Renault Sandero Stepway (2014) Video

The Renault Sandero Stepway is the rougher, tougher cousin of the Sandero – well, at least in the looks department. Mechanically, the cars are identical. They run the same 900cc (yes, 0.9litre) 66 kW turbo, three-cylinder motor.

They offer the same interior features and dashboard, but the Stepway gets very cool-looking ruggedised seats. They even have the same wheels and tyres, but the Stepway rides 4o mm higher; very handy for gravel roads. However the aesthetics not only make the car look tougher, they might just save you money too.

The black plastics around the wheel arches are meant to be cheaper to replace, and more scratch resistant, so the odd parking lot ding doesn’t become an insurance nightmare.

Renault Sandero Stepway specification

What I like about the Renault Sandero Stepway is the Frenchies have not skimped on features – both in terms of safety and tech. The car comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity for telephone and audio playback, there’s a USB port and Aux jack, and there are clever controls situated behind the steering wheel which allow you to interact with the audio system without taking your hands off the wheel.

Safety features

The car comes standard with four airbags and has 5 stars slapped on the back by EuroNCAP – a strict regulatory body of vehicle crash safety. ABS, EBD and Anti Skid Control are all standard, as well as ISOFIX child seat restraints. There are very few cars at this price point that boast that level of spec.

Engine and economy

The drive is a bit dull, but that engine never lets you down, with 66 kW and 135 Nm on tap, the car never feels slow. Unless you drive it in ECO mode, in which case it’s like driving through porridge. But it does bring consumption down, even if I never saw the claimed figure of 5.4 litres/100km, my average of 7.5litres/100km is admirable, given my driving style (in a hurry – if that’s a style).

Conclusion and summary

At R141 900 for the standard Sandero, the Stepway is about R18 000 more at R159 900, and offers a unique body kit, roof racks, new seats and park distance control, which I always find useful. I can’t honestly say the extra options are actually worth R18 000 more, but the overall package feels and looks a lot more premium. So twist your dealer’s arm into selling you the Stepway for a price that looks more like the Sandero’s.

Renault Sandero Stepway Price in South Africa

• R159 900 for the Renault Sandero Stepway.

Renault Sandero Stepway (2014) Quick Specs

We like:
. Styling
. Economy
. Safety features

We dislike:
. Is it really worth R18 grand more?

Also consider:
Volkswagen Cross Polo
Volkswagen Polo Vivo Maxx