Can Dacia Sandero do wonders for Renault India just like the Duster?

Duster is Dacia's compact SUV. Dacia is a Romanian automobile maker – fully acquired by Renault in 1999. Duster has driven Renault into a mainstream auto makers among the India auto manufacturers and it has played an important role in thrusting brand popularity in the country. Both the Sandero and Duster are doing good for the manufacturer in Europe. Duster was the right product for India, the SUV opened a new segment of compact crossover which people are, nowadays, going gaga over. Just like the Duster (entry level compact SUV), Dacia Sandero is also an entry level hatchback in UK. Sandero will be a true competitor to Ford Figo - Grand i10 whether it comes to space, engine or drivability and would be a B-segment offering for Renault India. Sandero is rightly priced product offers appropriate ergonomics and looks beefy just like the Duster!

Speaking of the design, the Sandero traces its design clues with the Duster, broader front facade, pronounced wheel arches and bulging rear profile. The head lights of the Sandero are horizontally placed, while the tail lights are wrap-around one. The car offers large green house area. If it will be launched in India, it will compete majorly against the Ford Figo, Hyundai Grand i10 and Maruti Suzuki Swift.

The key factors which will make Sandero a hit

• The car offers generous in-cabin space while the boot space is way beyond the current apex - Ford Figo 284 liters - Sandero offers 320 liters of boot space,  will certainly create new standards.

• In UK, the car comes as standard with Four airbags, ABS and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and Tractional Control. The hatch costs £5,995 (nearly – Rs 6.03 lakh) on-road for the base variant in UK. What's wrong in it when a car with this much safety features and comes just a tad over 6 lakh on-road – heck of a deal!

• The company also offers MediaNav fully integrated touch screen infotainment system with – Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation USB and AUX-in.

• Daytime running lights (DRL).

• 50 liters of fuel capacity.

• The top of the line variant offers cruise control with speed limiter.

The car is pulled by potent engines; both petrol and diesel engines are turbo charged.

TCe 90 Turbo Petrol

The 898cc turbo charged multi-point sequential injection petrol offers 90Hp on tap and 135Nm of meaty torque. The engine gives a certified fuel efficiency of 56.5mpg (20kmpl).

 K9K dCe 90 Turbo Diesel

It is the same engine that powers the Duster but is lil' tweaked, the turbo-intercooled common rail multi-point injector motor churns out 90Hp and 220Nm of max torque (nearly 5hp plus from Duster 85PS and 20Nm of more torque). The diesel unit gives a certified efficiency figures of 74.3mpg (26kmpl). Both the engine are mated to Euro 5 emission norms.

Recently, we came to know that Renault is currently working on a small car for India (A-segment offering). The Nissan-Renault alliance is currently focused to increase their market share. The joint venture has plans to bring new vehicle this could be an apt choice for Renault to mark its presence in the hatchback arena - Renault Sandero.

Image courtesy: Net Car Show