Advertisement

Safety concerns over Dacia Sandero hatchback could lose it major industry award

Dacia Sandero Stepway crash test April 2021
Dacia Sandero Stepway crash test April 2021

The Dacia Sandero, a popular small car that was released earlier this year, could have a major industry award rescinded after crash test results were published that were described as “a major disappointment” by the organisation that carried them out.

The Sandero scored only two out of five stars in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests; by contrast, according to the same safety standard, rivals such as the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz scored five stars. Industry experts consider a result of anything less than three stars to be below the acceptable level for a modern car.

The Sandero performed badly as a result of its lack of active safety protection measures, scoring only 42 per cent in this area, with testers citing the fact the car is fitted with only a basic automatic emergency braking (AEB) system and a dearth of other advanced crash prevention technology.

However, the Sandero also fell behind when tested for occupant protection in crash tests, with a score of 70 per cent for adult crash protection – well below the 87 per cent and 86 per cent achieved under the same testing conditions by the Jazz and Yaris respectively.

Matthew Avery, Director of Insurance Research at Thatcham Research, which is part of Euro NCAP, said: “The Sandero’s Euro NCAP rating is a major disappointment and it’s therefore not a new car we would recommend. There are other cars in the supermini segment, whether new or a few years old, that can offer better safety and value for money.

2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway action
2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway action

“Renault and Nissan both have five-star rated models in the supermini segment with the Clio and Micra, and the Sandero is closely related to these vehicles. But it appears Dacia has made a clear decision not to prioritise safety, exposing occupants and other road users to increased risk.”

The result could lead to a major industry award handed to the Sandero earlier this year being rescinded. The Sandero won What Car? magazine’s Car of the Year award at a virtual ceremony in January.

The award is widely seen as one of the industry’s most prestigious, and hotly anticipated by industry insiders and manufacturers every year.

What Car? said: “The Euro NCAP tests were toughened up to such an extent in 2020 that many cars which were awarded its five-star rating prior to that would achieve only three if retested today.

Dacia Sandero Stepway after crash test April 2021
Dacia Sandero Stepway after crash test April 2021

“By contrast, a two-star Euro NCAP rating is below our expectations for an award-winning car, and as a consequence we have downgraded our own scores for the Sandero with immediate effect; it now gets two stars for safety and four overall.

“We are analysing the findings from Euro NCAP in detail and discussing with Dacia its plans to improve the safety rating. If this cannot be improved the Dacia Sandero will lose its overall Car of the Year title.”

The Sandero competes in the supermini class of cars, which also includes popular models like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo and Vauxhall Corsa. However, the Sandero is pitched as a budget alternative to these models, and costs from only £7,995 in the UK. For comparison, the cheapest Fiesta is £16,645.

Dacia has not yet confirmed whether it will carry out the necessary upgrades required to bring the Sandero up to a three-star standard, nor whether customers who have already taken delivery of their Sanderos will be entitled to these upgrades should they be added to the car.

driverless technology test by Thatcham Research
driverless technology test by Thatcham Research

However, in a statement, it said: “The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance. We continue to improve the safety of our cars year-on-year and, as a result, each generation of vehicle is safer than the previous one.

“Our efforts on passive safety have been recognised by Euro NCAP, achieving four stars in occupant protection for both adults and children, and very good performance in pedestrian impact.

“In terms of active safety, which Euro NCAP has become increasingly stringent on, we have chosen to fit equipment with the greatest value for the customer, with autonomous emergency braking (AEBS) standard across the range and Blind Spot Warning available on the top-spec Stepway.

“The all-new Sandero and Sandero Stepway are safe and protect occupants to a high standard. However, we will take these results into account while continuing to strike the perfect balance of safety, customer expectations and affordability.”

For new and used buying guides, tips and expert advice, visit our Advice section, or sign up to our newsletter here

To talk all things motoring with the Telegraph Cars team join the Telegraph Motoring Club Facebook group here

A-Z Car Finder