Thinking about buying a used example of the recently discontinued 2nd-gen Renault Sandero? Let’s take a closer look at the derivatives that were sold in South Africa, before examining the strengths and weaknesses of the French budget car…
While the original B90-series Renault Sandero was built in South Africa (at alliance partner Nissan’s factory in Rosslyn), the 2nd-generation version was imported from Romania. This big-on-space budget car contender was marketed under the Dacia brand in many countries, but here in Mzansi, it again wore the Renault badge; an Expression-spec example famously beat the Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL and Volkswagen Take Up! to win the Budget Car category of the inaugural Cars.co.za Consumer Awards (2015/16).
Although production of the B52-generation Sandero – which was based on a platform that traced its roots all the way back to the Clio II – technically ended in 2020, this model soldiered on in South Africa until local stock ran dry in the opening quarter of 2022. Interestingly, the 3rd-generation model didn’t ever make it to our market, with the Indian-built Kiger tasked with filling the gap in Renault’s line-up.
For the record, the 2nd-gen Sandero scored 4 stars in its 2013 Euro NCAP crash test, while the entry-level version of the SA-spec model had to settle for 3 stars for adult-occupant safety (and 4 for child-occupant safety) when it was evaluated by Global NCAP in 2017. The latter assessment – which centred on a 64-kph frontal crash test – crucially included a “stable” rating for the body shell.
Renault Sandero model line-up in South Africa
The Sandero II made its global debut – in Dacia trim, naturally – at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the same event at which the covers were whipped off the Renault Clio IV. Like its supermini cousin, the B52-gen Sandero was offered with the Boulogne-Billancourt-based firm’s then-new 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine.
Sporting the Renault badge, the 2nd-gen Sandero arrived in South Africa in March 2014, armed with what the local distributor described as an “unparalleled value proposition”. At launch, just a pair of derivatives was available, each powered by the aforementioned downsized turbopetrol motor, which drove the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox:
- Sandero Expression (66 kW/135 Nm)
- Sandero Dynamique (66 kW/135 Nm)
Just a couple of months later, Renault SA expanded the range by introducing the Sandero Stepway, which was positioned just above the Dynamique hatch. The Stepway employed the same 898 cm3 unit, but gained SUV-inspired cues such as a raised ride height (29 mm more ground clearance at 193 mm), silver-painted skid plates (front and rear), black wheel-arch trim and functional roof rails.
Other distinguishing features included 16-inch wheels (an inch larger than those of other derivatives) and the option of specifying the model-specific Azurite Blue paint colour.
In March 2017, the facelifted Sandero II, sporting revised frontal styling (including a revised lighting signature) and carefully considered cabin updates, made local landfall. The centre console and air vents were redesigned (and Dynamique derivatives gained a 7-inch touchscreen), while new seat upholstery was rolled out and the electric window switches relocated from the centre console to the door panels.
Similarly, the old stalk-operated horn was ditched in favour of a conventional tiller-mounted item, while the indicators scored a handy 1-touch lane-change function. At this point, Renault South Africa (Renault SA) also saw fit to rejig the range, retaining the base Expression hatchback, but opting to offer the popular Stepway configuration in both Expression and Dynamique form.
However, the latter flagship derivative fell away in May 2018, when it was superseded by the Stepway Plus, which added features such as a reverse-view camera, bi-tone 16-inch wheels and 2 fresh body colours (Dune Beige and Cosmos Blue). A year later, the touchscreen infotainment system in the Stepway Plus was upgraded to include (wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The final update for the B52-series Sandero line-up came in August 2020, when the Stepway Techroad slotted in at the summit of the range, effectively succeeding the Plus-badged variant. The Techroad was set apart by subtle cues such as gloss-black side-mirror caps, inconspicuous decals on its B-pillars and blue centre caps for the wheels (a hue repeated in the cabin on sections of the seats and the air vents).
What are the advantages of a Renault Sandero?
Space and practicality: Like the majority of its rivals, the 2nd-gen Sandero – which measured 4 059 mm from nose to tail (or 4 072 mm in Stepway guise) and featured a 2 589 mm wheelbase – “offered B-segment space at an A-segment price”, so to speak. The front quarters were particularly spacious, while tall rear-sited passengers enjoyed decent headroom and largely sufficient legroom. Luggage capacity came in at a handy 292 litres (a figure Renault claimed was “best in class”) and the rear bench could fold down in a 60:40 split for increased load-lugging ability.
Segment-leading safety kit: At launch in 2014, the Sandero came fitted as standard with ABS (with EBD and EBA), electronic stability control and hill-start assist, with the latter 2 features being particularly unusual in the budget-car segment at the time. ISOfix child-seat anchors, a 3-point seatbelt for the centrally positioned rear passenger and dual airbags were also standard fare, with the Dynamique and (pre-facelift) Stepway derivatives adding front side airbags and front seatbelt reminders. Note, however, that all derivatives made do with drum brakes at the rear.
Generous specification levels: Though the Expression grade lacked a handful of convenience features, the Sandero II was largely well-specified.
The Dynamique trim level (along with the Stepway Plus and Techroad tiers) boasted big-car items that were seldom seen in the segment at the time, including front fog lamps, cruise control (with a speed limiter), rear parking sensors, driver’s seat height adjustment, electric windows all round and leather trim for the steering wheel, along with the later-added touchscreen infotainment system.
What are the disadvantages of a Renault Sandero?
Lack of low-down grunt: The Sandero II was the first in its segment to turn to forced induction and the results certainly looked encouraging on paper. But, despite Renault taking every opportunity to refer to the little engine as “F1 inspired”, it lacked a degree of tractability in practice (which was somewhat unexpected considering the presence of a turbocharger).
With peak torque available from 2 500 rpm, the motor felt a little sluggish at lower revs (even when Eco mode was not engaged), goading the driver to be more generous with throttle inputs. Of course, such an approach made achieving the claimed combined fuel economy figure of 5.2 L/100 km (or 5.4 in the case of the Stepway) even less likely, while detracting from in-cabin refinement levels. That said, those living upcountry may appreciate the benefits of a turbo in the thinner air (even if the power delivery is peaky).
Timing-chain failures: Though intriguingly more common on the Clio IV than the Sandero II, the 0.9-litre 3-cylinder engine has been known to suffer from worn timing chains or even outright timing-chain failures, despite Renault describing this component as boasting “lifetime durability” and requiring “zero maintenance”. If the vehicle hasn’t had its oil changed regularly, sludge can build up, which impacts oil pressure. Since the chain tensioner is controlled by this pressure, problems then quickly arise. So, when test driving, listen out for rattling timing chains and insist on evidence of regular servicing.
Miscellaneous potential issues: A far less common – but still reported – potential reliability problem involved a failing fuel-sensor unit, while we’ve also been told of a tendency for the plastic thermostat housing to warp over time, ultimately leading to a coolant leak (again, some Clio IV units also suffered with this problem). In addition, we’ve heard of numerous local instances of starter-motor failures…
How much is a used Renault Sandero in South Africa?
Throughout the Sandero’s tenure in our market, Renault SA included a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) as standard. Considering this relatively short service arrangement, pay very close attention to the maintenance history of a car that you’re thinking of buying – make sure the vehicle has been serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Of the used 2nd-gen Renault Sandero listings on Cars.co.za at the time of writing, a whopping 75% took the form of Stepway derivatives. Though all model years were represented, the most common were 2021 (19%) and 2019 (17%). White accounted for 38% of listed vehicles, followed by blue (20%) and silver (11%). Meanwhile, mileages varied from just 7 400 km (on a 2022 Stepway Expression) to 211 000 km (on a 2016 Expression hatchback).
- Below R125 000: As you might have guessed, most of the vehicles in this price range were early model-year examples, many with in excess of 150 000 km on their respective odometers. Around a 3rd of listings here fell below the R100 000 mark, while about half were Stepway derivatives.
- From R125 000 to R150 000: Most of the units between these pricing bookends were noticeably tidier and listed with lower mileages. Interestingly, we found very few standard hatchbacks here.
- From R150 000 to R200 000: At the time of writing, this was easily the most densely populated pricing bracket, with nearly half of all stock listed here. The model-year distribution was skewed heavily towards 2019, 2020 and 2021, while non-Stepway derivatives were even more scarce.
- R200 000 and up: Options were far more limited above the R200 000 point, where only models registered from 2020 to 2022 were listed. All were Stepway derivatives (most being Techroad models), while mileage was capped at 60 000 km. The priciest Sandero II we could dig up was a 2021 Stepway with 18 000 km on its clock, going for R239 000.
Which Renault Sandero should I buy?
Since there was just a single powertrain on offer throughout the SA-spec Sandero’s lifecycle (our market didn’t receive the 1.5-litre turbodiesel available in Europe nor the 2.0-litre Sandero RS warm hatch sold in South America), selecting the best derivative comes down to 2 factors: body style and trim level.
Since there aren’t all that many examples of the standard hatchback on the used market (despite being slightly more fuel efficient), most buyers will likely focus on the popular Stepway variants.
So, which trim level is best? Well, it’s worth noting that the Expression grade made do with just 2 airbags and lost out on items such as cruise control, an on-board computer, rear electric windows, electrically adjustable side mirrors and the touchscreen infotainment system added at the facelift, while even air-conditioning was optional on the Expression hatch at launch (though later added as standard).
Therefore, we’d recommend concentrating on the Dynamique, Plus and Techroad derivatives. Which of the trio you opt for will likely be determined by your budget, though we’d suggest buying as late a model year as your wallet allows.
A note on wheels: the Expression hatchback came with 15-inch steelies (clad with plastic covers) and the Dynamique hatch was listed as having 15-inch alloys. The original Stepway, meanwhile, debuted 16-inch “Flex” wheels, which were inherited by all Stepway derivatives that followed (though in 2-tone form in the case of the Plus and Techroad). For the record, Renault – or rather Dacia – created a “Flex” wheel (also known as a “structured steel wheel”) by bolting a faux-metallic plastic cover to a specially formed steel wheel, resulting in what looked just like a conventional alloy (even upon close inspection).
Is the Renault Sandero a good used buy?
Rivals to the 2nd-gen Renault Sandero included the Toyota Etios hatch, Volkswagen Polo Vivo, B562-gen Ford Figo hatch and AZG-series Suzuki Swift, with the Stepway competing against the likes of the Etios Cross, Polo Vivo Maxx and Figo Freestyle (and perhaps even the smaller Suzuki Ignis and VW Cross Up!).
So, does the Renault Sandero represent a compelling 2nd-hand buy? Well, as was the case when it was available new, (fairly priced) used examples offer oodles of value, particularly in high-spec guise. Though the powertrain may not be to everyone’s taste, the B52-series (2nd-gen) Sandero’s mix of practicality, standard equipment and safety kit means it continues to offer strong value on the used market today.
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