The Sandero Stepway has been a great success for Renault, having sold well over 21 400 units since it was first launched in South Africa in 2011. Seven years on to 2018 and Renault, to celebrate its success has made a few changes to the Stepway range by introducing a new derivative. The new Renault Sandero Hatchback range comprises three models – the entry level model being the Renault Sandero Expression, followed by an accessible mid-level Stepway Expression derivative, while the new Sandero Stepway Plus, which replaces the Dynamique, becomes the new flagship of the range. All three derivatives are powered by Renault’s formula one inspired 66 kw Turbo-petrol engine.

The new Sandero retains its new front-end design identity with the brand's new lighting signature, now seen on all of Renault's latest models: headlamps that incorporate the characteristic C-shape Daytime Running Lights, the C-shape rear lights and both the front and rear bumpers are of new design. The crossover styling of the new Stepway models remains contemporary and refined with features and fitments that include an integrated roof spoiler, higher ground clearance than the entry Sandero Expression, roof bars, front and rear skid plates, wheel arch moldings, front fog lights, and is underscored by the fitment of 15" wheels for the Sandero Expression and 16" dark metal flex wheels for the Stepway versions.

The roomy interior has an above-class, average floor-to-roof clearance front and back. The front bucket seats are comfortable enough, and the rear seat will comfortably accommodate three adults. Luggage space, at 292 litres, is about the best in its class, plus the rear bench seat splits and can be folded down should more loading space be required. The Stepway Plus adds a center armrest for extra comfort. From behind the wheel, the fully adjustable driver’s seat makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position, and the adjustable 4-spoke multi-function steering wheel feels good to hold, while all round visibility is good.

The list of standard features in the New Sandero range exceeds just about everything in its class, including front electric windows and remote central locking, electric side mirrors, leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear park assist, and unique in this vehicle segment, cruise control and navigation, and an on-board computer displaying distance covered, average speed, fuel range, average and total fuel consumption, while the press vehicle had the optional leather seats as well. Other features in the New Stepway Plus are; Renault MediaNav completely updated, a comprehensive, integrated on-board multimedia system with 7" touch-screen, Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free telephony plus music streaming from portable external devices when on the go. These together with the 2 DIN integrated radio/CD/MP3 with USB port, are all accessed via the fingertip controls located behind the steering wheel.

In terms of safety, the Sandero is the only car in its class to include EBA, ABS, ESP (+ASR) as standard across the range and was recently awarded the three stars for adult safety and four for children, proudly making it the safest car for children within its class. Passive safety features, which in addition to the front seat belts with load limiters and ISOFIX fasteners for child and baby seats, makes the Sandero the only car in its category to offer a three-point safety belt at the central rear seat. In the stopping department, the new Sandero comes with disc brakes up front, drum brakes at the rear, plus several electronic driver aids including ABS, EBA, EBD, ESC and ASR.Maximum pressure is applied from the onset of braking and remains until the ABS trigger threshold is reached. EBA shortens braking distance by up to nine meters at 120 km/h. Also, standard is an Electronic Stability (Control) Programme, which assists the driver to avoid possible loss of control, detects and reduces loss of traction and reduces engine power, and brakes on independent wheels in the event of loss of control. Hill Start Assist is automatically activated as soon as an incline of at least 10% is detected then when stepping off the brake, the car will hold for approximately three seconds to allow pull off with no roll-back.

The new Sandero Stepway is powered by F1-inspired Renault’s 900cc three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with variable valve timing, pushing out a healthy 66 kW of power at 5 250 RPM and peak torque of 135 NM at 2 500 RPM of which 90% is available from 1 650 RPM, and is mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

According to the spec sheet, the Renault Sandero 66 kW turbo will cover the 0 to 100 km/h dash in just 11.1 seconds, has a top speed of 169 km/h, and petrol consumption is given as a very low 5.4 litres/100km. The petrol tank holds 50 litres. The Stepway also has an ECO mode function that electronically modifies the engine's response, at the push of a button to automatically optimize fuel consumption and adjusts engine operation to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by as much as 12% depending on driving styles and road conditions.

The New Renault Sandero Stepway Plus offers the appealing DNA of the Sandero model plus so much more. The exterior of the Stepway Plus is distinguished through its bespoke design and badging with specific 2-tone 16" flexwheel covers, and features 2 exclusive new body colours, Dune Beige and Cosmos Blue. This Limited Edition offers the same level of standard features as the outgoing Dynamique trim with namely, side airbags, front and rear power windows, electric side mirrors, leather steering wheel and gear knob and rear park assist. Cruise control and navigation are also standard with leather seats are an option.

The comprehensive Renault MediaNav integrated on-board multimedia system with 7" touchscreen, being an intuitive system, offering quick access to all settings. The Stepway Plus also adds a rear parking camera, to facilitate the driver by alleviating blind spots in reverse mode. The enhanced Stepway Plus offering remains true to the Sandero value-for-money product range.

The recommended retail prices for the Renault Sandero range are; R171 900 for the Sandero Expression, R186 900 for the Renault Stepway Expression and R206 900 for the new Renault Stepway Plus. Prices include Renault's 5-year / 150 000 km warranty together with a standard 2-year / 30 000 km service plan, with service intervals every 15 000 km.