Reno Sandero Stepway car: owner reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

Recently, small class cars are becoming more and more popular. And there are reasons for that. These machines have economical engines, and they are also unpretentious in maintenance. There is a wide range of such models on the market today. And today we will pay attention to the well-known Renault Sandero Stepway car in Russia. Owner reviews, pros and cons - later in our article.

Characteristic

According to the manufacturer himself, the Renault Sandero Stepway is a cross-country hatchback. The car was built on the basis of the usual Sandero, which, in turn, was developed on the Logan platform. Hatchback "Stepway" is the result of fruitful cooperation between French and Romanian engineers.

Appearance

The design of the car is reminiscent of the Renault Scenic. Here, the same optics stretched back and a smiling radiator grille. Note that this modification differs from the standard Sandero in the presence of plastic protective linings on the arches, front and rear bumpers, as well as other fog lights.

Additionally, hatchbacks use chromegrille trim and side sills for a more comfortable fit. The car comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels. But the wheel arches can also fit 16-inch wheels on high-profile tires (by the way, such wheels come in the base in the Brazilian version). In general, the appearance turned out to be successful. However, this car does not have dynamic and aggressive forms. This is an absolutely kind and modest hatchback.

Body problems

What do owners reviews say about Sandero Stepway? The body metal is strong enough and well protected from corrosion. Rust is rare. Mostly these are cars that have previously been in an accident. Among the shortcomings are poorly protected wheel arches and sills. It is in these areas that chips first appear. What else do you not like about Sandero Stepway? Reviews note low-quality chrome. He begins to swell over time. And since the chrome is in the most prominent place (radiator grille), it significantly spoils the appearance of the car. The branded radiator grille will also climb around.

"Renault Sandero Stepway": dimensions, ground clearance

The machine belongs to the subcompact class and has the following dimensions. The length of the body is 4.08 meters, width - 1.76, height - 1.62 meters. Among the features of the Renault Sandero Stepway hatchback, reviews note a high ground clearance. It is 30 millimeters taller than the base model. So, the total clearance is 195 millimeters.

However, it is not necessary to talk about the characteristics of high cross-country ability. This car is like a compact crossoverbut is not equipped with all-wheel drive, even in the top configuration. It's just a slightly raised hatchback. According to reviews, Reno Sandero Stepway does well on dirt roads, sandy roads and loose snow. However, off-road travel is contraindicated for him. The car is not at all prepared for this, although it has a high angle of arrival thanks to short overhangs.

Salon

Inside the car looks the same as all the "Reno" of the budget class: a simple panel with hard plastic and the most ordinary steering wheel without buttons. The instrument panel is arrow. On the center console, in some trim levels, there may be a two-din radio. Seat upholstery fabric. The chairs themselves do not have the best lateral support and are manually adjusted on all versions of the Sandero Stepway.

Reviews also speak of some pluses. So, this is a well-thought-out ergonomics of the cabin and the availability of free space. Despite its compact size, you don't feel cramped inside.

Among the main disadvantages of the Sandero Stepway hatchback, reviews highlight poor sound insulation. Plastic eventually begins to rattle and emit an unpleasant creak, which definitely creates discomfort when driving. On some models, after 4-5 years of operation, the threshold trim on the right side departs. Not all trim levels have air conditioning - in the summer you have to drive with the windows open. Otherwise, judging by the reviews of Sandero Stepway, the salon does not cause any complaints.

Trunk

This is one of the main advantages of this model. With their smalldimensions, "Renault Sandero Stepway" boasts a voluminous trunk. In the five-seat version, its volume is 320 liters.

But you can also fold the rear row of seats. The result is a flat cargo area of as much as 2000 liters. The back of the back row is folded in a ratio of 60:40. Water does not penetrate into the cabin, and the cover does not fall off over time - it keeps well on the gas stops.

Engines

The machine does not have powerful engines. There are several power plants in the line. Among them are two eight-valve four-cylinder units for 72 and 75 horsepower. Both have the same working volume - 1.4 liters. Renault Sandero Stepway is also equipped with 1.6-liter engines for 106 horsepower with a 16-valve head.

As noted by the reviews, Sandero Stepway 2014 with a 1.4-liter engine is frankly weak. Traction is not enough, even when the car is not loaded. The motor always runs at its limit, and therefore is prone to oil consumption. As for the 1.6-liter engine, its power is more or less enough to carry out safe overtaking and move confidently in the stream of cars. The timing belt needs to be changed every 60 thousand kilometers. Also on this run, the pump and idler are changed.

In general, reviews of the Renault Sandero Stepway II and its powertrains are positive. However, among the pitfalls, it is worth noting the jamming of the thermostat. This is a terrible breakdown, due to which the motor can overheat. In the best case (when the valve is always open), it will warm up slowly and work inlow temperature conditions. But this is also not good. Candles and high-voltage wires are also short-lived. They break through the ground, especially in rainy weather.

What about the engine life of Sandero Stepway 2017? In the reviews, experts give the following figures - 450-500 thousand kilometers. Reviews from owners of the first generations of cars say that the motor is really unpretentious and reliable, but you need to monitor the thermostat.

Diesel

European versions of the Renault Sandero Stepway are equipped with a 1.5-liter dCi diesel engine. This engine is turbocharged and has Common Rail direct injection. However, you should not expect high technical characteristics from it. The machine develops a power of 70 horsepower. Nevertheless, reviews say that the diesel Renault Sandero Stepway has good traction. Among the problems are increased oil consumption during turbine wear and fastidiousness to fuel quality. Otherwise, the motor is very resourceful and economical - say the reviews of the owners.

Transmission

Depending on the configuration, the Renault Sandero Stepway can be equipped with the following gearboxes:

• Five-speed mechanics.
• Four-speed automatic transmission.

The latest transmission only comes with a 107 horsepower 16-valve engine. The mechanics is put on all the rest. What do the owners say about the five-speed manual transmission? Reviews note that this transmission is quite noisy. But this is her only drawback. Switching in it is clear, gets under waythe car is pretty smooth. Over time, vibration appears on the body at speeds above three thousand. However, this is a transmission cushion (support) problem. After replacing it, this problem disappears. Changing the oil in a mechanical transmission is not provided by the factory. But experienced car owners advise to perform this procedure every 100 thousand kilometers (at least the box will definitely not get worse from this).

And what do they say about the Sandero Stepway-machine reviews? Unlike the previous one, this box is more capricious. She is prone to overheating. Do not tow or carry heavy loads on a trailer. The first repair happens at 100 thousand kilometers. But the oil change here is strictly regulated. The replacement interval is 50 thousand kilometers.

Chassis

Its design is similar to the simple "Renault Sandero". Front - MacPherson struts, rear - beam. The suspension device is quite simple, so there are no problems with it. By the way, the rear chassis on the Stepway is reinforced. It uses a suspension with trailing arms, which are fixed by a beam. Additionally, there is a stabilizer bar. Also, each wheel is equipped with an eighth generation Bosch ABS sensor. The car is equipped with a so-called “brake release” and an electronic brake force distribution system.

What do owners face when operating a Renault Sandero Stepway hatchback? The stabilizer struts and bushings are the first to fail. But they are quite tenacious on our roads - the replacement is carried out after 60 thousand kilometers. Butshock absorbers are prone to overheating and start leaking around 70k.

Steering, brakes

Steering - rack with hydraulic booster. It is quite reliable, but the weak point is the plastic sleeve, which wears out after 150 thousand. Traction and steering tips require replacement after 70 thousand kilometers. A characteristic feature is play, which can be recognized by grasping the pull itself with your hand.

Brake system - disc, with booster and hydraulic drive. The resource of the pads is standard - 40 thousand kilometers. The front calipers need to be lubricated periodically as they can go sour over time. The rest of the system is pretty reliable.

Rideability

How does the Renault Sandero Stepway car behave on the road? Despite the high ground clearance and the shift of the center of gravity upwards, the machine is controlled easily and very maneuverable. The car holds the road well at speed. The suspension is moderately stiff, but not "oak", as on some "French". In general, the car is quite versatile. It performs well in potholes, can be used in the city and steers comfortably on the highway.

Cost

The initial price of the car is 650 thousand rubles. This price includes:

• Light tinted windows.
• Two front airbags.
• Two power windows.
• Heated and power side mirrors.
• High power battery.
• Central lock.
• Immobilizer.
• Adjustable steering column.
• Power steering.

The cost of the maximum configuration is 795 thousand rubles. It will be a version with a 1.6-liter engine and an automatic transmission.

Summing up

So, we found out what the French Renault Sandero Stepway hatchback is. In general, the car has positive feedback from the owners. Among the main advantages of the car, it is worth emphasizing good handling, reliable engines and a practical interior. Also, the Renault Sandero Stepway hatchback has a high ground clearance, which allows you to move confidently not only in the city, but also on country roads.