Top-spec Sandero delivers the goods

In those five years the product has received a raft of updates and earlier this year, a more highly specified version was released and I had a chance to drive it recently.

The Stepway Plus

Being the crossover version of the Sandero, the Stepway has found favour with local consumers, so much so that of the three Sandero variants on offer, two are Stepway models. The new top-spec variant, called the Plus retains the 66 kW and 135 N.m 900cc turbo petrol engine and five-speed manual gearbox but gets a host of specification upgrades, as seen on the former Dynamique model.

The most obvious is the fact that the 7.0-inch MediaNav system now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, however, this is also now included in the lower-spec Expression model. In addition to this, the Plus gets side airbags as well as front and rear electric windows along with a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob. Other niceties include cruise control, 16-inch wheels, a multi-function steering wheel, electric side mirrors, a reverse camera and an armrest for the driver. This budget car does come well specified, with respectable safety features such as ABS with EBD,  ESP  as well as front and side airbags. I feel that the Sandero offers a really practical package; I managed to fit two 29er mountain bikes in the back, with the seats folded down, the first time that I’ve been able to achieve this in a budget car.

Verdict

The Plus also gets red accents throughout, which appear cheap and could certainly have been left out. On the plus side, and please excuse the terrible pun, the Sandero is practical, frugal and comes with a solid warranty. At R223 900 this a great little car and is most likely all that you need from a daily driver, however, it might not be all that you want in our image-driven automotive landscape