[Auto] Dacia Sandero ECO-G 100 GPL test (2020): untouchable!

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This new version adopts the 3-cylinder 1.0 liter bi-fuel gasoline-LPG of its cousins Clio and Captur. At this price, is there anything to hesitate?

Nothing distinguishes this bi-fuel version from its petrol sisters. The Stepway finish of our most upscale test model gives this Sandero a style - and an endowment - much more rewarding than the base versions. The management of the two fuels is done seamlessly, although one can favor one or the other from a switch located to the left of the steering wheel, starting always with gasoline. No noticeable operating difference between the two modes, even if the LPG is supposed to offer a little more torque (170 Nm
against 160) and flexibility. In both cases the performance is rather flattering thanks to a moderate weight and judiciously stepped gear ratios. All that remains is to deal with a slightly catchy control and engine inertia that requires waiting for the revs to drop between two gears. There are also a few small shifts in management, on the two modes, specific to this 3-cylinder

 

 

Autonomy becomes frankly royal
On the consumption side, knowing that LPG (sold below € 0.90 per liter) consumes at least 20% more than gasoline, the consumption of the small 1.0 liter, whose performance is far from exceptional, can then exceed 10 liters, as long as the right foot is a little heavy ... Still this Sandero does not drive the knife between the teeth and that the mixed average is rather between 7 and 8 liters. The range then becomes royal if we add to the 50 liters of gasoline the 32 liters of LPG, the tank of which is housed under the boot floor, in place of the spare wheel.
For the rest, we find healthy behavior, but "old-fashioned", with perfectible traction and fairly heavy steering, with a few small deviations from the trajectory, especially on the coating joints. Fairly firm at low speed, the damping becomes more considerate with speed, well supported by soft seats but lacking in support. Finally, if the engine is discreet, the aerodynamic noises are very present, reinforced by the roof bars of this Stepway.

 

 

Verdict and opinion
Priced between € 11,190 and € 13,390, this Sandero is all the more unbeatable as it has no competitor, except for its cousin the Clio, offered from ... € 18,400. It's simple, this is the best "low budget" deal on the market.

Characteristics
Engines: 3-cylinder, 12-valve, turbo, petrol indirect injection, 999 cm3, stop & start
Transmission: traction, 5-speed manual
Power (hp @ rpm): 100 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque (Nm at rpm): 160 (170 in LPG) Nm at 2,750 rpm
Weight (kg): 1,059 (Stepway: 1,090)
Combined average consumption (l / 100 km): 6 (gasoline) - 7.6 (LPG)
Tank: 50 + 32 (LPG) liters
0-100 km / h: 11''5
Maximum speed: 174 km / h
CO2 (g) / bonus-malus: 123 (GPL) - 133 (petrol) / € 0
Price: 13 390 € (Stepway)
From 11 190 € (Essential)
WE love
Unbeatable price
Unique LPG offer
Services / price ratio
Cumulative autonomy
We like less
Dated behavior
Consumption
Aerodynamic noise