Sandero Stepway 1.5 dci

Its sturdy, well built and apart from a few niggles mostly finished.

In the end we DID buy it. See why below

Its not a very complicated vehicle so I am attracted to it.

Its a very strong vehicle built to withstand Romanian roads, I will be using it in mainland Europe so it should feel at home.

Dealer was friendly and knowledgeable no issues there except see below. Yes the price is low-ish but it has to be a practical vehicle or its just a waste of materials.

Despite lots and I mean lots of pressure from me - and we DID buy the top of the range model there was NO height adjustable seat offered even though I offered to buy one as a spare part - IT WAS DECLINED. So for my wife to drive it we bought a cushion from IKEA.

AND Yes I know the sales lit says there is a height adjustable seat its just that the dealer cannot provide it . . . .

Roof bars and a top box have cured the boot issue.

Finally the engine, 1.5 Dci turbo diesel - WHY oh why did Nissan/Renault/Dacia or who ever design this engine with a rubber band to drive the camshaft?

I have already experienced "tough but here's the huge bill" from a manufacturer (ALFA) when a meticulously maintained belt driven engine failed within its service mileage - don't want to give Dacia the opportunity of repeating that experience so I originally decline the offering.

If its a diesel engine it should have a chain or gears to drive the pumps and cams.

It needs another evolution before I will buy it.

yippee!

The new version has a chain driven cam. no more belt worries.

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