Dacia Sandero III (2020 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.0/10

The third-generation Dacia Sandero (including the very popular Stepway variant) marks a historic turning point for the Romanian brand. By adopting the modern CMF-B platform (shared with the Renault Clio V and Captur II), it sheds its status as a basic 'low-cost' car to become an 'essential' vehicle with transformed road performance. Roominess, comfort, soundproofing, and technological features (Media Nav, driving aids) have made a spectacular leap forward. Although it received 2 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test (mainly due to the absence of sophisticated active driving aids, the passive structure being solid), it has established itself as the best-selling car to private individuals in Europe. The engine range foregoes diesel in favor of gasoline and gasoline/LPG bi-fuel (ECO-G), a formida

✅ Strengths

Unbeatable price/performance/spaciousness ratio on the market
Modern CMF-B platform offering healthy and safe road handling
Factory-fitted ECO-G (LPG) engine, very economical to use
Successful design, particularly in its Stepway version
Up-to-date technological equipment (wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on high trims)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Soundproofing still perfectible on the highway (wind and road noise)
Manual gearbox sometimes notchy and noisy (whistling)
CVT automatic gearbox that smooths out performance too much and makes the engine rev loudly during strong accelerations
Frequent electronic bugs on the multimedia system
Absence of hybrid engine (reserved for Jogger and Duster)

🎯 Verdict

The Dacia Sandero III is a pragmatic and intelligent choice. By shedding its rustic side, it now offers performance worthy of the segment's benchmarks, for a significantly lower price. In terms of reliability, the assessment is very positive: the 1.0 engines (SCe and TCe) are robust and free from the serious defects of the old 1.2 TCe. The problems reported are mainly peripheral inconveniences (wastegate noise, multimedia bugs, inaccurate LPG gauge) which have often been corrected under warranty. The 1.0 TCe 100 ECO-G version is the absolute best buy: it combines reliability, negligible running costs thanks to LPG, and versatility. Buy with confidence, prioritizing a model with a clear service history.