In Russia, many do not like French cars because of their complex structure and incomprehensible technical solutions. However, this does not apply to the Renault brand. Oddly enough, but she occupies a leading position in sales ratings. One of the best sellers is, of course, Duster. Next up is Logan.
But what if you want to get a passenger car with clearance like a crossover? For such buyers, the French manufacturer has developed a separate car - Renault Sandero Stepway. Owner reviews, shortcomings and technical specifications - further in our article.
Description
Renault Sandero Stepway is a subcompact hatchback created on the basis of Logan and featuring high ground clearance. The model is assembled in several countries, including Russia. The machine is built on a front-wheel drive platform B90.
Design
Externally, this hatchback resembles the new “Logan”, slightly raised on large disks. In front we see familiar slanted headlights and a bump with a bump integrated radiator grille. Wheel arches and sills, as well as the lower part of the bumpers are covered with plastic protective pads. They help prevent paintwork damage from small stones and other elements of the road surface. There are massive roof rails on the roof, allowing you to secure an additional trunk. In general, the car has a nice appearance. This is a modern hatchback, which is great for driving both in the city and beyond.
Are there any problems with the Renault Sandero Stepway in the new body? Reviews say that the car has poor protection for chrome elements. So, they quickly climb and worsen the appearance. Chromium may bubble or even fall off in pieces.
As for the metal itself, it is well protected against corrosion, reviews say. Renault Sandero Stepway is not afraid of road reagents and does not rust after years of operation. The only exception is broken cars that are not restored according to technology.
But the paintwork is thin. After 100 thousand kilometers, chips appear on the bottom of the doors and on the bumper. But there is no rust on bare metal, which is a definite plus. According to reviews, in the "Renault Sandero Stepway" lights do not grow cloudy. Also, moisture does not accumulate in them during rain. But the lighting itself is poor. Halogen lamps, which come in both basic and top-end equipment, give poor light. Partially, fog lights save the situation.
Dimensions
Some classify the Renault Sandero Stepway as a crossover, but this is not the case. “Sandero Stepway” is the same hatchback, only with a more increased ground clearance. So, the total length of the body is 4.08 meters, width - 1.76 m, height - 1.62 m. According to reviews, Renault Sandero Stepway is a very compact and maneuverable car. Parking on it is as easy as on an ordinary hatchback.
Clearance
Now about one of the main advantages. Ground clearance on standard 16-inch wheels - 19.5 centimeters. This is quite a lot. Not every crossover boasts such a clearance. In terms of cross-country ability, this car is of course inferior to SUVs. But in the front-wheel drive hatchback class, she holds a leading position. On the Renault Sandero Stepway, you can easily go to the primer without fear of damaging the bumper or combing the bottom. The machine has high angles of arrival and exit, and also has a short wheelbase.
Salon
The interior design is identical to the new Logan, with the exception of the steering wheel. So, in the center of the panel is a pair of familiar airflow deflectors and a digital multimedia system. Below is the climate control unit. The instrument panel is an arrow, consists of three "wells". Seats are fabric and hard. Adjustment is only mechanical. As for the free space, it is enough only for the front passenger and driver. Behind the same place comfortably does not work.
Among other shortcomings of the interior of the car "Renault Sandero Stepway", reviews of the owners note the low quality of finishing materials. Hard and cheap plastic has been used everywhere. He thunders at speed and on bumps. Additional sound insulation of this car does not hurt. Also, owners complain about the small amount of luggage. In a five-seater version, the volume is 320 liters. But the rear seats fold down, which allows you to carry larger things. With the sofa back folded, the boot volume increases to 1200 liters. Under the floor there is a 15-inch spare tire and a standard set of tools.
Specifications
Different engines are installed on the car. So, the base is a gasoline engine with an 8-valve head of 1.4 liters. This unit develops 72 horsepower.
Also, a 1.6-liter engine was installed on this car. Basic - 8-valve engine with 82 horsepower. In more expensive versions, a 106-horsepower unit with the same displacement is found. Recently on sale appeared Renault Sandero Stepway 113 hp
Reviews note that most engines for the Sandero are very weak. They are not enough for the city, and for the highway. At the same time, they do not differ in fuel economy. So, for a hundred, the car spends 8.5 liters in the city and 6.4 on the highway. Acceleration to hundreds takes from 12 to 14.5 seconds, depending on the selected motor.
What advise to choose an engine for the Renault Sandero Stepway reviews? Owners are advised to take a hatchback with the most powerful engine. Engines of 1.4 liters should not be considered for purchase. They do not have sufficient traction, and in terms of fuel consumption are identical to more powerful "brothers".
In general, gasoline engines are quite reliable. But as noted by the reviews, Renault Sandero Stepway has several "childhood diseases." This applies to candles and high voltage wires. They have a small resource and they are often punched "on weight" from moisture. Also on these motors the thermostat fails. Depending on the position in which it stuck, the motor will overheat, or vice versa - to work in low temperature conditions.
The timing belt is recommended to be changed every 60 thousand kilometers. It changes complete with tension rollers and a pump. As for the resource, with proper maintenance, gasoline engines can walk up to 400 thousand kilometers. By the way, another 1.5-liter diesel engines are available in Europe.
Transmission
Two types of transmissions are installed on the Renault Sandero Stepway. This is a five-speed mechanics and a four-speed automatic. What do the reviews say about manual transmission? It is quite noisy, which causes discomfort when driving. This is especially observed at speeds above 3 thousand. However, in terms of reliability, it is not satisfactory. The transmission engages clearly, without jerking.
As for maintenance, the manufacturer does not regulate oil changes. However, experts say that this operation should be performed every 100 thousand kilometers.
What do they say about the "Renault Sandero Stepway" on the machine reviews? Automatic transmission is less reliable than mechanics. So, the transmission requires intervention after 100 thousand kilometers. Basically, the box fails due to overheating. By the way, an automatic transmission oil change should be made every 50 thousand kilometers.
Chassis
The suspension scheme is identical to Renault Logan and the usual Sandero. So, in front of the car there is an independent suspension with A-shaped levers and MacPherson struts. Behind - a dependent beam. What do the reviews say about the new Renault Sandero Stepway? The suspension is quite reliable and does not cause problems. So, the racks and bushings of the anti-roll bar are the first to “surrender”. Their resource is about 60 thousand kilometers. Original shock absorbers are sensitive to bumps and can leak. As operating experience shows, this happens after 80 thousand kilometers.
Steering - rack with power. The weak point here is the plastic sleeve. The manufacturer does not provide factory repair kits for Renault Sandero. But as the owners note, here you can install an element from another brand of car (for example, from BMW). The resource of rods and steering tips is 70 thousand kilometers.
The brake system is hydraulic, with a vacuum booster. Front mounted disk mechanisms, rear - drums. The resource of pads depends on the driving style, but on average it is 30 thousand for the front and 100 thousand for the rear.
How does the Renault Sandero Stepway behave on the go? Reviews say that the suspension on the car is moderately stiff. The car does not enter the corners, but the high ground clearance makes itself felt - the car is less maneuverable than the usual Sandero hatchback. Brakes are enough. Punches suspension rarely.
Prices and specifications
The new car is offered in two trim levels. These are “Comfort” and “Privilege”. The cost of the base starts from 650 thousand rubles. This will be the manual gearbox version. For the machine will have to pay 70 thousand rubles. The basic equipment includes:
- Front power windows.
- 16 inch stamped wheels.
- Black door handles.
- Fog lights.
- Daytime Running Lights.
- Hydraulic booster.
- On-board computer.
- Heated seats.
- Frontal airbags.
- Central locking.
- Cruise control.
- Crankcase protection.
Top-end equipment will be available at a price of 796 thousand rubles. In addition to the basic list of options, this price includes:
- Rear power windows.
- Chrome door handles.
- Side airbags.
- Audio system with Bluetooth and USB.
- Climate control.
- Leather steering wheel braid.
Options
The dealer also offers the installation of various option packages:
- Air conditioning for 30 thousand rubles (for basic configuration).
- Glonass system for 12 thousand rubles.
- A multimedia system with a navigator and a steering column joystick (20 thousand rubles).
- Safety package with ESP and rear parking sensors for 16 thousand rubles.
All equipment, without exception, is covered by a guarantee for a period of three years or 100 thousand kilometers.
To summarize
So, we found out what Renault Sandero Stepway features and reviews are. As you can see, the car has its pros and cons. Among the positive points worth noting:
- Quality corrosion protection.
- Nice design.
- Resource engine.
- Reliable manual transmission.
- High ground clearance.
Among the shortcomings are poor insulation, weak engines, unreliable automatic transmission and a small luggage compartment. But even with such disadvantages, the car has a good price-quality ratio - reviews say. This model will be a great purchase for those who are looking for an inexpensive family car for trips around the city and to the country.