Dacia Sandero to cost from £5995

The upcoming small car from Dacia – the Sandero – will be priced from a bargain £5995 when it goes on sale in 2013. Similar in size to cars like the Ford Fiesta, the five-door Sandero will be offered in three trim levels and with three engines. It’s due in dealerships in January 2013, but keen buyers can preorder now.

Two petrol engines will be available – an entry-level 75PS 1.2 with emissions of 137g/km and economy of 47.9mpg and a 90PS 900cc TCe with emissions of 120g/km and economy of 54.3mpg. There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel with 90PS, emissions of 99g/km and fuel economy of 74.3mpg.

Three trim levels are to be offered. Entry level Access models will only come with the 1.2 petrol engine and will be sparsely equipped, without even a radio fitted as standard. Mid-level Ambience models get the full engine range and cost from £6595. Extra gear includes a radio with USB and Aux-in, remote central locking, electric front windows and some extra interior details.

Top-of-the-range Laureate models are available from £7995 and come with a generous level of equipment. Key features include cruise control, air-con and heated door mirrors. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system is available as a £250 option, incorporating sat nav and Bluetooth. Other options include leather upholstery, metallic paint and alloy wheels.

On top of the optional extras there are ‘Packs’ of accessories designed with a specific purpose in mind. The £395 protection pack includes an alarm, parking sensors and protective boot liner, while the Touring Pack includes roof bars, a front arm rest and a luggage net.

Even with the most expensive 1.5 dCi diesel engine fitted, the top-spec Laureate model still comes in at under £10,000, which will likely have bigger manufacturers worried and bargain hunters excited.

The Sandero follows on from the Duster, a small SUV priced from a similarly competitive £8995 and all models come with a three-year 60,000 mile warranty including roadside assistance. This can be extended to either five or seven years at a cost of £395 or £850 respectively.

The Sandero and Duster both go on sale in early 2013 and, because Dacia is owned by Renault, there is already an existing dealer network from which to buy.