RENAULT HATCHES SANDERO

Renault is committed to the South Africa economy. That’s the crux of the message sent by its executives at the launch of the new Renault Sandero. Renault SA has the highest BBBEE rating of any motor manufacturer based in this country.

The Sandero is a small hatchback car which competes with the likes of Volkswagen Polo, Mazda2, Daihatsu Sirion and Toyota Yaris. But Renault was very keen on demonstrating how much value is derived by buying the Sandero instead of its competitors. At a base price of R98 800 it certainly presents a good value challenge. For Renault this is the car that will turn their recently-sagging fortunes around. It’s estimated that the Sandero will constitute up to 60% of all local Renault sales. As we previously reported the car is built in Rosslyn north of Pretoria at a current rate of about 25 per day. The same platform called the B0 used in the Logan and Nissan NP200 is used to build the Sandero. There are no plans to export it to neighbouring countries yet but if things improve and sales are robust enough that avenue will be seriously looked at.

According to figures presented at the launch, the Sandero offers more interior and boot space than rivals, and that it does in fact, offer as much boot luggage space as cars like the Mégane. When asked how they could price the small hatch in similar vein as the bigger Logan, Renault said the two were different in looks and target market. Besides, the Logan’s introductory price is about to go up. Sandero comes in five trim levels, the cheapest being Authentique and the highest is the Dynamique.

Two engine choices are available for the Sandero. At the bottom of the range is a 1.4-litre 8 valve petrol making 55kW and 112Nm of torque. It has a claimed 0 – 100km/h time of 13 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 161km/h. The average fuel consumption figure is said to be 7 litres per 100km and C02 emissions of 164g/km.

Higher up the rung is the 1.6-litre engine with 64kW and 128Nm. Acceleration to 100km/h is 11.5 seconds and top whack is 175km/h. Renault says the 1.6-litre will consume an average of 7.2 litres of fuel per 100km and emit C02 gases measuring 170g/km. Renault is not introducing a turbo diesel at this point.

All models come with 14-inch wheels and tyres as well as a 5-speed manual gearbox. For those looking for a bit more individuality Renault offers extra kit for the Sandero. Things like wind deflectors, a boot spoiler, foglamps, alloy wheels, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, park distance control sensors and a front central armrest can be purchased at an extra cost.

Driving the Sandero around Gauteng I was suitably chaffed that the small car showed such good spunk, especially since our high reef altitude sucks out so much performance from naturally aspirated engines. We got to take it around one or two twisty bends and the Sandero proved itself a worthy enough rival to the brilliant Mazda3. It felt solid in build yet comfortable to the occupants. My co-driver and I had a higher-spec model to drive which featured power steering, electric windows, a CD player and air conditioning. Unfortunately the air conditioning did not work at all during our two hour trip, leaving us to sweat it out with only the windows and exterior wind for relief. It certainly gave the term “hot lap” a whole new meaning for us. I reckon we were unlucky enough to get an untested straight-from-the-factory car that time around.

The Sandero is packed with plenty of features, depending on which trim level one chooses. The range includes things like driver’s airbags, headlights adjuster, tinted windows, a radio/CD/MP3 player, ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and rear electric windows.