The term “crossover” is now applied to the most different cars. Including models with single-axle drive, but with increased ground clearance and a corresponding body kit. Almost simultaneously, in addition to standard models, Renault Sandero Stepway and Lada Kalina Cross. Both cars are produced in Togliatti, and both are presented as crossovers. We didn’t stage a Borodino battle between the Russified “French” and the original “Russians,” but we compared the cars in pairs with their basic counterparts to find out whether it makes sense to overpay for such pseudo-crossovers. The result is two chapters of an extensive crossover novel.
Our Renault Sandero and Renault Sandero Stepway cars - in rich equipment Privilege, with a 102‑horsepower engine and mechanical five-speed gearbox transmission The test Sandero costs 609,000 rubles, Stepway - 651,000 rubles (February prices). The difference is 42 thousand.
The bodies of the cars are almost identical. Sandero Stepway is distinguished by black and silver plastic parts and luggage rails on the roof. There are minor internal differences: design of speedometer scales, different texture of fabric seat upholstery, STEPWAY embroidery on the backs of the front seats and floor mats. This is apparently so that the driver does not forget what kind of car he is driving.
According to factory data, ground clearance differs by 40 mm: for Sandero - 155 mm, and for Stepway - 195 mm. The increases were achieved mainly thanks to other springs: on the Sandero a rod with a diameter of 12 mm was used, and for Sandero Stepway We took the 13mm. In fact, it turned out that the ground clearance in running order is even slightly higher than that stated by the manufacturer: under engine protection, we measured 160 and 198 mm, respectively.
ESP prevents both cars from accelerating dynamically on packed snow.
It's good when reality exceeds expectations. By the way, the Stepway has 226 mm of clearance in the base, and 210 mm in the rear. Quite off-road performance! Now we load the cars to total weight and repeat the movements with a ruler and protractor. Of course, the cars sank noticeably, but they lost a little and about the same: the clearance under the protection of the Stepway engine decreased by 23 mm - to 175 mm. The regular Sandero at the same point sank by 25 mm - to 135 mm. This is already not enough. But 175 mm for a crossover loaded to capacity is great! Not every all-wheel drive vehicle boasts such clearance. In terms of suspension travel, the cars are practically no different from each other. The angles that determine the geometric cross-country ability also differ minimally. Gear ratios The boxes are also identical. And the boxes, in theory, should be absolutely identical. However, we found different drives control: on Sandero - by traction, on Sandero Stepway - by cable. This does not affect driving performance: both gearboxes do not offer ultra-precise and clear shifts. And it is impossible to record the difference in acceleration dynamics on an icy road. So, according to Stepway measurements- truly a crossover. How will all this manifest itself on and off the road?103–3
The front seats have different upholstery fabrics, and in the pseudo-crossover there are STEPWAY inscriptions on the backs.
AND THEN WE FOUND A LARGE FIELD
For comparative runs we went out onto a snowy field. The ice crust formed due to the thaw slightly compacted the snow, the height of which varied from 150 to 300 mm. The standard Sandero is capable of walking through snow up to 180–200 mm deep, while the Sandero Stepway can cope with snow depths of 220–240 mm. It's important to remember that front bumper The Sandero is abnormally fragile, unable to withstand even light contact with slightly above average icy snow. Of course, it’s also about the temperature, which dropped to -20 ºC on the day of the test, but also about the cheap plastic. In general, you have to be extremely careful when driving this car in snowdrifts frozen over after the thaw.103–1
Sandero Stepway is noticeably more crossover in this sense: its front bumper is clearly better adapted to contact with frozen snow. As a result, its cross-country ability is indeed noticeably higher than that of a standard hatchback. But there are also general complaints about cars. A typical example: a car moves quite easily in the snow; There is a slight rise ahead, but the engine suddenly loses speed, and the car loses speed accordingly. “Pest” is a rude ESP that cannot be turned off. Of course, electronics are responsible for safety. But for a crossover, even a single-wheel drive one, the non-switchable stabilization system is by no means an assistant, since it does not allow driving over rough terrain with slight slipping. A sudden loss of traction interferes not only with deep snow, but also on wet grass - on any slippery surface! The manufacturer needs to think about introducing a switchable ESP, especially since it is not that difficult to implement. It's no good when a machine kills its own positive traits. And we give the owners of these cars old-fashioned advice. If you are stuck in a harmless situation precisely because ESP strangled the engine at the most inopportune moment, remove the appropriate fuse to de-energize the system - and get out of captivity brazenly, unceremoniously, with juicy slipping. Just don't forget to put the fuse back in place later.
Defy authority
Not bad geometric parameters pseudo-crossover Sandero Stepway inspired us to experiment: we tried to improve cross-country ability front wheel drive car and even compare it with an all-wheel drive with a similar engine base - and therefore they also took the Nissan Terrano to the test site. But as little blood improve cross-country ability? Of course, put on chains! We paid 4,000 rubles for a set of chains for the front wheels. And they didn’t regret it! The tall Sandero Stepway walked across the snowy field like a cheeky little tractor. It seems that now he will dig in and begin to thrash his front wheels helplessly, but no - he rows!Emboldened, we set off Stepway on the virgin snow together with the Terrano. For some time the cars were neck and neck, but when the snow became noticeably deeper, Nissan convincingly “made” a competitor. Whatever one may say, the all-wheel drive Terrano more ground clearance(205 mm) and four paddle wheels, not two. No chains can save you here. All-wheel drive available four-wheel drive. But if you only need to overcome snow-covered two or three hundred meters only occasionally, and not every day, chains significantly enhance the possibilities of good front-wheel drive crossover- and even make it comparable to all-wheel drive. We also tried to put bracelets on the Stepway - short pieces of chain attached to the wheels with straps. They are cheaper (a set starts from 1000 rubles), they are easier and faster to put on. There are four bracelets in one set, that is, two for each wheel.
Tests have shown that in this version, bracelets are noticeably less effective than chains - the car simply buries itself. A powerful bracelet tears a hole into which a helpless bare tire falls. You can increase efficiency in the obvious way - by purchasing two sets and installing four bracelets on each wheel. And further. Devices for improving cross-country ability must be put on the wheels in advance, and not when the car is already stuck in a snowdrift. Chains are selected according to the tire size. However, today there is a lot universal models, suitable for tires different sizes. Finally, it is not recommended to drive with chains faster than 50 km/h.
FROM SNOW TO ICE
Stepway, which looked good to us in the field test, smooth road differs little from the regular Sandero. In terms of maneuverability and controllability, the cars are almost indistinguishable from each other. True, Stepway is a little tougher on the highway. The suspension of the standard Sandero more confidently conceals large irregularities and even small snow and ice ripples formed on the asphalt after another snowfall and temperature change. But these are minor things. What is more significant is that Sandero Stepway has positive qualities that standard machine. Yes, Sandero Stepway is 42,000 rubles more expensive. It turns out about a thousand rubles for each additional millimeter of clearance. A bit expensive? But sometimes these millimeters are so important!106–2
P.S. Crossover can be created different ways. It is relatively expensive to use passenger components and assemblies in combination with a newly developed body. An excellent example is Renault Duster, built on Logan units. The second way is much simpler and cheaper: give for a passenger car off-road appearance, slightly increase the ground clearance and slightly modernize the mechanical components. This is exactly our case. Do such budget front-wheel drive sub-crossovers have a right to life? Undoubtedly! Especially if the original model is inexpensive and has high ground clearance- alterations will not raise the price to the skies. In our opinion, Renault Sandero Stepway and Lada Kalina Cross are ideal examples of the successful implementation of such a concept.Renault Sandero compact car budget class, produced since 2007, available in the body five-door hatchback. This machine is inexpensive, and maintenance is also affordable. vehicle. Externally, the Sandero resembles the Renault Logan, but the hatchback design is more attractive.
First French model was presented in Brazil, and a little later shown at the Geneva Motor Show. In Romania, Sandero is known under the Dacia brand; in 2009, the car began to be sold in Belarus and Ukraine.
At the end of 2009, the hatchback began to be assembled at the Moscow Automobile Plant " Renault Russia", car created on Nissan platform B. There is also Renault version Sandero Stepway, which differs from the standard model in increased ground clearance (by 20 mm), more impressive wheel arches and roof rails.
Many of the parts installed on the Sandero were borrowed from the Logan, so they are typical characteristic diseases the hatchback took over from its prototype. In 2012 the world was presented updated version"Sandero Stepway", and on Paris Motor Show car debuted Sandero second generations.
Body and paintwork
At Renault Sandero body galvanized, the body iron itself is quite durable. These cars rarely rust; corrosion mainly occurs if the car has been in an accident. The paintwork on the body is not bad, chips primarily appear on wheel arches, in the area of rapids.
What disadvantages do engines have?
In the line of power Sandero units No powerful engines, and you can’t count on sportiness here. The most popular is the four-cylinder engine with a volume of 1.4 liters and a power of 72 or 75 Horse power(8 valves).
The car is also equipped with a 1.6 liter internal combustion engine in two modifications:
16-valve – 84 l. With.;
8-valve – 106 l. With.
The 1.4 liter engine is somewhat weak, its thrust is not enough for a relatively heavy car. Often this motor works at the limit, and from the load power unit resource is noticeably reduced. The 1.6 liter 8-valve internal combustion engine is also no different high power, but for trips around the city it is enough. With a 16-valve engine, the Sandero has enough dynamics, but the car consumes noticeably more fuel.
Timing belt for 16th grade It is recommended to change the internal combustion engine of the K4M model every 60 thousand kilometers; it is better to replace parts of the gas distribution mechanism as a set (belt, water pump, tension rollers).
IN model range Renault engines Sandero also has a 1.5 DCI diesel engine, depending on the modification, its power ranges from 80 to 90 hp. With. Diesel power unit K9K is different high efficiency and good traction, but in Russia cars Sanderos with diesel engines are rare.
The gasoline engines installed on Sandero are quite reliable, but they still encounter some problems. One of the characteristic "diseases"– jamming of the thermostat; with such a defect, the motor may overheat or, conversely, operate at low temperatures temperature conditions. They don’t “live” too long yet candles and high voltage wires , they often break through due to dampness.
Sandero gasoline engines have very good resource, with proper care and careful operation serve 500 thousand km and more until major repairs.
Weaknesses in transmission units
Only two types of transmission are installed on the hatchback:
5-speed manual transmission;
4-speed automatic transmission.
The automatic transmission is paired with a 16-valve 1.6-liter engine, while the manual transmission is paired with an 8-valve engine.
Mechanical box quite noisy, but at the same time no defects are detected in it - gears are switched smoothly, without jerking, speeds do not slip. Even at engine speeds of three thousand or more, vibration appears on the body, it comes precisely from the manual transmission.
The manufacturer does not provide for changing the oil in the “mechanics”; the lubricant should be enough for the entire service life of the gearbox. But if the transmission has already covered 100 thousand km, it’s better to change the oil in the unit, it won’t make things worse.
Four-speed automatic transmissions are not particularly reliable; automatic transmissions are mostly fail due to overheating. The automatic transmission often requires repairs after a mileage of about one hundred thousand kilometers, an oil change at automatic transmission should be done every 50 thousand km.
Chassis and sores in the suspension
The rear suspension on the Sandero is a beam type, the front is a standard MacPherson strut. The design of the car's chassis is quite simple, so suspension elements generally fail rarely. Spare parts for the car are relatively inexpensive, and repairing the chassis is not very difficult.
First on Renault Sandero bushings and stabilizer links are “surrendered”, they serve on average 50-60 thousand km. Rear and front shock absorbers are sensitive to quality road surface, begin to leak quickly if the car is often driven bad road. But in any case, the service life of these parts is at least forty thousand kilometers; the original shock absorbers last longer (70-80 thousand km each).
Steering rack not very “tenacious”, first of all the plastic bushing wears out. The manufacturer did not provide repair kits for the rack, but parts can be supplied from another car model, for example, from BMW. Before repairing the steering mechanism, you should check the play in the tips and rods, the service life of which is 60-70 thousand km.
Life time front brake pads standard - on average about 30-40 thousand km. If you lubricate the guides of the front calipers, the pads may last longer, and the service life of the parts largely depends on your driving style.
Vehicle interior
The interior of the Renault Sandero is nothing special - the interior looks gray and somewhat dull. But there is enough space inside the car, but the trunk of the car is small (320 liters), although if you unfold it rear seats, then it becomes quite roomy (1200 l). The plastic interior is not of very high quality, but the Sandero still belongs to budget class, and therefore you should not expect the best from the interior trim here.
At first glance, it may seem that these two models - Renault Sandero and Renault Sandero Stepway are very similar and practically no different. And yet, if you look closely, you can see significant difference. So what are the differences between these cars? The question is quite relevant.
By the way, creating an online store will allow entrepreneurs to make money on original Renault auto parts.
Definition
The Sandero car belongs to the “B” class, the model has a hatchback body. Let this car be created on Logan platform, there are quite a lot of differences left. Sandero is distinguished by its expressive silhouette with smooth flowing lines and attractive optics. This is a fairly practical car that is ideal for a large family.
The Stepway car in all its parameters is associated with a recognizable stylish crossover. In essence, this model is considered off-road model Sandero. But Stepway has acquired an additional body kit and increased ground clearance. Therefore, this variation is called the best for city roads; the car can easily drive through icy, snow-covered streets.
Comparison
The Sandero Stepway even visually looks different compared to the Sandero. Here Sandero looks more like handsome family hatchback, but the Stepway model is more like a dynamic, maneuverable crossover for young people. The first thing that will catch your eye is the front mudguards, for example, the Stepway car has much smaller plastic mudguards than the Sandero, and they are attached completely differently.
There are also differences in ground clearance between cars and this, by the way, is very noticeable. Stepway has 20 mm more. This figure was achieved by adding half a coil of spring and making modifications to the mounting area of the strut. Even in details there are differences, but not too significant.
By the way, the development of a logo for auto production was carried out by a professional web studio; the logo is considered an important part for creating the image of each company.
On the Stepway model on levers longitudinal type They used a suspension that is connected to a beam and fixed to the body. We also added a stabilizer for resistance to shock absorber struts and a spring. Another new product from Stepway is the presence of ABS concept Bosch 8. In addition, there is an EBD brake voltage distributor, and in addition to this an EBA brake booster. Sandero does not have all of the above at all.
Before us are two pretty 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 dealer centers Renault 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 – very practical car, it is perfect for a large family.
Renault Sandero
Stepway resembles a crossover in all respects. He has a stylish and recognizable appearance. He is, in essence, all-terrain version hatchback Sandero. Stepway has additional body kits and the ground clearance has increased. This great option for urban conditions: not dangerous for cars high curbs, it navigates snowy and icy streets with ease.
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 suspension trailing arms, which are connected to a beam fixed to the body. A stabilizer has also been added lateral stability to the coil spring and shock absorber struts. And one more innovation in Stepway - ABS system Eighth generation Bosch. There is electronic brake distribution EBD efforts, 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, chrome trim exhaust pipe, it is even possible to cover the steering wheel with leather.
Conclusions website
- Visually, the cars are very similar, but they are perceived differently.
- At Stepway more maneuverability and dynamism, it will not shy away from 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 distribution braking forces.
- The Stepway model is slightly more expensive than the Sandero.
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 new modification. So what do Russian car enthusiasts say?
Majority opinion
The car is positioned as an excellent alternative domestic models. Renault Sandero modification Stepway is inexpensive, it has everything required options: anti-slip system, power windows, heating, air conditioning, etc. Manufacturers equipped the model with an excellent suspension, thanks to which the car perfectly adjusted to the 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 looks like it has been 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 regret paint coating: the layer thickness 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 spare wheel 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 longitudinal adjustment seating is also sparse.
- 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 winter time year, 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 they appear extraneous sounds 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. And here salon 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 considered that for now one engine modification would be enough, which is an 8-valve gasoline engine 1.6 liter capacity 84 hp. and is combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. And despite the fact that later a 16-valve appeared Gas engine With automatic transmission transmissions, many owners still remained faithful old modification a unit that has been tested 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 mixed cycle– 9 l. per 100 km. Considering that the weight of the car is slightly more than a ton, and its power is 84 hp, then the consumption is high.
Suspension
About Renault Sandero suspension stepway reviews owners are positive: energy-intensive, quiet, resilient, 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 general state cars. 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 reliable car Reno Sandero Stepway: the price of which starts from 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 regularly Maintenance, because any car is like a child: you need to take care of it.
Auto parts are sold at reasonable prices, owners should not wander around car markets looking for the required 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 repairs from official dealers, low price on the Renault Sandero Stepway makes it possible to significantly squeeze out eminent classmates on Russian roads.
