2008 Dacia Sandero 1.5L dCi 5MT FWD (70 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2008, Dacia expanded its range and introduced its first hatchback in history, the Sandero, a car based on the same platform as its mainstream model from that time, the Logan.

After it was bought by the French automaker Renault, the Romanian automaker Dacia evolved constantly. In 2004, it introduced the Logan, a car that completely transformed the former communist automotive brand from Romania. So, after it launched several other versions based on the same platform, such as the MCV (a long-wheelbase station wagon), the Van, and the Pickup, Dacia made the Sandero. While it shared its underpinnings and interior parts with the Logan, it had different body panels. In addition, it aimed at different kinds of customers who were willing to pay a bit extra money for a more stylish vehicle, even though its design wasn’t made to win any beauty contest. At least it wasn’t dull.

With a front fascia dominated by a three-slat grille where the carmaker’s badge took center stage, the Sandero had an appealing look. Its swept-back headlights were designed exclusively for it, not shared with any other model from Dacia’s range. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker placed a trapezoidal-shaped air intake that complemented the cooling area. As an option, customers could also get a pair of round fog lamps.

The car’s profile revealed the youth-oriented nature of the car. Its hatchback shape and various details made it look fresh. Furthermore, depending on the market, it was fitted as standard with body-colored door handles and mirrors. Dacia sold the 2008 Sandero in a few grades. The lowest ones sported steel wheels with plastic caps, while the upper trim levels featured light alloy wheels. Dacia didn’t want to make the Sandero look very sporty, so it didn’t add unnecessary aerodynamic tweaks such as profiled side sills or a massive roof spoiler. On the other hand, the door panels were curved and had black frames for the windows. Finally, at the back, the broad tailgate was flanked by a set of corner-mounted taillights positioned well above the rear bumper.

Dacia was known as a budget-friendly vehicle, but that also led to mundane-looking interiors, regardless of the vehicle’s grade. But all versions were fitted with the same hard-plastic dashboard. Fronting the driver was an analog instrument panel with a small LCD between the large tachometer and speedometer. In addition, the automaker added several warning lights above the monochrome screen. On the center stack, Dacia placed the stereo, while below were the buttons for the front windows. Lower, the Sandero had the dials for the ventilation, or AC, if fitted. The high-mounted seats at the front were covered in cloth, regardless of the car’s grade. In the back, a bench seat could accommodate up to three passengers on short trips, but the one seated in the middle didn’t have enough legroom.

Under the hood, Dacia installed a choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines paired with either a five- or a six-speed manual gearbox. For selected markets, the car was available with a four-speed automatic as well. Power went to the front wheels only.