• Stylish, modern, no-nonsense cabin
• Straddles utilitarian and quality ambience
• Refreshingly back-to-basics, simple controls

How is the quality and layout?

The Dacia Sandero interior is what we’d call ruggedly functional. It has bold, simple lines, prominently styled air vents and a contrasting fabric strip running across the dashboard that feels very contemporary, repeated on the door armrests.

The plastics are rugged, solid and fairly uniform throughout. Up-to-date technology and details like contrast stitching on the seats go a long way to lifting the Sandero out of the bargain basement category, but there’s a pleasing functionality we found refreshing. The controls for heating, seat adjustment, lighting and infotainment are all satisfyingly solid to use. This is a real positive as many cars move to hit-or-miss touchscreen controls.

All models except the most basic get a height-adjustable driver’s seat and armrest, reach- and rake-adjustable steering column, centre console storage slots and manual air-conditioning. And while it’s perfectly acceptable for the money, other pricier superminis feel a lot plusher.

Infotainment and tech

The higher-spec Sanderos are well-specified for the money, with an eight-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system – MediaNav. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, with wireless connectivity. It’s a much neater solution and means you can have Google Maps running off your phone, rather than a pricey, proprietary built-in sat-nav.

There’s a smartphone holder by the screen, but it’s a little cramped for larger handsets; however, that’s where the USB port for connection is located. Higher trim models also feature electric windows all-round, electric adjustment for the door mirrors (finished in body colour), a leather-feel steering wheel, keyless entry, front foglights, plus automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.

Basic Sandero specs swap out the MediaNav system for a clever ‘flap’ on the dashboard that can hold your smartphone in the same location as a typical display, and uses an app to display car information (the radio/media player uses the dashboard’s LCD display otherwise). It only has two speakers, and loses some of the soft-feel trim. It does feature cruise control with a speed limiter, but the rear windows are manual, as are the door mirrors.

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Comfort

• Supportive seats
• Spacious front and back with great visibility
• Plenty of room for four adults

The Sandero’s seats are trimmed in breathable fabric and have subtle bolsters that hold you in place without feeling ‘tight’, and there’s enough adjustment between the seat and steering wheel to get a comfortable driving position for long journeys. There’s even a pop-down narrow armrest on higher-specification specs.

For the price, the Dacia Sandero is extremely comfortable: it’s more than capable of long drives without discomfort for the front occupants, and arguably with better comfort for rear occupants than many rivals thanks to the generous amount of space available.

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