Prior to now, shopping for the most cost effective new automobile on sale meant residing with some trade-offs. Whether or not that was a wheezy engine, a cramped cabin or flimsy plastics, there was all the time an overriding feeling of compromise at each flip. This pair reveals that this now not must be the case. Dacia has rebranded its vary to steer away from its finances roots and in direction of a extra rugged picture. Right here we’re making an attempt the Sandero Expression, which prices £13,995. Up towards it’s the Citroen C3 You! which is identical worth, and nearly £3,000 lower than the subsequent C3 within the vary. Does it provide extra on your cash than the Sandero? Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe Expression Citroen C3 1.2 PureTech You! Worth: £13,995 £13,995 Powertrain: 1.0-litre 3cyl turbo petrol, 89bhp, 5-spd guide, fwd 1.2-litre 3cyl petrol, 82bhp, 5-spd guide, fwd 0-62mph: 12.2 seconds 12.5 seconds Check effectivity: 49.3mpg/10.8mpl 48.5mpg/10.7mpl CO2: 119g/km 123g/km Annual VED: £165 £165 50 Dacia Sandero In Expression trim, the Dacia Sandero comes with a number of helpful upgrades past the bottom Important spec. On prime of its £13,995 asking worth, our take a look at automobile is fitted with the optionally available Iron Blue paint (£650) and a spare wheel (£300), bringing the ultimate whole to £14,945. Tech highlights When the first-generation Sandero arrived, its low worth was made attainable by utilizing Renault’s outdated platforms and tech. The newest mannequin, nevertheless, is correct updated, utilizing the identical CMF-B underpinnings as the present Clio – our New Supermini of the Yr for 3 years operating. To maintain prices down, the Sandero misses out on among the Clio’s creature comforts, although. When you can’t get the Renault’s hybrid choice, you will get a couple of variants of its three-cylinder petrol engines. The turbocharged 1.0-litre unit we’re testing right here comes with 89bhp and 160Nm of torque. It’s linked to a five-speed guide gearbox that sends drive to the entrance wheels. In order for you a extra rugged search for your Sandero, then the Stepway variant has a raised experience top and SUV-inspired physique cladding.
Security: One key space the place the Sandero has compromised on the Clio’s equipment, nevertheless, is in security tech. Autonomous emergency braking is commonplace, however the system isn’t capable of recognise pedestrians or different highway customers. There’s no lane-departure warning system, both. These modifications contributed to a a lot much less efficient Euro NCAP rating for the Dacia than its Renault relative. When the Sandero was examined in 2021, it scored a disappointing two stars, with its lowest rating registering as 41 per cent within the weak highway customers class. On the highway Gentle, compact automobiles reminiscent of these are designed to excel on the town driving, the place tight turning circles and agile responses depend for lots. However each of those fashions measure roughly 4 metres lengthy and weigh a few tonne, so if you select to enterprise additional on to the open highway, their modest energy outputs aren’t the hardship that you simply may anticipate. Round city: Predictably, the Sandero may be very simple to drive at low speeds. The steering is exact sufficient, which mixed with a ten.5-metre turning circle (0.4 metres smaller than the C3’s), means twirling the Sandero into tight areas is a doddle. The clutch pedal is a little bit spongy, however the gearshift is slick sufficient, and the three-cylinder engine doesn’t vibrate at idle as a lot because the C3’s. At low speeds, the experience can bounce barely over rougher surfaces, although.
A & B-roads: These automobiles don’t have to be something greater than competent on these roads, and the Sandero achieves simply that. Discover a twisty part, and the Sandero corners neatly, with first rate grip and solely a small quantity of physique roll. Whereas the efficiency figures aren’t something particular, the turbocharged engine pulls cleanly from low revs. There’s a little bit little bit of fuss should you attempt to profit from all the efficiency, however the automobile’s acceleration is constant from any revs. Motorway: Because the highway opens out, the Sandero’s comfortable experience makes mild work of bigger bumps, and it’s a wonderfully succesful long-distance cruiser. Highway noise is extra audible than within the C3, as is the engine, which is a bit gruffer at a cruise, regardless that it’s extra hushed at low speeds. The steering is a bit more relaxed than in its rival, so fewer corrections are wanted to take care of place in a lane. 50 Possession All new Dacias include a three-year/60,000-mile guarantee. That’s the identical as Citroen’s, however the Sandero scores some extent over its rival for roadside help; it has three years’ cowl to the C3’s one. Dacia’s efficiency in our 2022 Driver Energy survey was poor, although. Of the 29 manufacturers surveyed, it languished in direction of the underside, in twenty seventh. Nonetheless, the unfold of its automobiles within the general rankings was combined; the Duster completed a formidable 14th within the particular person rankings, for instance.
Consumers gained’t anticipate the best of supplies in a automobile so low-cost, however the Sandero at the very least makes some effort to cover its finances roots. Whereas there are many onerous plastics – notably across the gearlever and the door panels – the padded material that spans the dashboard helps to raise what would in any other case be a really giant expanse of gray. The identical squidgy materials is used on the door armrests, too. We’re unsure concerning the white plastic finishes to the air vents, although; whereas they match the white exterior add-ons, they appear a little bit unfinished. Storage touches: Look past the Sandero’s dashboard look, and there may be some proof that Dacia has tried to make the automobile simpler to reside with each day. Past the predictable storage areas, which embody a big smartphone cubby and a decent-sized glove compartment (albeit one which’s hogged by an infinite proprietor’s guide) the small fold-out bag hook within the passenger footwell is a intelligent contact. There are an extra 4 bag hooks within the boot, too. Isofix mounts make it attainable to put in a toddler seat. Nonetheless, the skinny material slots within the upholstery will make it difficult to hook the seat up accurately. Whereas back-seat passengers don’t get their very own USB ports, they’re supplied with a 12-volt socket, which might take a USB adapter if crucial. These passengers solely get tiny door pockets, however foot house underneath the entrance seats is nice. 50 Practicality Neither of those automobiles offers limo-like house, however each are properly packaged contemplating their compact exterior dimensions. It’s the Sandero that manages to supply only a contact extra room general – each within the again seats and within the boot.
Rear house: General, the Sandero’s again seats are a snug sufficient place to be. Headroom is first rate – even for adults – and kneeroom is above common for a supermini. The central seat is comfortable, however is pretty slim and perched fairly excessive, so it’s solely going to be acceptable for brief journeys. Boot: At 328 litres, the Sandero’s boot quantity beats its rival by an honest 28 litres. The 40:60 cut up seats fold nearly flat, however depart a pronounced step within the load house; like this, the entire quantity grows to 1,108 litres. The boot lip may be very barely decrease than the C3’s, however the uncovered steel edge is prone to be scratched simply. What to purchase? Which engine and trim we’d select… Engines: There are three 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines supplied. We’d go for the 90 TCe guide as a result of it’s the most cost effective; an auto gearbox provides £1,500, whereas the petrol/LPG Bi-Gas variant prices £14,495.
There are three 1.0-litre turbo petrol engines supplied. We’d go for the 90 TCe guide as a result of it’s the most cost effective; an auto gearbox provides £1,500, whereas the petrol/LPG Bi-Gas variant prices £14,495. Trim: Of the 2 obtainable, we’d go for the upper Expression. Based mostly on a three-year PCP with a £1,500 deposit and 10,000-mile annual restrict, there’s solely £17 per thirty days between the 2.
Of the 2 obtainable, we’d go for the upper Expression. Based mostly on a three-year PCP with a £1,500 deposit and 10,000-mile annual restrict, there’s solely £17 per thirty days between the 2. Choices: There aren’t actually any extras so as to add to the Sandero. If you wish to correctly squeeze the finances, then Glacier White is the one no-cost paint color.
There aren’t actually any extras so as to add to the Sandero. If you wish to correctly squeeze the finances, then Glacier White is the one no-cost paint color. Our alternative: We’d decide the Sandero examined right here, a 1.0 TCe 90 guide in Expression trim. 50 Citroen C3 The C3 You! begins from £13,995, and the mannequin in our footage has no optionally available extras in any respect. The Smooth Sand metallic paint of our automobile is the usual color. Tech highlights Whereas different Stellantis superminis such because the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa experience on the group’s latest CMP platform, the C3 makes use of the identical PF1 structure that, in earlier kinds, dates again to the unique C3 from 2002.
The tech has been upgraded considerably since that first mannequin, although. Whereas there’s no scope for hybrid powertrains right here, the C3 is out there with petrol and diesel engines. Extra highly effective turbocharged choices can be found larger up the vary, however the You! contains a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol. As with the Dacia, the C3 has a five-speed guide gearbox and front-wheel drive. Security: When the C3 was security examined by Euro NCAP again in 2017, it achieved a four-star ranking. A rating of 88 per cent within the grownup occupant safety class was a robust consequence, though it’s value highlighting that NCAP’s requirements get extra stringent each couple of years, so the C3 won’t obtain the identical consequence if it have been examined right now. Not like the Sandero, the Citroen does get a lane-departure warning system as commonplace. Six airbags and an autonomous emergency braking system are additionally included. On the highway The C3 is among the many best-riding superminis on sale right now, however in different key areas it may possibly’t fairly match the Dacia. It’s extra refined in some situations, however much less so in others, whereas its real-world efficiency falls a little bit brief. Round city: The C3 lacks two helpful town-driving options that its rival will get as commonplace: a reversing digicam and rear parking sensors. Though the C3 is small, it’s nonetheless pretty onerous to outline the precise edges of the again bumper when rolling into an area, so you need to be far more cautious in tight spots.
On the plus facet, the steering is even lighter than the Dacia’s, so it’s simple to maneuver round city. The clutch is sort of mild however not too properly outlined, and when mixed with the automobile’s lazy throttle response, it signifies that you very often slip the clutch a little bit additional than you may must within the Sandero. Massive tyre sidewalls and comfortable suspension imply that the C3’s experience is superb, although. A & B-roads: On this space, it’s not a scarcity of apparatus that makes the C3 tougher work than the Sandero, however the lack of a turbo. The result’s much less low-down torque than its rival; at 118Nm, the Citroen’s most is 42Nm decrease, and it’s essential get to 2,750rpm to achieve it. That’s 650rpm larger than the Sandero’s peak. Consequently, you’ll want extra revs for first rate progress and make extra use of the gearbox. Sadly its shifts aren’t constant in really feel or weight from one ratio to a different. The steering isn’t simply mild, nevertheless it offers minimal suggestions, so the C3 isn’t a lot enjoyable to drive on a rustic highway. Motorway: Wind noise is the overriding sensation when driving at pace, with loads of rustle coming from the C3’s entrance finish. That apart, the Citroen is a succesful long-distance cruiser for its dimension. That comfortable experience works properly, and the engine is pretty hushed, regardless that it’s pulling 3,500rpm at 70mph. These comparatively excessive revs imply it doesn’t really feel too breathless, both; solely on very steep, lasting inclines will you’re feeling the necessity to change down a gear. 50 Possession Citroen fared higher than Dacia within the general model rankings of our Driver Energy survey. A Thirteenth-place end places the French producer in the course of the desk, and is a particular enchancment over what it has achieved up to now. The C3 was its best-ranked mannequin, too, ending a formidable twenty fifth out of the 75 automobiles surveyed. It was additionally the third-best supermini general behind the Toyota Yaris and the MINI Hatchback.
It’s an affordable automobile, however not like finances fashions of earlier years, the C3 doesn’t really feel distressingly primary inside. Sure, there are some onerous plastics in locations, however the usage of various finishes on the sprint and textured panels on the door playing cards provides a little bit tactile high quality. The rotary air-conditioning controls really feel flimsy subsequent to the Sandero’s, although. The rear doorways aren’t the biggest, however open simply vast sufficient in order that becoming a toddler seat shouldn’t be too difficult. The mounting factors poke out barely from beneath the seat bases – much less fiddly than the Dacia’s, however we want the plastic housings another household hatchbacks use. The centre seat is a little bit flatter than the Sandero’s, too, so it’s a little bit extra snug for a 3rd occupant within the again. As with the Dacia, the C3 has a stop-start system to assist save gas when the automobile is stationary, but when it’s a chilly day or the air-conditioning is working onerous, then it’s much less prone to activate. Usability: There are some ergonomic flaws, sadly. We’re not massive followers of the electrical mirror controls. They’re mounted on the sprint as an alternative of the door as in lots of different automobiles, so you need to lean ahead to regulate them, taking your eyes away from their regular view of the mirror.
The entrance cup-holders are shallow – very similar to the Sandero’s – however are to date ahead that any medium-sized espresso cup wouldn’t squeeze into them beneath the dashboard. 50 Practicality The C3 shall be nice for youthful households and is common for the supermini section. However in most areas it tends to fall a little bit wanting the Dacia’s versatility. Rear house: In each dimension, the C3 is ever-so-slightly extra cramped than the Sandero. True, there’s not a lot in it – an obstacle of just some millimetres by way of elbow, knee or head room, nevertheless it all provides up. The seat bases are fairly low relative to the ground, too, which lifts your thighs away from them, which might be uncomfortable for taller occupants. Boot: Whereas the C3’s 300-litre boot is smaller than the Sandero’s, the primary concern is the opening itself. The lip is sort of excessive and the tailgate is slightly slim, which makes it tougher to load bigger gadgets on board. Drop the again seats down and the general quantity involves 992 litres, which is 116 litres lower than its rival. What to purchase? Which engine and trim we’d select… Engines: The C3 You! is barely obtainable with a non-turbo petrol engine. For extra energy, an auto, or a torquey diesel, there’s a giant bounce in price to different variations.
The C3 You! is barely obtainable with a non-turbo petrol engine. For extra energy, an auto, or a torquey diesel, there’s a giant bounce in price to different variations. Trim: For the £3,000-plus saving the You! affords over the remainder of the C3 line-up, we will simply forgive the absence of some commonplace equipment. It’s our decide of the vary by some margin.
For the £3,000-plus saving the You! affords over the remainder of the C3 line-up, we will simply forgive the absence of some commonplace equipment. It’s our decide of the vary by some margin. Choices: A spread of colors and a distinction roof are the primary C3 choices. You’ll want to speak to your supplier to debate the price of becoming a spare wheel; a puncture restore equipment is commonplace.
A spread of colors and a distinction roof are the primary C3 choices. You’ll want to speak to your supplier to debate the price of becoming a spare wheel; a puncture restore equipment is commonplace. Our alternative: There’s only one model, so we’d decide a color and attempt to add a spare wheel. 50 Outcomes Which automobile comes out on prime? Winner: Dacia Sandero Dacia’s need to take its picture right into a extra fascinating place hasn’t diluted the Sandero’s key strengths. Simply as earlier than, it stays one thing of an automotive discount.
Even beside the C3 – hardly a dear automobile – it holds a bonus in the case of gas economic system, servicing prices and, most of all, the month-to-month funds on a typical finance deal. That it has marginally stronger efficiency, a bit more room inside and higher tech signifies that, for the money, it’s an extremely tempting prospect. Professionals Cons Tiny operating prices Feels extra primary than C3 Roomy boot Bouncy experience on some roads First rate in-car tech Noisy engine Runner-up: Citroen C3 The C3 settles for second right here, however the hole between these two is small, and there are nonetheless loads of causes to go for the Citroen. Key to its attraction is its consolation, which makes it a really enjoyable automobile to reside with, particularly should you primarily persist with city journeys, the place its relative lack of energy isn’t a difficulty. Although it’s barely pricier than the Sandero to run, it’s by far the most cost effective C3 you should purchase, and simply probably the most convincing mannequin within the vary. Professionals Cons Experience and seat consolation Greater prices than Dacia Frugal gas consumption Sluggish efficiency Funky inside design No smartphone integration 50 Rivals and different choices Dacia wins our twin take a look at, however what else is on the market? Similar class: Renault Clio
Similar Cash: Kia Picanto
Used: MINI Cooper
Used: Vauxhall Corsa
Coming quickly: Cupra City Insurgent The nice debate What the Auto Specific take a look at staff would do… Sean Carson, affiliate editor: “There’s a lot to consider in the case of these two automobiles and their budget-minded focus. The Sandero’s worth has crept up not too long ago, nevertheless it’s nonetheless the perfect discount supermini round. I really like the no-nonsense strategy, which is simply as current within the Duster SUV and seven-seat Jogger as it’s right here. We will solely hope that Dacia’s way of life model ambitions don’t dilute its finances angle.”
John McIlroy, deputy editor: “Whereas we agree that the Dacia is the higher automobile general, the C3’s character definitely attracts me in. The trendy appears stick out beside the straight-laced Dacia, and in a time the place so many automobiles attempt too onerous to be sporty, I really like the C3’s softer strategy to its model and on-road manners.” Dean Gibson, senior take a look at editor: “I perceive why many patrons would love the additional equipment that the Sandero Expression comes with over the Important. But when it was my money, I’d save a grand and go for base spec. I can do with out body-coloured door mirrors and electrical rear home windows, and there’s a cradle to carry my smartphone anyway”. Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief: “Small automobiles have a tendency to not be pushed far, so why not go for a used EV? For the 14 grand mark, an electrical automobile would deliver tiny operating prices and darty responses on the town. The classifieds present loads of Nissan Leafs in the marketplace – or you can go for the quirky but fascinating BMW i3.” Daybreak Grant, image editor: “If you happen to want a little bit more room than the C3 or the Sandero can provide, however you continue to admire the Citroen’s appeal, then I’d counsel a C3 Aircross as an alternative. I ran the supermini-SUV as a fleet automobile again in 2018 and it was nice. It proved to be a cushty and sensible household automobile.”