Dacia has launched the 2012 Sandero Stepway, which shares its platform with the successful Sandero hatchback. The Dacia Sandero Stepway is a sub-compact hatchback with off-road capabilities and can be a cheaper alternative to company’s other successful product, the Duster. The Renault Duster is performing quite well in the Indian market and could further be more successful if it would have been less than 4-metres in length (to avail the excise benefit provided by the government). With the Sandero Stepway, Renault may look forward to an aggressive price, as its compact dimensions helps to aggressively price the product.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway has been built on the B0 platform with the aim of providing it off-road capabilities. The vehicle has a 40 mm higher ground clearance than the Sandero, redesigned front end, front and rear skid plates, new roof rails and new 16-inch flexwheels rims. The interiors have got the usual Dacia badging with two tone dashboard, embroidered upholstery and other standard features. The Sandero Stepway will be initially available in two variants; base and a feature packed model which will come with navigation system, cruise control, speed limiter and rear parking sensors.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway will have both petrol and diesel options. The petrol model will be powered by a 898cc, 3-cylinder, turbocharged TCe 90 petrol engine which produces a power output of 90 BHP at 5250 RPM and a peak torque of 135 Nm. It gives an impressive mileage of 22 km/l and claims to deliver a smooth and responsive drive from lower engine speeds. The diesel model will be powered by the 1.5-litre dCi engine that produces a power output of 90 HP and a peak torque of 220 Nm at 1750 RPM. The diesel engine gives a mileage of 29 km/l and comes with Dacia eco2 signature for lower emissions. We hope to see the Sandero Stepway on sale in India with a price range of Rs. 5-7 lakh. which may poise a strong competition in its segment.
