Tuesday 4 August 2009

NEW FOOTBALL-THEMED SANDERO DERIVATIVES FOR 2010 WORLD CUP HOST



RENAULT SAYS: Renault South Africa has added three new derivatives to its popular range of Sandero compact hatchbacks.

The Sandero 1.6 United, Sandero 1.6 Cup and Sandero 1.6 League are mechanically identical to the current 1,6-litre Sandero derivatives, but place an even greater emphasis on outstanding affordability and superior value for money.

“The response to the Sandero has been very positive since the launch in February this year,” says Regis Fricotte, marketing director of Renault South Africa.

“However, the global economic slowdown, and the inability of many potential customers to secure financing due to severe credit restrictions, means that affordability remains the overriding trend in the new car market at present.”

As a result, Fricotte says, Renault SA has added three new derivatives to the Sandero line-up, all based on the existing 1,6-litre models, but reflecting a R10 000 saving on the retail price. “Vitally, the three newcomers feature exactly the same specification and performance levels as the versions they are based on.”

The Sandero 1.6 United is based on the Sandero 1.6 Expression Pack, and also has the identical specification, which includes Power Steering, Driver and Passenger airbags, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist Assistance, as well as remote central locking and the Renault Anti-Intrusion Device (RAID).

However, the 5 year/60 000 km maintenance plan offered as standard on the Expression Pack model is replaced by a 3 year/45 000 km service plan. The Sandero 1.6 United retails for R119 800, which represents a R10 000 saving on the Expression Pack model.

Similarly, the Sandero 1.6 Cup offers an identical package of features to that of the Sandero 1.6 Expression+ Pack, including electric front windows, a radio CD MP3 player, a trip computer, chrome door handles and colour-coded mirrors.

The 1.6 Cup retails for R132 800, which is R10 000 less than the 1.6 Expression+ Pack, with the only difference being the change from the latter’s 5 year/60 000 km maintenance plan to a 3 year/45 000 km service plan.

The third new member of the Sandero model line-up is the 1.6 League, which is based on the 1.6 Dynamique, and therefore comes equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, electrically operated mirrors, power windows front and rear, a 60:40-split rear bench seat, height-adjustable front seat belts, and front fog lamps.

The Sandero 1.6 League has a recommended retail price of R139 800, which represents a R10 000 saving on the asking price of the 1.6 Dynamique. Again, the only difference is the change from the Dynamique model’s 5 year/60 000 km maintenance plan to a three-year/45 000 km service plan.

“With our three new, even more affordable Sandero hatchbacks, we are offering SA motorists an even stronger, value-added package that doesn’t skimp in the key areas of modern technology, occupant safety and vehicle quality,” says Fricotte.

“While the service plan does not offer the comprehensive coverage of a full maintenance plan, it still ensures that buyers of the Sandero Cup, United and League enjoy vital motoring peace of mind,” he concluded.

The new Sandero derivatives are already on sale through Renault SA’s national dealer network, and are all covered by a 3 year/100 000 km mechanical warranty, as well as a 6 year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.