Dacia Sandero Stepway GPL ECO-G test: almost like a big one

More and more manufacturers and customers are shying away from diesel, as is this latest generation of Sandero Stepway. But to satisfy heavy riders looking to save some money at the pump, here is Dacia's answer: the Sandero Stepway ECO-G that runs on gasoline and LPG. Now it's time to try it out.

Let's start with a few introductions first. After 8 years of career the second Sandero of the name, gave way at the end of 2020 to a whole new generation much more modern. Just like for this more adventurous version called Stepway. Very quickly, we will notice above all a light signature which is very elaborate today, but also its lines which have become more angular. The city car is muscle slightly, and, with an Orange Atacama livery like here, it manages to produce its small effect. For the little info, the Stepway, which no longer holds any secrets for you with its few 4 × 4 type appendages, to play on the SUV fashion, has a raised ground clearance of 4 cm. Enough to play it a bit in a hilly forest parking lot ...

The interior is also significantly modernized, while adding a more qualitative aspect. Thus, in the high finishes, we benefit from an ideally placed 8-inch touch screen and the entire central console is ergonomic. Especially with the presence of Android Auto and Apple Car Play. As a bonus, there are small aluminum keys and air conditioning controls, also present on the new Clio 5, which provide a certain perceived quality which is very pleasant when settling on board; in addition to being very practical. If we regret the many hard plastics that fall under the eyes, inevitable for this manufacturer, we appreciate the reminders of body colors, the original fabric on the dashboard or the clear headliner which brings a little light. In contrast, if at this price we can still largely accept a needle counter, the steering wheel is really not pretty. It's not a big deal, you will tell me, but it's still a shame in a cabin that has become very nice overall. Special mention also for the smartphone holder (optional) installed onions.

Thanks to its somewhat larger dimensions, it offers slightly more advantageous roominess than its cousin Clio. And it's true that we feel good inside, even at the back, where a tall fellow (not too much anyway) can find room for his legs and his head. Obviously, unless you are carrying three very young children around, the central place is not really to consider. Finally on the trunk side, this time it loses the battle by offering a 328-liter trunk against 391 L for the Clio. It does less well than a Polo at 351 L, but better than a Peugeot 208 at 309 L.

Speaking of the trunk, you won't find a hidden spare tire in this ECO-G version, but an LPG tank. If this technology is unknown to you, LPG is a liquefied gas, which, after some adaptations, allows a conventional gasoline engine to run. The advantage here is to benefit from dual fuel, the engine running either on Unleaded or LPG. A simple button allows you to switch in a few seconds. Consumption is on average 20% higher than in SP95 but with an average price of around 0.85 € per liter, the savings are quickly felt. In terms of figures, we noted a consumption of around 7.5 liters per 100 km on our route (but which can easily soar to more than 8 liters…) and 9 L / 100 in LPG. With 50 liter petrol and 40 liter LPG tanks,

At the controls, does the ramage relate to the plumage? The answer tends at first glance rather towards the yes. First, the adjustment of the steering wheel and the seat makes it easy to find your ideal driving position. And that is not always won. Then, by keeping a little rustic side (not so unpleasant for that matter), it proves that it has everything a big one, by offering a good daily comfort. With 100 horsepower under the hood for our test model, we shouldn't hesitate to drop a small gear to restart, but it will then have enough gouache to fit in or exceed. As a bonus, the box is frankly pleasant to handle, very short and precise. It almost feels like a bomb. Obviously, at the first corner, we will change our minds about its claims. Because while offering all that is more secure road holding, it wallows a little in the curves, quickly calming our enthusiasm. With this type of car, it is not always easy to find the right balance between comfort and dynamism. But with a weight contained at just over 1200 kg, it remains agile enough in all circumstances, while pampering its passengers properly. In the end, we appreciate everything that the new CMF-B platform brings to this Sandero: more precise 100% electric steering, better roll resistance and increased safety. But with a weight contained at just over 1200 kg, it remains agile enough in all circumstances, while pampering its passengers properly. In the end, we appreciate everything that the new CMF-B platform brings to this Sandero: more precise 100% electric steering, better roll resistance and increased safety. But with a weight contained at just over 1200 kg, it remains agile enough in all circumstances, while pampering its passengers properly. In the end, we appreciate everything that the new CMF-B platform brings to this Sandero: more precise 100% electric steering, better roll resistance and increased safety.

This dual fuel will not change your habits, the Sandero behaves almost the same way. We will simply note that the switch to gasoline makes it a little more responsive to the pedal, the LPG having a few milliseconds of latency, but conversely, it will then be more energetic once started. Finally, although improved compared to the previous generation, the soundproofing can still be improved. The three cylinders of the Sandero Stepway reason too much in the cockpit, especially in full load, but it becomes again rather discreet at stabilized speed; and on expressway, no wind noise or parasitic rolling disturbs the journeys.

If the Sandero starts its prices at € 8,890 (Access 65hp), the Stepway starts at € 13,090 (directly in Essentials). By way of comparison, the Clio V is a minimum of € 15,900 that will have to be spent. As for my test model, it starts at € 14,390 with a Comfort finish (8 ”screen, automatic air conditioning, modular roof bars, etc.), to which we can add a paint at € 500, 16” rims at € 200, the City Pack with reversing camera and the Comfort Pack with hands-free access at € 400 each, or the Media Nav with the telephone holder and 6 speakers at € 200. All for a total of € 16,090.

Going everywhere until then, the Sandero Stepway has now become almost desirable. Both outside and inside. By selling it at the same price as with the TCe 90 petrol unit, Dacia is making this Sandero Stepway LPG one of its main selling points. And if inevitably with such low prices, the driving pleasure remains behind compared to the references of the category, it remains nonetheless very pleasant and comfortable.