Test drive Renault Sandero Stepway 2015

Many are probably already familiar with the second generation Renault Sandero, which has established itself as a practical, reliable and at the same time budget car. But today we have prepared for you a review of the “semi-off-road” version of the Sandero, namely a test drive of the 2015 Renault Sandero Stepway.

In the review you will find all the changes that distinguish Stepway from the usual Sandero, technical characteristics, possible configurations, car behavior on the road and much more.

Differences Stepway from the usual Sandero

The main difference, and one can also say an advantage, is the increased ground clearance. If the Sandero's ground clearance is 155 mm, taking into account the load, then for the Stepway model this parameter is already 195 mm.

Engine

In addition, in the second generation, the 8-valve engine became more powerful, namely, its torque changed from 124 N / m to 134 N / m, which is reached at 2800 rpm (in the previous version of the engine, this threshold was reached at higher speeds ). It is worth noting that even such a small difference affected the dynamic characteristics, the car became more cheerful and allows you to conveniently meter the fuel supply with small presses on the gas pedal, while driving on a loose surface, for example, on freshly fallen snow.

The stabilization system prevents the vehicle from burrowing in deep snow or mud. Of course, the same system is present on the regular Sandero, but there it performs the function of stabilization on slippery roads, when cornering and other maneuvers. And at Stepway, this system, coupled with a decent ground clearance, is an excellent assistant when passing off-road obstacles, allowing you to get under way on a loose surface or slippery slope without significant slipping.

Chassis

Let's pay attention to the driving performance of this model. It may seem to many that the increased ground clearance negatively affects handling, but this is not the case. Compared to the Sandero, the quality of handling has not changed, the car also obeys the steering well, besides, the lateral swing has not increased, with an increase in ground clearance by 4 cm.

Among the shortcomings of the chassis, one can answer the inconvenience of driving along a section of the road with small and frequent irregularities (ribbed surface, after passing through special equipment - a grader). The fact is that the suspension quite strongly transmits small vibrations to the passenger compartment, but for a car of such a price category and such a size class, this is not a big drawback.

Design

Renault Sandero Stepway received an updated bumper, which have harmonious non-paintable inserts, and the lower lining smoothly transitions into the wheel arch extensions, which in turn flow into the side skirts. A similar concept is followed at the rear. The rear bumper has non-paintable inserts already with reflectors, and parking sensors are harmoniously integrated into the bumper.

And in conclusion, we note that the off-road version of the Sandero Stepway differs from its usual version by the presence of roof rails, which is convenient for those who need to transport bulky items on the roof of the car.

Technical specifications

The new Renault Sandero Stepway 2015 has 2 engine options, it can be equipped with a mechanical, robotic and automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is installed only on a 16 valve engine.

• 1.6 l 8 valve 82 hp (complete with MKP5 and RKP5 - 5 step robot);
• 1.6 l 16 valve 102 hp (equipped with MKP5 and AKP4).

All gasoline engines are equipped with an electronically controlled distribution injection system.

Engine	(82 hp) MKP5	(102 hp) MKP5	(102 hp) AKP	(82 hp) RCP
Maximum speed km / h	165	170	165	158
Acceleration time 0-100 km / h, s.	12,3	11,2	12	12,6
Fuel consumption
Urban, l / 100 km **	9,9	9,5	10,8	9,3
Extra-urban, l / 100 km	5,9	5,9	6,7	6
Combined in l / 100 km	7,3	7,2	8,4	7,2

The car is presented in 2 trim levels Confort and Privilege.

The Privilege package is richer, and will mark its advantages over the Confort package:

• leather-wrapped steering wheel and chrome door handles;
• the presence of an on-board computer;
• illumination of the glove box in the dashboard;
• climate control;
• rear power windows;
• audio system CD-MP3, 4 speakers, Bluetooth, USB, AUX, hands-free, steering column joystick;
• heated windshield as an additional option;
• ESP stabilization system with parking sensors, also available as optional extras.

Renault Sandero Stepway 2015 Price

Confort configuration prices:

• 1.6 MCP5 (82 hp) - 589 rubles;
• 1.6 RKP5 (82 hp) - 609 rubles;
• 1.6 MCP5 (102 hp) - 611 rubles;
• 1.6 AKP4 (102 hp) - 656 rubles.

Privilege package prices:

• 1.6 MCP5 (82 hp) - 654 rubles;
• 1.6 RKP5 (82 hp) - 674 rubles;
• 1.6 MCP5 (102 hp) - 676 rubles;
• 1.6 AKP4 (102 hp) - 721 rubles.

Video test drive Renault Sandero Stepway

Renault Sandero Stepway 82 HP - test drive of Alexander Mikhelson