Renault South Africa launches new Sandero range | Accidents.co.za | Discussion, Prevention, Investigation and Response

Sandero sales set to reach the 50 000 milestone mark

Renault replaces current Sandero line-up with completely revised New Sandero model range for 2017
Leading the NEW RENAULT SANDERO LINE-UP is the flagship New Stepway Dynamique 66kW Turbo followed by the mid-level New Stepway Expression 66kW Turbo and entry-level New Sandero Expression 66kW Turbo variants
Status-enhancing styling updates and quality refinements inside and out
Best in class safety: Front airbags, ABS + EBD + EBA + ESP + ASR + HSA standard across the range
Features standard across New Sandero range include: ECO Mode function, front power windows, remote central locking, Bluetooth® connectivity and music streaming, 2 DIN integrated radio/CD/MP3 with USB port and fingertip controls
New Stepway Dynamique offers front side airbags, cruise control, rear park assist, onboard computer, 7” touchscreen navigation system
Priced from R159 900 – R189 900

The NEW RENAULT SANDERO range is here and packed with features and fitments unique to its class. A revision of predecessor models, these refreshed newcomers look better than ever.

Leading the line-up is the flagship New Stepway Dynamique.This is followed by the more accessible mid-level New Stepway Expression (which replaces the current Sandero Dynamique) and entry-level New Sandero Expression. All are powered by Renault’s F1-inspired petrol Turbo 66kW engine.

When Sandero first entered the South African motoring landscape in February 2009, Renault’s key objective was to provide a high-value proposition in the entry-level passenger car segment.

Initially locally produced in alliance partner Nissan’s Rosslyn plant, the roomy, robust and affordable newcomer was perfectly in tune with customer needs and market trends. With its introduction of the Sandero range, Renault promised an unparalleled package that would meet the need for affordable motoring and outright value in a tense economic climate.

Sandero delivered then … and continues to do so today.

EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS: 2009 – 2017

In its first five years in the market place, Renault Sandero clocked up 28 803 unit sales. In March 2014, Sandero 2 was launched. Sourced from Romania, the new line-up was fresh, restyled, reflecting improved quality and finishes plus the adoption of Renault’s new design identity. Powered by a Turbo engine (unique in its class), the Sandero boasted a host of superb safety features as well as smart technologies as standard across the range.

First generation Sandero Stepway was launched in 2011 and blazed a red-hot trail popularising the crossover concept in South Africa. In May 2014, Renault replaced this blockbuster model with a new Sandero Stepway that offered an incredible array of standard super-smart technologies never before seen at the price as well as outstanding safety levels.

With a comprehensive and completely refreshed line-up, Sandero continued to enjoy ever-increasing success recording sales of a further 17 306 units in just under three years.

Since 2009 well in excess of 46 000 Sandero models have been sold in South Africa and Renault is looking forward to reaching the 50 000 milestone mark during 2017.

REFRESHED BY DESIGN

New Renault Sandero’s refreshed design and status-enhancing styling updates, inside and out, have given it a quality and contemporary look and feel.

Exterior:

Displaying Renault’s new front end design identity, New Sandero has also adopted the brand’s new lighting signature now seen on all of Renault’s latest models: headlamps that incorporate the characteristic C-shape Daytime Running Lights (LED) plus C-shape rear lights and both the front and rear bumpers are of new design.

New Stepway’s crossover styling is modern and refined with features and fitments that include an integrated roof spoiler, higher ground clearance than the entry Sandero Expression, roof bars, front and rear skid plates, wheel arch mouldings and front fog lights.

The range’s assertive stance is underscored by the fitment of 15” wheels (Sandero Expression) and 16” dark metal flex wheels (Stepway Expression and Dynamique models).

Next-level interior design:

Quality is perceived in the interior’s design updates, finishes and the materials used: new centre console, new air vents, updated trims, seat upholstery and power window switches on door panels.

The new steering wheel now with hooter in the middle and one-touch indicators are examples of New Sandero’s reconfigured ergonomics for easier access and use.

Generously proportioned interior and above class average floor-to-roof clearance front and back makes for comfortable and roomy seating for five occupants plus luggage while best-in-class boot space (292 litres) can be further improved upon thanks to the split rear bench which is standard across the range offering even more versatility.

The New Stepway Dynamique has a centre armrest for extra comfort and leather seats as an option.

F1-INSPIRED TURBO 66KW ENGINE: Efficiency meets economy

Access to highly efficient and technologically advanced engines is no longer the reserve of expensive cars as proven by Renault’s F1-inspired three-cylinder, 900cc petrol Turbo 66kW engine.

This compact new generation Turbo power plant is standard across the New Sandero line-up (the only Turbo-powered model in its vehicle segment) and highly efficient thanks to its lightweight 100% aluminium (HPDC) engine block, low inertia turbo, variable valve timing, piloted variable oil pump and lifetime engine chain.

New Sandero also benefits from a host of innovative solutions transferred from Formula 1 including diamond-like carbon coatings (high-tech surface treatment for engine components to reduce friction) and high tumble strategy (optimisation of engine internal aerodynamics to allow better combustion).

The 66kW engine, mated with a manual 5-speed gearbox, exudes amazing power, unparalleled responsiveness and driving pleasure thanks to low-end torque.

With maximum output of 66kW @ 5 250 rpm, the petrol Turbo power plant delivers peak torque of 135Nm at 2 500 rpm of which 90% is available from 1 650rpm. Going from 0 to 100kph in just 11.1 seconds, top speed is 169kph.

With the New Sandero Expression sipping just 5.2 litres/100km, fuel consumption is competitively low. At an equally impressive 5.4 litres/100km its New Stepway Dynamique and Expression siblings are not far behind. Furthermore at 119g/km (Sandero) and 124g/km (Stepway), CO² emissions are at a very acceptable low.

ON-BOARD EXPERIENCE

Many of the features and fitments which come standard with the New Sandero range are not seen in this vehicle segment. These include:

Front power windows
Remote central locking
ECO mode function. By electronically modifying the engine’s response at the push of a button, enables drivers to automatically optimise fuel consumption and correct energy-wasting driving parameters to achieve greater economy. It adjusts engine operation within acceptable limits and can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by as much as 12% depending on driving styles and road conditions.

Standard features in the enriched value New Stepway Dynamique model are side airbags, front and rear power windows, electric side mirrors, leather steering wheel and gear knob and rear park assist. Cruise control and navigation are also standard (unique in this vehicle segment) while leather seats are an option.

The New Stepway Dynamique comes standard with Renault MediaNav. A comprehensive, integrated on-board multimedia system with 7” touchscreen, it’s an intuitive system offering quick access to all settings.

Bluetooth® connectivity enables safe, convenient and hands-free telephony plus music streaming from portable external devices when on the go. This, together with the 2 DIN integrated radio/CD/MP3 with USB port, is all accessed via fingertip controls located behind the steering wheel for optimum ease and convenience.

The navigation system with map mode will guide you to wherever you want to go – an address or place of interest – and keep a log history of your navigation favourites.

The on-board computer also tracks and displays distance covered, average speed, fuel range, average and total fuel consumption.

PARTS & PRICING

From the outset, Sandero has rated highly with regard to parts pricing (and servicing costs in particular) since its introduction to the local market.

In October 2009, just eight months after launching, Renault Sandero 1.6 swept the board in the B vehicle segment of Malcolm Kinsey’s annual Parts Pricing Survey, with comparative parts pricing on competitors’ models proven to be between 61% and 188% more costly.

Kinsey’s 2010 Report named Renault Sandero South Africa’s most affordable car. In the highly contested under R120 000 entry-level passenger car category, the Sandero 1.4 Authentique hatchback was pitted against eight competitor models and proven to be well ahead on parts pricing.

In 2011, Renault Sandero continued its run remaining ahead of its peers on parts pricing for the third consecutive year.

BEST IN CLASS SAFETY FEATURES

Renault places emphasis on active safety as a means to avoid accidents and this is borne out by the fact that New Sandero is the only car in its class to include EBA (coupled with ABS) and ESP (+ ASR) as standard across the range.

New Sandero also offers passive safety features ‘beyond its class’. In addition to the front seat belts with load limiters and ISOFIX fasteners for child and baby seats, New Sandero is the only car in its category to offer a three-point safety belt at the central rear seat.

Also unique to this segment are front side airbags on the New Stepway Dynamique as standard.

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)coupled with ABS

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) now comes with EBA which kicks in and automatically applies maximum brake pressure when emergency braking conditions are detected. Maximum pressure is applied from the onset of braking and remains until the ABS trigger threshold is reached. EBA shortens braking distance by up to nine metres at 120 kph.

An interesting fact is that only 60% of drivers brake sufficiently hard for the ABS system to switch on in an emergency situation.

Electronic Stability (Control) Programme (ESP)

40% of road deaths are as a result of accidents that involve loss of control over the vehicle. ESP ensures vehicle stability and assists the driver to avoid possible loss of control; detects and reduces the loss of traction (on slippery road surfaces, for example) and reduces engine power and brakes on independent wheels in the event of loss of control.

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

HSA is automatically activated (upon complete stop) as soon as an incline of at least 10% is detected. The system is engaged by stepping firmly on the brake and prevents any backwards movement for long enough to pull off without needing to use the handbrake. When stepping on the brake, the car will hold for approximately three seconds to allow pull off with no roll-back.

AFTERSALES WARRANTY & SERVICE PLAN

The New Sandero and New Stepway range comes with Renault’s 5-year / 150 000 km warranty together with a standard 2-year / 30 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000km intervals.

New Sandero parts are very competitively priced and Renault’s Gauteng-based Parts & Distribution ensures that parts availability is running at 95% plus.

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