Renault Sandero 1.4
Maxabout Review
Preview of Big Hatch from Renault
Friday, February 06, 2009Renault has launched its new Renault Sandero in Brazil, and is readying it for Indian Market. Sandero will be Renault’s low cost car for India. Renault Sandero is a modern hatchback that is attractive, robust and dynamic. The attractive headlamps in the front and grille, bumper that goes with the design makes it stand out from the crowd. Sandero is going to share much of its architecture from Logan minus boxy type look.
Sandero stands with Maruti Swift in terms of pricing but is much bigger then it. It is 4.02 meters in length and has a storage capacity of 320 litres which is quite like larger compacts. It has the best shoulder and head room in its class which makes it extra comfortable. Front seat shoulder room is 1400mm which rear have 878mm headroom. The design of the sandero is a mixture of European Clio with some characteristics of Logan. Sandero's appealing design suggests both dynamic performance and robustness. Its distinctive front end features very expressive headlamps, with a grille and bumper that merge seamlessly into the bodywork.
Dacia Sandero stands out as a modern hatchback with appealing looks that convey both dynamism and robustness. The front features modern, expressive headlamps and a grille and bumper that blend harmoniously with the bodywork. Its lateral lines form an “upturned wave” and underpin the impression of solidity, thanks notably to the broad side protective strips. The rear styling reinforces the sense of a generously proportioned, spacious and well-built vehicle.
The same resolve to appeal to customers and showcase its quality continues inside the car. The new dashboard has been thought through to be both modern and functional, while there is also the opportunity to combine different colours and surface finishes in several areas. The design of the door panels also contributes to the cabin's modern feel thanks to the smart handles and decorative trim strips. To distinguish each range in the version, Dacia Sandero is available with three dashboard trims and coordinated upholsteries.
Particular attention has been paid to produce an uncluttered, practical driving environment, with easy-to-read instruments and controls which fall readily to hand. The rear bench seat comfortably seats up to three adult passengers who benefit from 878mm of headroom, 145mm of kneeroom and 1,425mm of elbowroom, while a child seat can be fitted to all three seats. In addition to the rear's roomy dimensions, access to the rear seats is made even easier due to the fact that the rear doors open to an angle of up to 67°.
The boot capacity of 320 litres is also unbeatable for the vehicle's price and compact dimensions, while its practical, modular layout is enhanced by the folding rear bench seat which offers a 60/40 split according to version. With the bench seat folded, the total carrying capacity extends to 1,200 litres, ensuring that Dacia Sandero stands out as a compact yet extremely spacious hatchback capable of comfortably carrying up to five adults.
In keeping with the spirit behind the B0 platform, Dacia Sandero's design was guided by an overriding need for the level of robustness and reliability that has forged the brand's reputation. Special attention has been paid to the reliability of the electrical system and electronics thanks to a system that has already shown its worth on several models from the Renault range.
The driving environment and cabin wiring looms are one and the same, with no break or connection between the two, a technique which boosts reliability by reducing the risk of defective connections. Another example is the battery, the size and specification of which takes into account the car's use in extreme situations.
Sandero is equipped with numerous passive safety features too, including the use of materials such as high elastic limit (HEL) steel which ensures enhanced cabin resistance by minimising deformation, notably in the case of head-on impacts. The combination of the magnesium steering wheel frame and retractable steering column contributes to the dissipation of the kinetic energy produced in an impact, while the honeycomb structure of the polypropylene dashboard reduces the risk of knee injury.
In addition to the materials it uses, the curved design of the lower part of the cowling matches the shape of the tibias with a view to spreading out the force of an impact should the tibias come into contact with the dash. It is equipped with three-point front and rear seatbelts. The front seatbelts incorporate calibrated load limiters for enhanced protection of the thorax. Depending on version, these seatbelts are height-adjustable to optimise body restraint in case of impact.
The retention system can also be upgraded to include pyrotechnic pretensioners for the front seatbelts. Sandero also benefits from ISOFIX child seat anchorage points for the outer rear seats. Depending on equipment level, Sandero comes with up to four airbags. The driver's airbag, which has been specially designed for it, features a vent that adjusts the pressure applied as the bag deploys. Certain versions are equipped with two lateral head thorax airbags which provide extra protection in case of side impact, in addition to that ensured by the padding and strengthening structures incorporated as standard in the doors.
The lateral head thorax airbags are located in strengthened seats which come with headrests specifically designed to prevent injury to the cervical vertebrae in case of rear impact. This new set-up ensures a better position of the back and enhanced retention and comfort of the head. The Renault Sandero is a 'roomy and robust top-end compact car' according to Renault. The Sandero shares its flatform (B0 platform) with the Dacia/Renault Logan which has been taking Europe by storm, selling out in most countries. But in India Logan has not been so successful because of its boxy and bland styling.