On sale at less than 10,000 euros, almost fully equipped with an interior space that resembles an upper-segment vehicle, Dacia's new Sandero has many advantages, but are they enough to ensure success?
Just as in 2004 when Dacia launched the new Logan - the model that anticipated the "low-cost" revolution and four years after it changed the overall conception of compact sedans, the domestic carmaker has come up with a small-class, low-cost model, but one with features not typical for its price segment.
However, competition in form of imported small-class models, is much stronger than it was for Logan in 2004.
The question is what would a person with around 10,000 euros to spend, who wants a sufficiently large vehicle for a one one-week holiday, but also a decently equipped city car opt for - the new Dacia Sandero or an imported model?
According to APIA statistical data, in the first four months of this year sales of small-class models dropped by 3.5%, while the compact segment, despite the launch of new models, rose by over 35% during the same interval, underscoring the market's shift to more expensive models. Jacques Daniel (the commercial manager for Dacia, Renault, and Nissan) confirms these results and says the domestic market is starting to increasingly resemble the West European one.
Another important plus for the Sandero is the fact that it is assembled in Romania, with most insurers offer lower rates in the case of comprehensive policies, while Dacia's dealership and service network is the biggest in the country, with around 100 dealerships nationwide.
In comparison with the 10,000-euro segment, Fiat Grande Punto is the closest model to the Sandero, with basic equipment and prices similar to the Dacia model. However, while the Sandero is equipped with a 1.6-litre- 90 horsepower engine, the Grande Punto is equipped with the "entry level" 1.2 litre-65 horsepower engine.
Polo Happy, the low-cost version of the German carmaker's small-class model, is the least equipped in comparison, but, nevertheless, comes with what matters for many customers - air conditioning and a CD-radio .
Despite safety becoming ever more important at a European level, for 10,000-euro models safety, or rather less attention to safety, was regarded as a way to slash costs.
As a result, as is the case with the Logan model, Sandero has two frontal airbags for the trim, just like Grande Punto, Polo, Mazda2 and Clio III.
In terms of trunk and interior space dimensions, the Sandero surpasses its rivals. However, ultimately, it will be left to the customers to make up their minds which car they choose.
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