In stark contrast to some automakers, whose product line-up seems to get more complex by the day, Renault SA has applied the KISS (keep it sweet and simple) principle to its entry-level Sandero, reducing the line-up to just three variants, with the emphasis on pricing and comfort.
More than 20 new models have been added to this category in the past 18 months, making it one of the most competitive segments of the passenger-car market.
It's also adopted the signature Renault badging, with Ambiance denoting the new, tightly-priced 1.4-litre entry-level derivative, a single 1.6 Dynamique model, and the Sandero Stepway as the flagship.
The new 1.4-litre Ambiance comes in at R104 900 - putting Renault's local hero well within the crucial sub-R120 000 price bracket - and it's expected to account for more than half of Sandero sales.
The maker claims it's the only contender in this segment with ABS and dual front airbags - not to mention remote central door locking with selective unlocking, air-conditioning and power steering, a height-adjustable driver's seat, engine immobiliser and 14” rims with 185/70 R14 tyres.
It also comes with a five-year or 150 000km warranty and roadside assistance for the same period. An optional service plan can be tailored to suit the owner at any time
The Sandero 1.4 Ambiance has Renault's familiar 1.4-litre, eight-valve, fuel-injected engine, rated at 55kW of power at 5500rpm and 112Nm at a 3000 revs; Renault quotes 0-100km/h in 13 seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h, on an average fuel consumption of seven litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 164 g/km.
The most popular features of the three previous 1.6-litre Sandero derivatives have been combined in the new 1.6 Dynamique.
At R124 900, it matches the cheapest outgoing model in terms of price, but comes with 15” alloys, a trip data computer and a three-year or 45 000km service plan.
Standard equipment also includes front electric windows, a four-speaker radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and a USB port, a split-folding rear seat, white instrument dials with satin-chromed bezels and an array of storage compartments.
It uses a proven 1598 cc eight-valve, fuel-injected engine that's credited with 64kW at 5500 revs and 128Nm at 3000 rpm, good enough, says Renault, for a 0-100 sprint time of 11,5sec and 175km/h flat out, at a cost of 7.2 litres/100km and 173g/km of CO2.
The same engine motivates the crossover-styled Stepway, which has been specced up to become the top dog in the Sandero kennel.
R149 900 gets you all the features of the Dynamique, plus a leather-trimmed steering wheel, Stepway sill plates, 20mm more ride height, 16” alloy rims, front fog lamps, black/satin-chromed roof bars and rugged front and rear bumpers in a combination of black and body colour.
Door mirrors and handles are satin-chromed, as are the front and rear skid plates and tailpipe.
BOTTOM LINE
1.4 Ambiance - R104 900
1.6 Dynamique - R124 900
1.6 Stepway - R149 900