Renault Sandero Stepway

Renault Sandero Stepway is still the same budget sub-command five-door hatchback. However, it was slightly “raised” above the ground, equipped with “off-road posture” and stylized as a small SUV. In total, 2 generations of the French car were produced.

The last family of the Russian version of the “off-road” hatchback Renault Sandero Stepway 2 was officially presented at the end of August within the MMAC-2014. It was possible to buy a car only at the end of November. The whole model range is Renault.

Car history

A joint program of engineers from Romania and France is very common on the roads of many cities. Sales have been growing steadily, but the success of the vehicle has not been matured by the vigilance of Renault’s marketing department. The management of the company was able to notice in time that the customer demand has shifted towards off-road cars, or cheaper “parquet”, which received a pronounced off-road appearance.

Since the French wanted to master the automotive market as much as possible, they decided to release a new model of Renault Sandero Stepway, which represents a greater degree of refinement (cosmetic) standard hatchback Renault Sandero. The French company positions the “brainchild” Renault Sandero Stepway not as a crossover, and more likely “hatchback of the raised cross-country ability”.

Working out of the given version have begun in 2005 year, and release has started in 2007 in Brazil. The European premiere of the novelty (with the name Dacia) was made during the Geneva Motor Show in 2008. In the same year, the car began to be produced at the factory in Romania. Later the car was produced in South Africa and Russia.

I generation (2010-2014)

Among the distinctive features of the car are decorative stickers with the name of the car, which decorate the front doors of Renault Sandero Stepway I. There is also a decorative cover on the sills, protective covers on the front and rear bumper, a pair of fog lights and roof rails. Such elements emphasize the off-road orientation of the car.

To create an impression of representativeness and solidity, the designers decided to use a lot of chrome elements. They are found on the grille, exterior mirrors and door handles. The exhaust pipe is equipped with a decorative overlay, and the protection of the bottom, on the contrary, attracts the most attention.

This detail, as well as the black plastic dodgers placed over the wheels, which are “dressed” in “skating rinks” of light alloy and have the size of 15 inches, also reminds us of the “off-road qualities” of our car. Some 1st generation Renaud Sandero Stepway owners say that the nose bumper of the car, which is a little low and far away, is not well positioned.

The car is far from being a real SUV, even because of the lack of four-wheel drive. But to increase the cross-country ability, experts have taken useful measures to adapt the car to travel on the wrong roads. The ground clearance height has risen to 20 millimeters for European and 30 millimeters for Latin American vehicles.

Salon Renault Sandero Stepway I looks alive and modest, which corresponds to a budget car.

Salon Renault Sandero Stepway 2010 has a simple and concise appearance, but it is not said that it is dull or boring. If we speak for the interior upholstery design, it is important to say about the brandiness. On this basis, many people recommend to buy removable covers to keep a pleasant appearance of the chairs.

Also, when you lower the rear seats, you get an uneven floor, which is not liked by the owners of the “Frenchman”. Many people say that the interior of the off-road variant Renault Sandero Stepway is distinguished by the inconvenient arrangement of control buttons. The keys seem to “rest against the chin”. Though in due course and to this lack it is possible to get used to it.

The salon is decorated in a simple and simple way. It is placed vertically and its buttons have a simple shape. The interior of the off-road hatchback is slightly enlivened by the ventilation system deflectors, which have received “metal” inserts. Even improves the interior of the “wheel”, which received the logo of Renault and the dashboard – they look more expensive than other internal elements.

Inside Renault Sandero Stepay 2010 there are 3 headrests on the rear sofa. The basic equipment of the off-road version has two front airbags for people sitting in front. The folding backrest of the rear row can already be divided in a ratio of 60/40, which allows you to increase the volume of luggage space from 320 to 1,200 liters of usable space.

As mentioned above, the company’s management has provided two versions of the assembly: Latin American and European. Similar differences affected the power unit. Russians have access to two versions of the power plant and gearbox. In the role of the base is a 1.6-liter 8-valve engine, operating on gasoline, which develops 84 horsepower.

It’s synchronized with a 5-speed mechanical box. Also, the Russian version of the off-road hatchback Renault Sandero Stepway 1 generation is equipped with a 16-valve powertrain, which already gives 102 “horses”. With it “cooperates” automatic box, designed for 4 stages.

Western European supplies come with another “engine” – a turbocharged 1.5-liter diesel engine dCi with Common Rail, which produces only 70 horsepower. If we compare the Brazilian equipment (16-valve gas distribution mechanism and 112 “horses” with the volume of 1.6 liters) with the Russian version, the “Russian” is not so injected and not so fast. The speed mark of 100 kilometers per hour is given to such variant for almost 11 seconds. The speed limit is 177 kilometers per hour.

Unlike the standard Renault Sandero hatchback, the off-road version has received suspension changes. The front end has a familiar suspension with transverse levers and shock-absorbing stand, where there are also screw springs. The increased height of the ground clearance was achieved by adding half a spring and changing the fixing point of the stand.

The back of the hatchback has been seriously strengthened. The company’s designers used the suspension on the longitudinal levers, which are connected to the bodywork beam. The shock absorber struts and screw spring have a stabilizer with lateral stability. It is also very nice that the car is equipped with an electronic system ABS from Bosch 8 generation, where there is an electronic distribution of braking forces EDB and “retarders” EBA.

The local edition of the “Russian” Renault Sandero Stepway was launched at the end of 2010. The first customers were able to evaluate the novelty in 2011. As of 2014, the basic equipment of the car was estimated at $7,780. For a more powerful engine and automatic box you will have to pay $8 634 already. The basic equipment possesses:

• Front airbags for driver and passenger sitting next to each other;
• Electronic system ABS;
• Rylings on the roof;
• Easy alloy 15-inch wheel rims;
• Toning of glasses;
• Fabric upholstery of armchairs;
• Leather braiding of steering wheel and gearbox lever;
• Interior trim elements that imitate chrome;
• The hydraulic amplifier of a steering wheel;
• Fog lamps;
• The conditioner;
• Adjustment of a steering column on height;
• The function of heating the seats installed in front;
• Front power windows;
• Central lock.

The French Renault Sandero Stepway of the first generation shares the market with Volkswagen Cross Polo, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Chery Beat, Suzuki SX4 Outdoor and Ford Fusion.

II generation (2015-present)

With the advent of 2015, fans of Renault’s off-road hatchback were pleasantly surprised by the next version of the Renault Sandero Stepway II. The technical part was able to impress not only the experts, but also car enthusiasts. The new Russian version was presented to the public at the end of August during MMAC-2014, but it was possible to buy the model only at the end of November.

Though it is necessary to recognise that the new car almost has no rivals on the domestic market, therefore has the full right not to hurry, and thoroughly to be prepared for the first release. I would like to say that French specialists were able to create an attractive and well-prepared to our climatic realities car, which is able to appeal to potential buyers at first sight. Together with our novelty, the company presented a new sedan Renault Logan II and Renault Sandero II.

Exterior

The first thing that catches your eye is color. The car was released in a more colorful color scheme. The company has focused on aggressive colors. Previously, the colors of Renault Sandero Stepway were only a few colors. The role of the brightest performed red color. The new model is equipped with yellow, purple, steel and other interesting colors, which are designed to transform the appearance of the French hatchback.

After the first sight of the second version of Renault Sandero Stepway, it becomes clear that the novelty aspires to appear in a role of a high-grade compact crossover. Partly it is appreciable on a plastic cover of a body which includes protection of door thresholds, expanders of the wheel arches and the metallized overlays in the bottom part of bumpers.

The front bumper is completely original. Instead of clumsy excess chrome, which went to the debut version of the hatchback, the second generation has quite appropriate inserts of black color. A more brutal look was achieved thanks to a new block of front optics, which generally repeats the already existing one of its older brother. The radiator grille and nameplate design have been pleasantly changed.

The side part of the novelty is distinguished by standard, but already sixteen-inch “rollers”. As in the previous version, they are stamped type, but have an original design. Though Renault Sandero Stepway 2018 has remained almost at the same level in size, its appearance has improved several times.

The arches of the wheels are inflated. Because of the large doorways, even large people can get inside the hatchback without much difficulty. The ground clearance height has been increased to 195 millimetres. The back part was decided not to subject to serious changes, which can be clearly seen even in the photo of Renault Sandero Stepway 2018. In the novelty it is possible to allocate presence of the new block of tail lamps and a little modified luggage compartment cover.

Specialists of the company also worried about the small loading height of the bumper, which with high ground clearance and raised stern is undoubtedly an advantage. The rear bumper linings give the machine “fake” massive shapes and protect the bumper from light collisions.

Interior

Speaking of the interior, Sandero Stepway 2018 has changed significantly. You can notice the new dashboard, made in the same style as the other cars of the company. The new “dashboard” of Renault Sandero Stepway of the 2nd generation has a pleasant appearance and convenient location. The data can be read easily in all weather conditions. The new hatchback brush has a full-fledged on-board computer.

Designers decided to decorate the dashboard with chrome wells, which looks very good. The central part of the front panel is equipped with other modern architecture. A lot of negative feedback could be heard about the inconvenient tilt of the panel from the driver, as well as bad ergonomics. Updated Renault Sandero Stepway 2019 is devoid of such shortcomings.

The ducts located in the centre are rectangular in shape. Underneath them, the company’s employees placed a modern multimedia system, and in the lowest part of the duct there was room for a single climate control unit. Connections with electronic gadgets and voice recognition allow you to listen to your favorite tracks and answer your phone calls without distracting yourself from driving.

The interface of the entertainment system is convenient and intuitive, and the sound quality is acceptable. Top version of Stepway 2 has:

• Updated with the Media NAV multimedia system, which features a seven-inch color touchscreen display;
• Russian navigation system with excellent mapping;
• Four speakers;
• Control keys on the steering wheel;
• AUX/USB connectors and Bluetooth to synchronize mobile gadgets.

Among the pleasant innovations is the electric window lift unit, which moved to a normal place on the door. The ventilation system deflectors installed at the edges were left round due to their practicality. The innovations include the texture of plastic inside the car. Despite the fact that the plastic itself is still hard to touch, it has become more tactile.

Restyling version of Renault Sandero Stepway 2019 also has new seats with a comfortable pillow profile. The driver’s seat has a normal jack. The volume of luggage compartment of the updated car is not the best in its class – only 320 liters. But if necessary, you can increase this figure, if you add up the backrests of the rear seats, which will provide 1,200 liters of useful space.

The raised floor of a luggage compartment has a full-size spare wheel on the stylized under casting of the stamped five-beam disk. The first family of Renault Sandero Stepway had a “spare wheel” under the bottom. It is also very nice that the fuel tank lid with a lock can now be “detached” from the key and hung on the hatch.

Specifications

Powertrain

For our customers, the Renault Sandero Stepway is available with a pair of powertrains in the new body. The weakest engine is the 4-cylinder gasoline engine, which has received an ordinary layout and a working volume of 1.6 liters. The engine fully meets Euro-5 environmental standards. It is desirable to use AI-95 gasoline.

The initial “engine” received an 8-valve gas distribution mechanism and a system of distributed “supply” of gasoline. It produces a 1.6-liter version of only 82 horsepower and 134 Nm.

It will take 12.3 seconds to accelerate the car to the 100 km/h speed limit. The maximum speed is 165 km/h. The average gasoline consumption is 7.3 litres in combined mode.

The top engine is a 4-cylinder inline 1.6-liter engine that meets Euro-5 environmental standards. It also operates on 95-m gasoline, but has a sixteen-valve gas distribution mechanism and a reconfigured distributed fuel injection system. After these upgrades, the power plant capacity has increased to 102 “horses” and 145 Nm.

It takes 11.2 seconds to reach the first hundred, and the maximum speed limit is limited to 170 kilometers per hour. The fuel appetite is 7.2 liters for each hundred kilometers in combined mode. This figure is even slightly lower than that of the 82 hp engine.

Transmission

The 82 hp starting motor is only synchronized with the five-speed manual transmission. The more powerful 102 hp version also only works with a manual 5-speed gearbox. By 2015, it will be possible to choose between a manual transmission and a robotic gearbox similar in number of stages. By the end of the year, they promise to produce a 4-speed automatic transmission, which will be supplied exclusively with a top-end engine.

Running gear

The new Renault Sandero Stepway 2018 is based on a “standard hatchback” platform, which means that the torque is only transferred to the front end. The machine is equipped with a spring loaded, fully independent suspension based on McPherson columns. There is also a stabilizer on the front wheels and semi-independent suspension with torsion beam and stabilizer at the back.

If to compare the car of the second generation with its last model the novelty possesses more rigid and additionally strengthened suspension which is much better adapted to domestic realities on the road. I am glad that the bottom of the off-road French hatchback is covered with an antigravel coating. On all seams and joints there is a mastic, fuel drives have decided to hide in covers from plastic, and the crankcase of the power unit Renault Sandero Stapway II generation is protected by steel protection.

As a braking system there are ventilated disc front brakes, which received 259-millimeter “pancakes”. The rear wheels are equipped with standard 8-inch drum brakes. Vehicle operation is easy thanks to the rack and pinion steering system, complemented by hydraulic power steering. The basic equipment of the Renault Sandero Stepway 2 is equipped with ABS, EBD and cruise control systems.

Safety

The Renault Sandero Stepway 2 Generation has various safety features, depending on the equipment chosen. The off-road vehicle can be equipped:

• Front and side airbags;
• Isofix child seat mountings;
• Cruise;
• Era-Glonass” emergency service calls by the state system (optional);
• Rear parking sensors;
• Anti-lock braking system and stabilization technology with climbing assistance technology (optional).

Obviously, we shouldn’t expect a wide range of electronic assistants. However, given its low cost, the machine is very well equipped. To assess the level of safety in general, it is necessary to pay attention to the “soplatform” model Dacia Sandero, which was able to earn 4 points out of 5 possible during the Euro NCAP crash-tests.

The results of the research conducted by the European organization in 2013 are as follows: the safety level of the driver or adult passenger is 80 percent, in terms of child safety – 79 percent, the level of pedestrian safety was 57 percent. Safety systems received 55 per cent.

Complete sets and prices

Launch of the updated Sandero Stepway II car was set up by the French at the facilities of the Volga Automobile Plant. The Russian market has two options: Confort and Privelege. Basic equipment is available:

• Halogen optics;
• Daytime running lights;
• Glass tinting;
• Two frontal safety cushions;
• Fabric salon;
• Salon heater (stove);
• Front power windows;
• External mirrors with electric regulation and heating function;
• Front seat heating function;
• Driver’s seat height adjustments;
• Height-adjustable steering column;
• Immobilizer;
• Central lock;
• The generator and the storage battery of the raised capacity;
• Full-size spare wheel.

For the cheapest version, they’re asking for $8,802. It has an 82 hp engine and 5-speed manual transmission. Optionally, for the version “Confort” it is possible to install an air conditioner, heating the front window and “music”, designed for 4 speakers. As of 2015, the car in the top version was estimated at $ 9 931. Such a variant already had a 102 hp power plant.

Tuning

The word “tuning” has long been familiar to car owners, and not just to them. But not so many car owners are personally familiar with such upgrades and even less of those who decide to take such actions. Tuning includes certain improvements and elimination of defects, which are revealed during the operation of the car. Below there will be information about tuning of Renault Sandero.

To external updatings of off-road hatchback of the French manufacture it is possible to apply installation of new bumpers, thresholds, arch-shaped protection and other light optics. Also the owner of Renault Sandero Stepway can get new disks, to carry out lifting of a suspension with installation of massive tyres.

Also, some people want to increase the capacity of the plant, as it is often not enough. To increase the torque on the Renault Sandero Stepway’s powertrain, several options are available. The most important and already familiar way is the chip tuning of the engine control unit, which increases the power. Many people consider this car to be an SUV.

But for such class of cars, capacity in 82 “horses” will be obviously not enough (if to take the most base variant). Besides improvement of an electronic part many experts recommend to replace a camshaft and to raise phases of a gas-distributing regulator. These manipulations will help to increase the efficiency of the motor.

A little advice: it is better to entrust such works to specialists of service stations to lower probability of occurrence of marriage or to avoid unnecessary problems.

Inside the Renault Sandero Stepway hatchback, some people decide to replace the “hand wheel”, which is covered in leather, the gear lever and the handbrake housing. It is not uncommon to find a replacement for the rack and ceiling trim. Some car owners decide on a variety of off-road kits to increase the off-road mobility of their vehicles.

To install such a package should have some knowledge and experience, as well as use a special tool. It is better to carry out such works only at proven service stations, because they concern structural changes in the chassis and suspension of the car. This may include improving the braking system or installing new, more efficient brakes on their own.

Thanks to the tuning performed, it will be possible to reduce the fuel appetite and significantly increase the power of the Renault Sandero Stepway power plant. Thanks to the new interior elements, ergonomics and general perception will be improved. For example, by improving the noise insulation it is possible to increase the level of comfort several times. Having added in appearance of off-road hatchback of certain elements “offroad”, will allow to feel, as behind a wheel of the present off-road car.

However, it is important to understand that the purse is responsible for everything, so if you want to significantly improve your car, you will have to pay a good price. It is also important to remember that when you increase the power, the wear and tear of the engine’s mechanical elements increases, which can lead to new investments.

Comparison with competitors

Renault Sandero Stepway has enough rivals, so today there is a serious struggle in the car market. The competitors of Renault Sandero Stepway are as follows:

• Chevrolet Aveo HB;
• Fiat Punto;
• Hyundai Solaris HB;
• KIA Rio HB;
• Lada Granta Liftback;
• Lada Kalina;
• Lada Kalina Sport;
• Lada Priora HB;
• Mazda 2;
• Opel Corsa;
• Peugeot 208;
• Renault Sandero;
• Seat Ibiza;
• Skoda Fabia;
• Skoda Rapid;
• Suzuki Swift.

As you can see, there are plenty of opponents, so it is very important not to rush. It is not possible to call it a Renault Sandero Stepway SUV, because there is no four-wheel drive, and the power of the power plant leaves much to be desired. However good practicality and solid height of a road clearance, together with comprehensible consumption of fuel, allows to pay attention at least to the given model.

Reviews from the owners

Feedback from Renault Sandero Stepway shows that the machine is accessible, practical and small in size. The second generation of the “Frenchman” looks much more pleasant and modern. The car turned out to be high and has a good complete set. Owners of Renault Sandero Stepway note good adaptation under the Russian conditions. The running gear can withstand the loads that arise as a result of bad roads.

Drivers like the checked up power units. The gearbox allows to switch on speeds easily, and fuel “appetite” does not allow to worry especially. It is nice that the machine has good cross-country ability, although it is not fully driven. Speedometer looks a little strange (10, 30, 50 and so on) – a bit unusual. Drivers complain that during long journeys their back hurts, as the seats are far from ideal. The steering wheel can’t be adjusted by departure – it’s very much missing.

The quality of noise isolation leaves much to be desired. A strong lateral wind blows off the machine. More could be done in the luggage compartment. The 82 hp engine is not always sufficient as standard. Inside some drivers there is a little tension on the rigid plastic of the front panel. However, taking into account the price list for this car, many defects can be forgiven.

The pros and cons

Tooths

Renault Sandero Stepway 2 has received, though not cardinal, but still pleasant innovations. As a whole, the car is very similar to “standard” Renault Sandero. The French company has decided to make this “standard” hatchback more passable and practical. It is possible to tell confidently that they have managed it. The car fits well under the Russian realities. What only the increased road clearance, more adapted body and its various protection costs.

Despite its small size, Renault Sandero Stepway 2018 encroaches on its appearance on the title of crossover. But the hatchback model has no all-wheel drive system and no more powerful powertrains. Though thanks to such engines, it is possible to save money on fuel.

The inside of the machine is quite free and comfortable. It is impossible to say that everything is perfect, but taking into account the price list you can forgive a lot of things to the car. Separately, it is worth mentioning the new and stylish dashboard, as well as the new 7-inch multimedia system that supports touch input. Compared to the first generation, the Sandero Stepway 2 is much better and more comfortable.

The seats don’t stand out for their ideal comfort, and there’s not much space on the back. Luggage compartment in standard sizes, as for this class. It’s nice that the French have equipped the new product with some electronic systems and assistants. Safety is also given a lot of attention. It turns out that the Renault Stepway 2 is perfect for a small family living in the city, which sometimes likes to go out of town or to the country house.

The clearance height is sufficient for most needs, and the low fuel consumption compensates for the lack of engine power. And yes, it is worth noting the rather democratic cost. Definitely it is necessary to pay the attention to Renault Sandero Stepway of 2 generations.

We advise you to read the article: History of Renault Company

Renault Sandero Stepway photo

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