Dacia has used the Paris motor show to display three renewed models: the Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway.
The Logan family saloon will not be coming to the UK, instead concentrating on Dacia’s established markets in Continental Europe and the Mediterranean. The Sandero hatchback will be available to order in the UK in October, with the Sandero Stepway crossover going on sale in Spring 2013.
The new models showcase Dacia’s new design language, which aims to be more assertive and upmarket.
The three models share similar frontal styling, with angular headlamps extending from a new large grille design with prominent horizontal strakes, along with pronounced wheelarches and sills.
The previous Sandero Stepway made up half of the previous model generation’s total sales and the new iteration aims to appeal to a broader customer base, capitalising on the popularity of the crossover sector. Built on the same B0 platform as its predecessor, the Stepway rides 40mm higher than the regular Sandero hatchback and its miniature SUV styling includes front and rear skid plates, fog lamps and two-tone roof bars.
A more comprehensive range of engines is offered across all three cars, including Renault’s three-cylinder turbocharged TCe 90 unit. In-keeping with the aim for sales in emerging markets, all three models have been equipped with generous ground clearance and underbody protection for rough roads. Dacia says interior noise intrusion has been improved thanks to improvements in road noise control and increased soundproofing in the engine bay.
Continuing the brand’s customary minimal range of trim variants, the Sandero Stepway crossover will be available in two equipment levels. The highest trim level available for all three new cars boasts fresh equipment, including a Bluetooth-enabled multimedia and touch-screen navigation system. The Logan and Sandero range are now also available with rear parking sensors and cruise control, while front and side driver and passenger airbags and stability control are standard across all cars regardless of trim-level.
The new cars have been designed with an emphasis on spaciousness. The new Sandero’s interior storage includes a new central cubby box and its rear cabin has space to accommodate three child seats.
Production of all three new cars will be shared between the Pitesti plant in Romania and the Casablanca plant in Morocco.
Thanks to: Autocar
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