening pleasure. 

Performance on the rise 

New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway gain in agility. The power steering response has been adjusted, for example, to improve trajectory control at higher speeds, the level of steering power assistance is automatically trimmed back on long corners curves. And to improve manoeuvrability when parking power is increased for wide turn angles. 

The two new models also receive several new additions which were initially introduced with Lodgy. This opens the way to new dynamic functions such as traction control and emergency brake assist. It also brings new convenience functions such as temperature display, multimedia systems and rear parking sensors. 

Dacia vehicles are designed from the outset for international markets. These include emerging countries where specifications are particularly demanding, given the diversity of road surfaces and climates. As a result, New Sandero has excellent ground clearance and underbody protection, capable of standing up to the toughest road conditions. New Sandero Stepway has even higher clearance, to comfortably tackle track conditions. 

Both cars are built on the B0 platform common to all Dacia vehicles, which enjoys best-in-class recognition for suspension quality and roadholding. 

_{THE SMART BUY} 

Buying Dacia is a smart buy more than ever with the launch of the latest generation range. Not only is the economy/performance ratio even better, but the price/space ratio remains unequalled too.

Engines: better price/performance ratio

“For the first time, Dacia is offering a diesel engine – the new-generation 1.5 dCi  – that brings fuel consumption down below the threshold of 4 litres per 100 kilometres⁽²⁾ and sub-100 grams per kilometre CO₂ emissionsr⁽²⁾ ; alongside a petrol engine – the new TCe 90 – that consumes just 5 litres per 100 kilometres⁽³⁾.” Philippe Prevel, entry range technical director 

New petrol engine: TCe 90, sobriety and driveability 

On New Sandero and Sandero Stepway, Dacia is introducing the brand new TCe 90 Euro 5 three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, a figurehead of Renault group’s powertrain excellence. 

Lively and responsive, this TCe (Turbo Control efficiency) engine of only 0.9 litres (898 cc) marks tremendous progress in technology and downsizing. It offers smooth acceleration, using very-low-inertia turbocharger and variable valve timing technologies to deliver 90 hp at 5,250 rpm. Its torque of 135 Nm is available from low revs too, 90% from 1,650 rpm. 

The TCe 90 is a featherweight champion in many senses, weighing 15kg less than a traditional engine of equivalent power. It combines driveability, fuel economy (56.5 mpg, New Sandero), and low CO₂ emissions: 116 g per km on New Sandero. 

Significantly, the TCe 90 enjoys low maintenance costs with improvements such as the timing chain, which is maintenance-free and has the same lifespan as the engine. 

New generation of 1.5 dCi: even more economical and ecologically-friendly 

Both new Dacias are available with the 1.5 dCi engine, rated at 90 hp for Euro 5. The 1.5 dCi is the Renault group’s best seller, widely renowned for reliability, performance and low environmental impact. A recent upgrade brings further benefits; with its more efficient injection and turbocharger systems, the new-generation unit develops additional torque of 20 Nm, meaning it’s even better to drive, with finer energy efficiency. 

Torque is well-matched to its power, with 220 Nm on hand at 1,750 rpm. This means the 1.5 dCi responds briskly from very low revs, and minimises the need for repeated gearchanges, especially in urban driving conditions. 

This is achieved with fuel consumption figures among the lowest in the supermini class, and correspondingly low environmental impact. The Euro 5 1.5 dCi emits just 99 g⁽²⁾ of CO₂ per km, for consumption of 74.3 mpg on New Sandero (combined cycle). 

Versatile entry-level engines 

The 1.2 16v 75 engine, available on New Sandero, is economical to buy and to run, and offers versatile performance in both urban and open-road driving conditions. This 1,149 cc unit develops peak power of 75 hp. The 1.2 16v 75 engine consumes 48.7 mpg for CO₂ emissions of 135 grams per km.

Reduced consumption with Eco Mode 

The new Eco Mode function, available on some engines, enables drivers to optimize fuel consumption automatically, correcting energy-wasting driving parameters to achieve greater economy. 

Eco Mode adjusts engine operation and air conditioning, within limits that remain acceptable to driver and passengers. It can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by as much as 10 %, depending on usual driving styles and road conditions.

Eco Mode is selected by pressing a pushbutton on the dashboard, and switched off using the same button, or by a frank push on the accelerator pedal. 

Another fuel economy aid, on all versions of New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, is the gear-change indication provided by an upward or downward arrow display. 

Life on board: legendary space for the money 

New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway are as roomy as ever and as spacious as models from a class above. 

At the front, both have a best-in-class shoulder width of 1,387 mm. And the elbow room of 1,417 mm is unbeaten too. Shoulder and elbow room at the rear is also best in class: 1,393 mm and 1,436 mm respectively on New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway. Both models seat three adult passengers comfortably in the rear, or fit three child seats.

The cabin boasts improved stowage space, starting with a cubby on the dash panel, and new compartments in the rear doors (holding a half litre bottle), in addition to the front door pockets (holding a 1.5 litre bottle). 

New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway: affordable and generous, with space to spare 

Both Sandero and Sandero Stepway are true family cars, offering full comfort and practicality for five adults. As well as offering excellent shoulder and elbow width, front and rear, the two Sanderos are equally generous with rear kneeroom of 144 mm, again unsurpassed in its class. That’s a real feat when you consider its also the UK’s most affordable new supermini, not to mention car, of any size. The boot volume of 320 litres (1,200 with the rear seats folded) is unbeatable too. And loading is simple, courtesy of a wide opening and low loading height. 

More affordable than ever

“For the same price (as previous models), Dacia is offering more and better, in terms of design, equipment and engines. Dacia’s new flagship models enhance its competitive standing on its markets. The customer is the first to benefit.” Eric Pasquier, entry range sales & marketing director 

Competitive performance of a no-frills approach 

Dacia is introducing many new features as standard, some of them across the whole range, such as the asymmetrical fold-down rear seat on New Sandero, daytime running lights on all three new models in all countries, power steering, ESC, and front side airbags on both models. 

A straightforward offering 

The new equipment and engines are fielded across a simple, straightforward product range that offers a close, no-nonsense match to actual customer expectations. 

New Sandero is available in an easy to understand line-up of just three trim levels: Access, Ambiance or Lauréate, with the more upmarket, New Sandero Stepway, available in two: Ambiance or Lauréate. Sandero Stepway versions mirror the impressive standard equipment lists of their hatchback equivalents, with range-topping Lauréate versions boasting two useful extras: a 7” MediaNav multimedia system and rear parking sensors, to complement standard air conditioning and cruise control. 

Attractively priced options

The new options for both of Dacia’s new babies are priced 20% to 50% lower than any of its competitors. As examples, the MediaNav system costs only £250, with leather upholstery at £600. 

_{PEACE OF MIND}

Buying Dacia brings peace of mind on the road, with uncompromising safety, renowned reliability and straightforward maintenance. 

Enhanced safety

Active safety

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) appears as a standard feature on all Euro 5 versions of Dacia’s three new models, compliant with European regulations. This system ensures vehicle stability under difficult conditions such as obstacle avoidance, low grip round bends, and slippery road surfaces. 

The ABS anti-lock braking system now comes with emergency brake assist, which switches in to apply maximum brake pressure automatically when emergency braking conditions are detected. Maximum pressure is applied from the onset of braking and remains until the ABS trigger threshold is reached. 

For improved visibility round-the-clock, daylight headlamps are standard on all models in all countries. 

Passive safety

New Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway reap the full benefit of Renault group engineering to offer all vehicle occupants maximum protection. All three new models have driver and passenger airbags plus side airbags at the front. 

The front seatbelts have load limiters calibrated to protect the thorax on impact. An audible and visual warning reminds drivers that the seatbelt is unfastened on all versions. 

New Sandero and Sandero Stepway have Isofix points for child and baby seats in the outer rear seats. All three body structures have reinforced programmed crumple zones. The shape, thickness and stiffness of the bumper and bonnet area are designed for improved impact absorption, in particular for pedestrian protection in the event of frontal impact. 

Rugged reliability 

“Dacia’s product range is closely matched to motorists’ expectations. Reliability is a Dacia fundamental, central to the trust-based relationship we have with our customers.” Rafael Treguer, Dacia brand development director 

The know-how and demanding requirements of the Renault group 

Dacia benefits from the full breadth of Renault group know-how on quality. As a result of a wide-reaching programme launched from 2003, the Renault group today ranks among the best volume carmakers for reliability. 

Just like Renault vehicles, all Dacias are tested under the most extreme conditions.

In addition to the classic bench tests, new vehicles also undergo extreme tests under real-life conditions to check how they stand up to ageing. Dacia’s new cars have driven 1.4 million kilometers, with 90 % of the test vehicles undergoing tests on rugged tracks representing poor and flooded road surfaces. 

Renault group carry-over also means Dacia vehicles reap the benefit of Renault’s tried and tested advanced technologies. For example, Dacia uses Renault group engines like the 1.5 dCi (a Renault-Nissan Alliance unit) and many parts initially developed for Renault vehicles. 

Dacia also implements Renault group and Alliance know-how in standards and processes. For example, the Design-to-Quality method is also applied to Dacia vehicles. This method is used to pinpoint any problems arising during each step of the vehicle or engine design process. It is based on an analysis of feedback on known parts, an in-depth risk examination and a strict validation plan for new parts. 

The Renault Production Way is applied across all 38 Renault group production sites worldwide, including those making Dacia vehicles. The three models – New Dacia Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway – will be made at the Pitesti plant in Romania and at the SOMACA plant (Casablanca, Morocco) for the regional market (Morocco, Tunisia, etc.). Starting from the second half of 2013, New Dacia Sandero will also be made at the Tangiers plant in Morocco. All Renault group production facilities implement the same standards and meet the same quality requirements. 

Recognised quality

Dacia boasts remarkable quality results, which bolsters customer trust. 

The brand earned a podium position for reliability following a survey of 30,000 customers run by consumer unions in five countries (Belgium, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal) in February 2012. Moreover, according to the latest 2012 findings from ADAC, the authoritative European organisation, the reliability of Dacia vehicles shows a steady rise over the last three years. 

Dacia’s 3 year/60,000 mile warranty applies to all models in the range. It includes repair at any dealership in the Dacia dealer network, to the best standards using manufacturer’s original parts. The generous warranty extends the relationship between Dacia and its customers, and provides potential buyers with concrete proof of vehicle reliability. For those looking for even more peace of mind, two optional extended warranties are on offer in the UK, for five- and seven years, covering 60,000 and 100,000 respectively. 

Straightforward, economical maintenance 

Dacia’s aftersales offerings are adapted to individual needs and ensure competitive maintenance and running costs. Quality servicing makes for long vehicle life and the best possible resale conditions. 

Dacia’s servicing policy is based on a single programme, involving a visit every year or every 12,000 miles. This applies to all models regardless of transmission and engine. In addition, several of the operations in the servicing schedule now have longer intervals, such as coolant replacement and distribution belt change for petrol models. 

Customer service ethic 

Dacia benefits from the expertise and dense geographical coverage of the Renault group dealer network. Of the 1,800 showrooms in the 36 countries covered by Dacia, 900 are exclusive to Dacia. In the UK, there are currently 133 Dacia Retailers, rising to 149 by the end of December 2012. Depending on the country, these include shared showroom space with Renault, or dedicated Dacia buildings. The number of Dacia-specific showrooms is on the increase; by the end of 2012 there will be 60% more than at the start of 2010. 

The Dacia-specific salesforce is also increasing, standing at 1,300 today and set for 1,400 by the end of 2012, which is twice the figure in early 2010. Dacia benefits from the know-how of the Renault group’s international training centre to offer its salespeople effective specific training. According to a recurrent internal survey in ten countries, some 85% of Dacia customers recommend the Dacia network for buying a car. 

_{THE DACIA SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES} 

Dacia brought upheaval to the established order by inventing a brand new automobile consumption mode. For the first time, customers on low budgets would no longer make do with a second-hand vehicle. Dacia would offer its unique vision in the motoring world, breaking the rigid formula that equated value with price tag. 

With six new vehicles presented in 2012, the Dacia range is by far the most youthful in Europe. And the range has expanded very fast. When the Logan MCV Estate is discontinued in early 2013, the oldest vehicle in the Dacia range will be Duster, which is less than three years old. 

Dacia is also Europe’s fastest-growing automotive brand, enjoying an eight-fold increase in annual sales from 2005 to 2011. And two million Dacias were been sold by mid-2012, since 2004 in 36 countries. 

“Logan, the first model made by Dacia as member of the Renault group, was released eight years ago, since when we have considerably extended the product lineup with new models. We are now entering a new cycle; for the first time, Dacia is releasing second-generation versions of its existing models. To make the design, fuel economy and equipment improvements behind New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, we have been largely guided by customer input. And we have taken great care to keep the qualities so appreciated by our customers: volume, reliability and, of course, price.” Arnaud Debœuf, entry program director

ENDS

Press enquiries:

Mike Gale, Manager, Product Affairs

01923 697653, 07812 967680, mike.gale@renault.co.uk

Jeremy Townsend, Director, Communications

01923 697592, 07977 289327, jeremy.townsend@renault.co.uk