A lot of time has passed since the release of the Renault Sandero Stepway. It is noteworthy that in Russia this car has taken root well. Even the first releases pleased with the durability and reliability of the mechanisms. However, there are so many people, so many opinions: some like the model, while others found many disadvantages in the new modification. So what do Russian car enthusiasts say?
Majority opinion
The car is positioned as an excellent alternative to domestic models. Renault Sandero modification Stepway is inexpensive, it has all the necessary options: anti-slip system, power windows, heating, air conditioning, etc. Manufacturers equipped the model with an excellent suspension, thanks to which the car is perfectly accustomed to Russian roads. If it weren’t for the badge on the front, one would be naive to believe that everyone’s favorite AvtoVAZ finally “gave birth” and came up with a car with an adapted suspension. Unfortunately, the time for new solutions has not yet come.
The reliability of the Franco-Romanian product is perhaps the main advantage of the car. Further, opinions are divided: maneuverability and comfort, acceleration dynamics and the relevance of options - all this was subject to frequent discussions. Let's objectively examine the issue of profitability of Renault Sandero Stepway.
General ideas of owners about the car
Appearance
The appearance of the model evokes a double impression: from the front, it seems to look beautiful and stylish, but from the back the body seems to be chopped off. It feels like the designers' imagination has run out. But many owners are pleased with the doors: there is no need to slam, the handles are soft and they open smoothly.
The general appearance of the Stepway is akin to an SUV. There are chrome trims, original luggage bars and other elements. The fastening of the inscription and the same overlays is fragile. The manufacturer skimps on tape and glue, so it is possible that over time you will have to glue something on. However, the manufacturer did not spare the paintwork: the thickness of the layer is excellent; if scratches appear, you can use polish - this, by the way, is confirmed by the majority of Renault Sandero Stepway owners.
The dimensions of the car, according to many owners, are just what they need. This car is easy to park, it does not take up much space, and there is enough space inside to accommodate five people of average build. The trunk is small, but its volume can be increased, although then someone will have to leave the cabin, since there will be no space left in the back. Many people complain that the spare wheel is located in an inconvenient place - under the bottom. Some, on the contrary, are sure that this is even better: it doesn’t get in the way in the trunk.
Salon
Let's look at the Renault Sandero Stepway salon: reviews from owners about it are also mixed. The resulting opinion is:
- The seats are not very comfortable and difficult to adjust correctly. This changes the position of the backrest. The height of the chair is not adjustable at all. But the seating position is high, which allows you to correctly assess the situation on the road.
- The steering wheel is height adjustable, but the range of motion is so small that you don’t really want to change its position. People of short stature will have to literally reach for the steering wheel, since the ability to change the longitudinal adjustment of the seat is also scarce.
- Large glove box: the hand goes up to the elbow, but this has virtually no effect on the interior space. The passenger can sit comfortably.
- The driver may be annoyed by the panel indicators. Maybe the color is nasty because visual alarms are supposed to be more effective than warning lights, but not everyone is happy with that.
- The plastic is cheap, it’s not even worth talking about, but the steering wheel and gear lever covers are made of leather. It's nice.
- Basically, the location of the control keys is convenient. You can turn on the stove and air conditioner blindly. The same applies to the power windows: the buttons for operating them are not located on the doors, but in the same place as the rear window heating button.
- The pedal travel is clear and pressed easily, so driving in traffic jams is not complicated.
- The hydraulic power steering does not allow you to turn the wheel with one finger. You'll have to use a little force.
- The gear lever has an excellent movement: it’s easy to change gears, but the shift mechanism in the Stepway modification is cable-based.
In the winter season, the stove will save you from severe frost, but the air conditioner is rather weak, although on hot days it will do. Some owners claim that after 10 thousand mileage, extraneous sounds appear when warming up. If this is noticed, you should immediately go to a service station.
The noise level of the car is also unsettling. In the city, the engine does not bother you with an “ominous roar”, but as soon as you give the revolutions more than 3000, you can feel the stable sound of the engine and wheels in the cabin. Over time, “crickets” will appear, and first of all, for some reason, the front passenger door begins to creak. What the secret is is not clear.
As for visibility, it is complicated by the thick A-pillar: it creates a dead zone. I would also like more mirrors, although not everyone thinks so. Due to the specific aerodynamic characteristics, the mirror glass has to be wiped frequently, so it is recommended to always carry a heavy roll of napkins. But the interior mirror allows you to clearly assess the situation behind you, which is nice.
Engine
Now let's talk about the Renault Sandero Stepway engine. When releasing the first cars, Renault marketers decided that for now one modification of the engine would be enough, which is a 1.6-liter 8-valve gasoline engine with an output of 84 hp. and is combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. And despite the fact that later a 16-valve gasoline engine with an automatic transmission appeared, many owners still remained faithful to the old modification of the unit that had been proven over the years, so most of the owners’ statements were about it.
This motor is reliable, unpretentious, but very noisy. He likes to “eat” 92 and 95 gasoline, but does not refuse 98. The good news is that it is practically immune to gear selection and does not detonate. A simple example: at a speed of 50 km/h, you can engage fifth gear, the car will gradually begin to accelerate to the limit. Acceleration, of course, is smooth, without pronounced acceleration. This style is suitable for measured driving around the city. Those who prefer to drive will be unhappy.
The gears are short, you can start with a slight tilt even without the gas pedal. The engine does not resist, it copes well with the load and pulls the car obediently. If you want, you can get underway in second gear; this will not change anything. All this is good, but outside the city at 100 km/h the engine spins up to 3000 rpm, and then a powerful acoustic attack begins. Further, the noise only intensifies, while the acceleration dynamics noticeably decrease. After 100 km/h, everything except the noise seems to freeze.
To overtake the vehicle in front, you need to think through the maneuver in advance, otherwise you may not be able to make it in time. After a short run-in, the car will accelerate to 155 km/h. This is subject to some error. The unpleasant thing is that the car is quite power hungry: when driving on the highway it will consume 8 liters. per 100 km, and this despite the fact that the driver does not accelerate more than 100 km/h. In a mixed cycle - 9 liters. per 100 km. Considering that the car weighs a little more than a ton, and its power is 84 hp, then the consumption is high.
Suspension
The owners' reviews of the Renault Sandero Stepway suspension are positive: energy-intensive, quiet, elastic, durable - these are its main characteristics. Because of this, some drivers stop avoiding potholes and some carelessness appears in driving, but this does not greatly affect the overall condition of the car. It is worth noting that she still does not like sharp turns; the car leans heavily.
The brakes work great, the pedal travel is short, but the anti-slip system kicks in a little early. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the grip of standard tires is insufficient, but there is no clear opinion among car owners.
To sum it up
Budget car. Even if you take it on credit, you will get an amount that you wouldn’t mind paying for a reliable Reno Sandero Stepway car: the price of which starts at 453 thousand rubles.
For driving around the city, the car is just what you need. The driver does not get tired, although this depends on individual physiology. The suspension is perfect (as most car owners think), and there are no problems with repairs either. The main thing is to carry out regular maintenance, because any car is like a child: it needs to be looked after.
Car components are sold at reasonable prices; owners should not wander around car markets in search of the right part; it is recommended to buy original spare parts, and only in dealer showrooms. Well, it’s better to buy add-ons such as rugs and covers from private owners, since the original ones cost exorbitant amounts.
Along with the possibility of purchasing almost all parts for repair from official dealers, the low price of the Renault Sandero Stepway makes it possible to significantly squeeze out its famous classmates on Russian roads.
Evaluating cars by their appearance, there is no doubt for a second - the VAZ hatchback is definitely more solid and beautiful. From all sides it looks dignified and modern, which cannot be said about the rustic and even somewhat “rustic” appearance of Stepway. The Lada is distinguished by LED running lights and fashionably concave side panels.
However, not everyone likes these stampings, although, admittedly, compared to the “renault” ones, they look, if not better, then clearly more interesting. But a pseudo-protective plastic body kit and wheel arch extensions, like those of the Tolyatti car, clearly would not harm the Togliatti car from an aesthetic point of view - the window sill line could visually move down a little, and the ambiguous “sidewalls” would no longer be an eyesore for particularly picky consumers.
For the “X-shaped” face, which, culturally borrowing from Lexus and other Hondas, Steve Mattin stuck on the “Xrea”, the VAZ people should say thank you - the expressionless face of the “Stepway” definitely needs plastic surgery. As, in general, is its loin, which does not at all cause excitement.
The stern of the “Volzhanin” with its small, raised-up lights is also, of course, not a work of art, but in any case it cannot be called openly primitive. At least, unlike the Sandero, the girls follow me with their gaze, and I didn’t notice any sympathy for the driver on their faces. Our “like” for the domestic auto giant.
INTERIOR ERGONOMICS
It’s hard not to notice that when you open the doors, a pile of snow that has fallen from the roof gets into the cabin - you sit down in the XRAY without first brushing the snowflakes off the chair. And all because the doors of the Lada fit neatly into the openings, while in the Renault they dock directly to the roof.
In general, the kinship in the interior of both cars is obvious. However, even here “Xray” is clearly in the best position - not least thanks to the larger arrow-numbers on the instrument panel and the location of all four power window keys on the driver's door. While Sandero has two of them in this place. The rear window control buttons are located on the center console—you have to take your eyes off the road trying to reach them with your finger.
In addition, the Togliatti residents did not skimp on equipping the steering wheel of their “horse” with audio system control buttons - the “Frenchman” offers to adjust the “music” using an inconvenient steering column lever. Multimedia for cars in the budget segment is decent in both cases: everything is simple and intuitive. Even in severe frost, the display does not slow down or crash. Only the Xray head unit sees the phone every once in a while.
The headlight level control knob in Renault is located to the left of the steering wheel at the very bottom of the dashboard, and to get to it you will need the skills of an acrobat, and then sessions of a chiropractor who will help you set your crooked neck back into place. A LADA driver will not encounter anything like this.
But the steering wheel of the French hatchback itself deserves applause: it seems more voluminous and much more pleasant in tactile sensations.
As for landing, it won’t be difficult to get comfortable in either car. Only the headrest is more of a decorative element than a safety element, because it is located too far from the back of the head.
It would be nice to move the seat heating buttons in both cars to the center console. Not only are the keys located in the niche between the door and the seat periodically activated by your foot when leaving the car, but it is also quite difficult to feel them while driving without being distracted from the road. I'm not even talking about the fact that representatives of the fair half can break their nails in attempts to warm up the butt.
The only complaint about the review is the Sandero, whose side mirrors and front door windows instantly spit mud - the Togliatti pseudo-crossover gets a pass. Including because when opening the luggage compartment, the driver will not get his hands dirty, as is the case with. And the cargo compartment of the Xray itself is much more spacious than the Renault one - 361 liters versus 320 liters.
RIDING HABITS
Until the 122-horsepower LADA engine was “married” with a five-speed manual transmission, it did not evoke positive emotions. With a frankly stupid and twitchy single-disc “robot,” the car did not want to drive at all. Hallelujah - XRAY can no longer be called a vegetable. True, its gearbox shifts are not as clear and elastic as those of the “five-speed”, which is distinguished, among other things, by longer strokes.
It must be said that the “Frenchman” with its 113 horsepower under the hood is also no mistake - there is enough traction in almost the entire rev range. A smaller number of “horses” predictably affects consumption - in the combined cycle, the Sandero consumes no more than 9.7 liters per hundred, while the Xray indecently swallows all 13.
Both cars confidently cling to the road, without forcing the driver to wash himself with cold sweat when passing sharp turns. “Tolyatti”, perhaps, handles uneven road surfaces only a little more gently - this is probably due to the installation of different shock absorbers and springs. There are no complaints about the brakes.
So, you have taken the issue of choosing a car seriously. The French brand Renault has been operating on the market for quite a long time and has established itself as a practical manufacturer. Cars are always distinguished by their comfort, affordable prices and good technical characteristics. Today you can determine which car is right for you: Renault Sandero or Stepway.
Distinctive features of Renault Sandero
The front-wheel drive hatchback will allow you to take 4 passengers with you. The car was designed based on the Renault Logan, from which it adopted almost all technical characteristics.
The brand is equipped with 5 doors, including a luggage compartment. Depending on the class, the car's power starts from 75 horsepower and reaches 113 . Fuel consumption has settled at the level 6 – 8.6 per 100 km. Accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. The most common type is a manual transmission. But at a slightly increased cost, it is possible to choose a model with an automatic transmission.
The silhouette of the car is distinguished by graceful and smooth lines, calm and discreet transitions between details. The interior decoration is made of high-quality materials. The design is interesting and practical. Additionally, it is possible to install a climate control system, as well as multimedia equipment and a navigator, and a glass heating complex. The car is suitable for city walks and long trips. A fairly spacious trunk is also an advantage of the car. The hatchback falls into the category of family cars for comfortable city life.
The cost depends on the vehicle configuration. The starting price of a new hatchback released in 2018 is approximately equal to 530 thousand rubles. Depending on improvements and additions, the cost may increase up to 800 thousand rubles.
Distinctive features of Renault Sandero Stepway
The front-wheel drive crossover is equipped with 5 doors and 4 passenger seats. It should be called modernized version of Renault Sandero.
The car can be considered a crossover due to its increased ground clearance – 197 mm. The lightweight version of the SUV will allow you to feel equally comfortable in the bustle of the city, on snow-covered slopes, in desert spaces and under any obstacles. Depending on the class, the car’s power starts from 82 horsepower and reaches 113. Fuel consumption is set at 5.7 – 8.9 per 100 km. Accelerates to 100 km/h in 11 seconds. Predominantly manual transmission. With an automatic transmission installed, the cost of the car increases slightly.
The luggage compartment, like its counterpart, is spacious and practical. The design of the car does not leave anyone indifferent. All the same grace of Sandero and elegant lines of fastenings. The car interior is made of quality materials. If desired, it is possible to add a climate and cruise control system, as well as multimedia equipment and a navigator.
The SUV is equipped with a glass heating system, which is a definite plus for Russian roads. Additional luggage racks are installed on the roof of the car. This will allow you to feel comfortable on any trip and not worry about capacity.
Crossover price starts from 580 thousand rubles. Depending on the configuration, additional features and improvements, the cost can reach 850 thousand rubles.
Similarities and differences between cars
Cars have a lot in common. Firstly, the design is almost identical. The only difference is the external image of the crossover. It stands out with the brutal features of an SUV and is also equipped with an upper sector for luggage.
Secondly, the technical characteristics copy each other. Both cars are also equipped with ABS and ESP systems. Moreover, the ESP stabilizer can prevent the crossover from overcoming too dangerous obstacles. But both additions improve the safety and comfort of cars.
Thirdly, the cost is approximately equal. The difference is about 50 thousand rubles, which will not play a significant role in choosing a reliable candidate.
Although Stepway is a modernized version of Renault Sandero, there are differences between them. Don’t forget that the first one is still an SUV, albeit a single-wheel drive one. Ground clearance increased by 20 mm. When loaded to their full permissible weight, the cars sag noticeably. The clearance of the Stepway remains at 175 mm, while that of its progenitor is up to 135 mm.
The crossover can overcome off-road conditions without any problems. On a city highway you are unlikely to feel the difference in movement. However, any obstacles, in particular icy territory or a forest belt, will present the cars in a completely different style. If you mainly drive on city highways, then you can give preference to a hatchback. But if active travel by car attracts you and forces you to conquer dangerous roads, then, without hesitation, give the choice to a crossover.
The additional luggage rack on the roof also adds a certain charm to the SUV. And increased safety is ensured by a protective body kit on the body. The part is made of plastic.
How to choose a car?
Thus, when choosing a car, you should clearly define the purposes of your future trips. Will it be city travel with a large family or powerful off-road travel. If you are a representative of the practical style of the metropolis, then Renault Sandero is your best choice. If you dream of conquering the tops of snowy slopes and sand dunes of desert plains, then the Stepway crossover will not disappoint. In any case, the price of both candidates is approximately equal.
➖ Dynamics (version with 82 hp engine)
➖ Paint quality
➖ Small trunk
➖ Fuel consumption
➖ Noise insulation
pros
➕ High ground clearance
➕ Design
➕ Patency
The advantages and disadvantages of the Renault Sandero Stepway 2018-2019 in the new body were identified based on reviews from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of Renault Sandero Stepway 82 hp, as well as 102 and 113 hp. with mechanics, automatic and robot can be learned from the stories below.
Owner reviews
Everything in order:
1. After a year and a half, the paint on the rear sills swelled and they began to rust, as did the front passenger side, everything was done under warranty.
2. The sticker trim on the driver's threshold has come off; to replace it yourself the price is 1,400 rubles per sticker, plus labor.
3. The front seats are very short; on a long journey, your legs and knees begin to hurt (maximum 800 km and then all is lost).
4. With a mileage of 8,000 km, the ball joint was damaged, it was replaced under warranty along with the wheel alignment (unpleasant, like the paintwork on the thresholds).
5. An armrest is an expensive option, without it the arm gets tired, and even with it it’s not very good. This is not an armrest, but some kind of misunderstanding.
6. The engine practically doesn’t pull, you need to get more power, but not with an automatic, it’s a 4-speed mortar, the speed after 120 km/h is prohibitive, and it consumes a lot of gas.
7. After a year (25,000 km), a squeaking sound appeared in the driver’s seat (as the WD lubricant dealer said, the rubber band gets clogged with dirt).
8. The wheelbase is very short, so the car just jumps on bumps like a saiga, the rear passengers are especially “happy.”
9. The trunk is small.
10. The robot is glitchy, hangs between gears on inclines (usually between 3-4, 4-5) and the noise is so loud it’s terrifying. This happens rarely, but it does happen. At the service they shrug their shoulders and don’t know what to do.
Dmitry Krutov, review of Renault Sandero Stepway 1.6 (82 hp) with robot 2015
Video review
We purchased our “Bitch” in September 2015. At the time of writing this review, we drove it (over almost two years) 39,000 km. The first year was a “break-in”, and fuel consumption was higher than now (9-10 liters per 100 km versus 7-8 liters now), and the engine seemed noisier.
After a run of 20,000 km, the car became more playful than when purchased (I read somewhere that this is the case on many Stepways). I quickly got used to the cruise control (now I use it even in the city), the steering wheel joystick for controlling music is also convenient (I don’t know why many people criticize it).
What I liked about the car was the relatively high cross-country ability even on standard Continental tires (I only got stuck on clay after rain - the clay licked and rolled up and clogged the fender liners), and I like to drive everywhere - a dacha, a river, a forest...
Often it was saved by the fact that the original steel protection of the internal combustion engine was installed, the muffler was “hidden” in the bottom niche. I realized this when I looked at the “belly” of the car from the pit - everything is beautiful, but the “lip” of the bumper (a protective beam, but made of plastic) was a little shredded.
I immediately noticed the complete lack of heat/sound insulation of the car - in winter, after stopping the engine, the interior cools down quite quickly, when driving either on winter or summer tires, the rustling of stones and sand on the wheel arches and the clatter of spikes can be very clearly heard.
The quality of the carpets on the floor of the cabin and in the trunk is disgusting - after each cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, quite a lot of lint remains on the brush.
Separately, I would like to say about the quality of the rims - they are frankly soft - they bend when they get into good holes and are also easy to straighten with a sledgehammer (observations on several similar cars).
Also, you should not operate the car without covers - the quality of the beautiful seat upholstery leaves much to be desired. The same problem affected the steering wheel braid - everything is beautiful, pleasant, but... after 35,000 km, scuffs on the steering wheel became visible, and the skin began to crawl out.
Dmitry Sitnikov, review of Renault Sandero Stepway 1.6 (102 hp) manual 2015.
Where can I buy?
I took the car in August and managed to drive it off-road in the fall and winter. What can I say, for my money it’s a reliable car with 20.5 cm under its belly (I’ve never got stuck anywhere on bumps, curbs, holes, etc.), a torquey, economical Nissan engine (compared to the snail-like 86-horsepower one that was in my first model). On the highway you can push it down, uphill or when overtaking it’s enough.
It’s too early to judge how well the iron is made in Samara compared to the tin-plated bodies that were imported from Romania for the first Sanderos, time will tell.
About the interior: good plastic, does not scratch, the seat upholstery material is of high quality. the body is strong.
Cross-country ability: it rushes through mud and snow like a small tank (it climbed into loose village snow and into the forest with deep puddles right up to the rapids after rain), but all-wheel drive is not enough.
Speed: after the high-speed Megana, of course, it took a month to get used to it, cruising - 120 km (it will still go easily, but I decided not to force the engine in the first thousand). The car is short, almost like a Niva, so I advise motorists to be careful with the speed limit.
At maximum speed there is not enough heated rear seats, the heater is rather weak for cold winters. A small luggage compartment, which is compensated by installing an upper torpedo rack on the roof (shove it - I don’t want it).
There are not enough nets for the trunk in the basic configurations (I compensate by going to Aliexpress). Noise is average.Review of Renault Sandero Stepway 1.6 (113 hp) with mechanics 2016
The car is interesting, but niche. Its strengths are huge ground clearance, a very muscular suspension, crossover appearance with useful roof rails, and a not too steep price with rich equipment.
The car is clearly not for long-distance travel (due to the size of the interior and the inability to drive solidly in a straight line at high speed), but it is an excellent option for country outings and populated areas with very poor asphalt or even dirt roads.
The main disadvantages of the Stepway are poor sound insulation and huge fuel consumption for such a machine - under 15 liters in the city. True, this is in winter and taking into account warming up. At above-zero temperatures, typical urban consumption in Moscow is 12-13 liters per hundred, but this is still a lot.
Ilya Sukhanov, review of Renault Sandero Stepway 1.6 (102 hp) robot 2016
Before us are two quite similar models: Renault Sandero and Renault Sandero Stepway. At first glance, it seems that there are almost no differences between them, but if you look more carefully, we will see that this is far from the case. So what is the difference between Sandero and Stepway? This question is quite relevant, it is difficult to find a clear answer to it. Even consultants at Renault dealerships sometimes cannot answer this tricky question.
Definition
Sandero It is a class B car and has a hatchback body. It is built on the Logan platform, but differs from it. It has an expressive silhouette, smooth flowing lines, and beautiful optics. Sandero is a very practical car, perfect for a large family.
Renault Sandero
Stepway resembles a crossover in all respects. He has a stylish and recognizable appearance. It is, in fact, an all-terrain version of the Sandero hatchback. Stepway now has additional body kits and increased ground clearance. This is an excellent option for urban conditions: the car is not afraid of high curbs, it can easily move along snowy and icy streets.
Renault Sandero Stepway Comparison
Sandero Stepway and Sandero visually look different. Sandero looks more like a nice family hatchback, while Stepway looks like an agile and dynamic crossover, and it’s more youthful. The front mudguards immediately catch your eye: on the Stepway they are smaller than on the Sandero, made of plastic and attached differently.
There is a difference between the cars in ground clearance, which is especially noticeable. Stepway's is 20 mm larger. This was achieved by adding half a turn of the spring and making changes to the mounting location of the strut. The gap between the wheel and the wheel well cutout has increased. There are also differences in details, albeit minor ones.
The Stepway uses trailing arm suspension that is connected to a beam mounted to the body. An anti-roll bar was also added to the coil spring and shock absorber struts. And another innovation in Stepway is the eighth generation Bosch ABS system. There is electronic brake force distribution EBD, as well as an EBA brake booster. All this is missing in Sandero.
Stepway also features exclusive interior trim, darkened tinted headlights, chrome-painted mirrors, a chrome trim on the exhaust pipe, and even a leather-wrapped steering wheel is possible.
Conclusions website
- Visually, the cars are very similar, but they are perceived differently.
- Stepway has more maneuverability and dynamism; it is not immune to light off-road conditions.
- The Stepway's ground clearance is 20 mm greater than that of the Sandero. Visually this is striking.
- There are changes in details, but they are minor.
- The Stepway is equipped with an anti-roll bar and it has also been strengthened at the rear. Has electronic brake force distribution.
- The Stepway model is slightly more expensive than the Sandero.
