Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway gain hybrid powertrain

Dacia has opened UK orders for petrol-electric hybrid versions of its Sandero and Sandero Stepway, introducing electric-only driving capability and an automatic gearbox to its smallest models for the first time.

The new Hybrid 155 powertrain joins the existing petrol engine options, offering more power and potentially lower fuel consumption. It is already used in other Dacia models, including the Jogger and Bigster.

Unlike a mild hybrid, the new Sandero can drive on electric power alone for short periods, particularly at lower speeds. However, it is not a plug-in hybrid, so the battery range is shorter and owners do not need to connect it to a charger.

How does the new hybrid engine work?

The Hybrid 155 combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery. One electric motor helps drive the wheels, while the second acts as a starter-generator. The battery is recharged by the petrol engine and through regenerative braking when the car slows down.

Dacia claims the system can operate in electric mode for up to 80% of driving time in urban conditions, although the actual amount of electric-only driving will depend on traffic, speed and driving conditions. The hybrid also uses a clutchless automatic gearbox, with four gears for the petrol engine and two for electric operation.

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway Hybrid 155 accelerate from 0–62mph in 8.3 seconds, making them quicker than their existing petrol equivalents.

Dacia also claims fuel consumption can be up to 40% lower than an equivalent petrol engine, although this is a manufacturer comparison rather than a guaranteed saving in everyday driving.

Where does the hybrid fit in the range?

The new Hybrid 155 sits above the existing petrol engines in the Sandero and Stepway line-ups. The standard Sandero continues to offer the 100hp TCe petrol engine, while the higher-riding Stepway retains its 110hp TCe petrol option. Both are available with manual gearboxes.

The petrol-electric hybrid offers 155hp and an automatic gearbox, making it the most powerful option in either model. It is available in Expression and Journey specifications for the Sandero, and Expression and Extreme for the Stepway.

Standard equipment on the hybrid Expression includes a ten-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

The Sandero Journey adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a seven-inch digital instrument display, connected satellite navigation and a multiview parking camera. The Stepway Extreme offers similar additional equipment, alongside modular roof bars and Extended Grip, which adjusts traction control to help on slippery surfaces.

Most of these features were already available on the equivalent petrol models following the Sandero’s recent update. Both hybrid models retain a 410-litre boot capacity and can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1,100kg.

UK pricing and availability

The Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway Hybrid 155 are available to order now in the UK, with orders having opened on 4th November.

The regular Sandero Hybrid 155 starts at £18k on the road in Expression trim, rising to just north of £19k for Journey. The Sandero Stepway Hybrid 155 also costs just over £19k in Expression specification or around £21k for the range-topping Extreme.

The hybrid therefore carries a premium over the existing petrol models, although buyers also gain the more powerful engine and automatic gearbox.

The Dacia Sandero holds a New Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 58%. It scores top marks for its low running costs and CO₂ emissions, and excellent reliability record. However, its media review scores are only average and its safety score is poor.