CAR REVIEW: Renault Sandero Stepway
Before even driving the new Renault Sandero Stepway, I had heard other motoring journalists raving about this vehicle from Renault (on a certain competitor car’s launch funny enough). So, my expectations of the Sandero Stepway were very high and it would have been easy for the Stepway to disappoint me once I got my hands on it, but it didn’t disappoint at all.
With the upgraded model, Renault put the 1,6 l engine aside and fitted the 0,9 l turbo engine in the new Stepway – with great results. The 0,9 l turbo engine is capable of 66 kW and 135N.m. The big advantage is the fuel consumption that’s rated at 5.4 litres/100km – and personally, aside from a hybrid, this must be one of the most fuel efficient cars I have ever driven.
What I like about the Sandero Stepway is that Renault hasn’t skimped on the features and certain dynamics of the car – neither safety nor comfort features. The Stepway comes standard with ABS, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and front side airbags. The Sandero also hosts a variety of technological features such as Bluetooth connectivity and MP-3 compatible CD player (with USB port) which can all be conveniently accessed via fingertip controls located behind the steering wheel.
The new Stepway combines the rugged SUV-type looks of an SUV with the manoeuvrability and low fuel consumption of a hatchback and the car took on a whole new design identity this time round. Its upsized diamond-shaped badge is suspended within the black front grille and I thought this worked well with the car’s crossover DNA. The car has a raised ground clearance and sports 16-inch wheels. To optimise driving pleasure, the dashboard features a sophisticated cluster with chrome detailing around the dials and boasts an array of techno-smart yet practical instrumentation.
Sporting around in this Renault really was a pleasure, the power output is admirable and the car, even though road noise is evident, is a easy-drive on the road. It’s also a great car for long-distance driving if you take the fuel consumption and driving dynamics in to consideration.
The rugged Stepway is about R20 000 more expensive than the standard Sandero, but the extra options and what you get are worth the amount you pay.
So far this year, Renault has really impressed, especially with the Megane. The brand has really been on an upward spiral, and the Sandero Stepway is just another one of Renault’s wins.
Price: Turbo 66kW 5- door R159 900