Renault Sandero

French car maker Renault is planning to roll-out its popular Sandero in the Indian market by the end of year 2011. The Sandero model will be shelved in the B+ segment of cars and is expected to carry a price tag of up to Rs 5 lakh.

Same as company’s previous offering Logan, the Sandero hatchback is much bigger (length 4.02m) in size when compared to other popular cars of this price segment. In addition to this, Sandero brings a massive boot space of 320 liters, more than any other car of this segment.

The Sandero model will probably be launched in both petrol and diesel versions, powered by 1.2L and 1.5L engines, respectively.

The car is available in a number of world markets including Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, Colombia, Russia and Kazakhstan. The hatchback has been designed to meet the safety, performance and emission standards of European market, which means it will come compatible with the Euro-V emission norms. However, in order to keep Sandero’s price competitive, Renault may decide to shed some luxury features from its Indian version. After its launch in the Indian market, Sandero will be fighting for space with the popular B+ segment of cars including Maruti Swift, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, Nissan Micra, Hyundai i20 and upcoming Honda Brio.

Engine of Renault Sandero

Same as the many other cars of premium hatchback segment, the Renault Sandero model will probably be available in both diesel and petrol versions. The diesel engine is expected to sport a 1.5L, 1461 cc, 4-cylinder (8 Valve) engine that can deliver a peak power of 75 bhp @ 5500 rpm along with a peak torque of 160 Nm @ 3000 rpm. On the other hand, the petrol version of the car will be carrying a 1.2L, 3-cylinder engine that is expected to deliver a peak power of 75bhp. Both petrol and diesel versions of the car would come mated with five-speed manual transmission gearbox.

Performance of Renault Sandero

The Sandero has been admired throughout the world for its powerful performance. The Renault engines are known for their considerably low NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels, especially when idling. The petrol engine of Sandero uses bore circularity method that reduces overall friction level by as much as 20 percent when compared to the same of conventional 4-cylinder engines. A special attention has been given to the reliability of electronics and electrical system.

Exterior, Interior and Safety of Sandero

The Sandero is based on Renault’s B0 platform, carrying a modern compact look that displays a perfect amalgamation of robustness and dynamism. The inside space is massive in Sandero thanks to its unbeatable length of 4.02 meters. It hosts a well-designed user-friendly instrument panel along with smart handles and decorative trim strips. It is one of the safest hatchbacks available in the B+ segment, carrying a range of active and passive safeguards including high elastic limit (HEL) steel to ensure enhanced resistance of the body, honeycomb-styled polypropylene dashboard for reducing knee injury and a latest-generation Bosch 8.0 ABS.