Dacia adds hybrid power to Sandero and Sandero Stepway

Dacia has equipped its Sandero and Sandero Stepway cars with hybrid power for the first time.

The brand has been broadening its range of hybrid vehicles and now it’s the turn of the Sandero to get electrification, bringing full hybrid power to one of its most popular vehicles.

Priced from £17,995 for the regular Sandero and £19,295 for the Stepway, the new hybrid 155 setup is a self-charging system – meaning it doesn’t need to be plugged in – and will always start in electric mode. Dacia says that up to 80 per cent of urban driving can be completed on electric power alone, too.

At its heart, the hybrid system uses a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which is linked to two electric motors and a compact 1.4kWh battery. As standard, all cars get a clutchless automatic gearbox which can intelligently shift between electric and petrol power.

Improved fuel consumption over a standard petrol engine should make the Sandero hybrid more frugal overall, while regenerative braking can help to feed energy that would otherwise be lost when slowing down back into the battery.

All cars get a 10-inch infotainment system as standard with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped, alongside DAB radio, air conditioning and automatic lights. Higher-spec Journey cars gain a seven-inch driver’s display, automatic air conditioning and heated front seats – among other features.

The Stepway model brings a more rugged take on things through increased ground clearance and SUV-inspired features like chunkier wheelarch surrounds.

The new Dacia Sandero hybrid models are on sale now.