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Best-selling passenger car in Europe

Figures from automotive analysis firm Dataforce show that the Dacia Sandero is Europe’s best-selling passenger car for the second year in a row. Throughout 2025, Dacia sold a whopping 240,000 units of it. The Dacia Sandero is also the best-selling model to private individuals in Europe, or customers who buy a car with their own money, for the eighth year in a row.

In the Netherlands, the Dacia Sandero is fairly popular. In all of 2025, 1,636 new Sandero’s were registered in our country. This puts it in 34th place in the ranking of best-selling cars in the Netherlands. The fact that the Dacia Sandero is not popular here is mainly due to the extreme tax regime, which has made new cars far too expensive, especially for individuals.

With a retail price starting at 19,900 euros, the Dacia Sandero may be one of the cheapest new cars in the Netherlands, but for that money, individuals prefer to choose a (young) used car that is more spacious, more modern and/or more luxurious. By comparison, in Germany you can buy a new Dacia Sandero for as little as 12,790 euros. Then it is interesting, only BPM throws a spanner in the works as usual.

The prices

• Dacia Sandero SCe 65: 19,900 euros
• Dacia Sandero Eco-G 120: 21,600 euros
• Dacia Sandero Stepway starts at 23,800 euros
• Sandero Stepway Extreme comes from 25,200 euros
• Sandero Stepway Extreme with automatic: 26,800 euros

TESTED: Europe’s best-selling car! – DACIA SANDERO (2026) – AutoRAI TV

Modifications Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero and the higher-positioned Sandero Stepway enter the new model year with a wide range of changes. Dacia is taking advantage of the update to sharpen the exterior, revamp the interior and expand the engine range. The brand is also making strides in the areas of safety and connectivity.

New light signature and custom details

On the outside, the modified LED light signature is immediately noticeable. An inverted T-shape has been chosen for both front and rear, with the headlights visually connected by a narrow line of pixelated light points. The grille has also been redesigned. At the rear, the lighting has also been updated, with a graphic pattern that matches the new style at the front.

The Sandero Stepway stands out with a matte black strip between the taillights, featuring a subtle stripe pattern. The bumpers have been redesigned and protective parts in Starkle material have been applied around the wheel arches, underbody and fog lamps. This consists of 20 percent recycled plastic and has a speckled finish with visible white particles. Because the material is not painted, it is less susceptible to scratches and the production impact remains lower.

Depending on the trim level, models get new hubcaps or alloy wheels. Starting with the Expression trim level, a shark fin antenna is standard. In addition, Dacia is introducing a new body color: Amber Yellow.

Interior: other materials and improved controls

Inside, Dacia opts for more durable materials on seats, dashboard and doors. In Essential and Expression trims, the Sandero Stepway gets light blue seat upholstery. The Journey version features blue denim upholstery, while the Extreme stays true to the microcloud TEP upholstery in green and black. This is washable and practical to use. Rubber mats in the front, rear and luggage compartment are also standard in this version.

The steering wheel has been ergonomically modified, with the aim of more logical and pleasant operation. In the case of the Hybrid 155 and the Eco-G 120 with automatic transmission, Dacia introduces a new E-Shifter. In the case of the Eco-G 120 with automatic transmission, shift paddles are also present.

YouClip and practical accessories

As with other models of the brand, the Sandero also uses the YouClip system. This allows accessories to be securely attached to fixed points in the interior. New is an additional attachment point on the inside of the tailgate of the Sandero and Sandero Stepway. Accessories range from a tablet holder to a storage compartment or clothes hanger. A glasses case and a shopping bag were recently added to the range.

Three infotainment systems

Dacia offers three multimedia systems. Media Control is standard on the Essential trim. This system works in conjunction with the Dacia Media Control app and is controlled via buttons on the steering wheel. Media information and phone calls appear in the dashboard display. Four speakers, Bluetooth and a USB-C connection are provided, as well as an integrated phone holder.

Starting with Expression, Media Display is standard. This system features a new 10-inch HD touchscreen, where previously it was 8 inches. Wireless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is possible. For those who want navigation with real-time traffic information, there is Media Nav Live. This system offers connected navigation and eight years of map updates. It is combined with an Arkamys 6-speaker 3D Sound System.

In addition, an induction charger is available for the first time on the center console of the Sandero and Sandero Stepway. That enables wireless charging while using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The feature is optional for the Extreme and Journey.

Additional comfort and safety features

Dacia introduces three new options brought together in the Driving Pack. Automatic high beam automatically switches between high and low beam when approaching oncoming traffic. The multiview camera shows an overhead view of the car to make maneuvering easier. Electrically folding exterior mirrors should provide protection when parking in tight spaces.

In the area of driver assistance systems, Dacia continues to expand its offerings. The automatic emergency braking system works in city traffic as well as on the highway and recognizes vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles. Fatigue recognition alerts when concentration decreases. The new “My Safety” button allows the driver to save and quickly adjust personal preferences for assistance systems.

Hybrid 155: electrified step for the Stepway

New to the range is the Hybrid 155, which will be available for the first time on the Sandero Stepway. The powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 81 kW (109 hp), two electric motors (one with 37 kW (50 hp)), a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery and a clutchless automatic transmission. The transmission has four gears for the gasoline engine and two for electric driving.

System output is 114 kW (155 hp), with maximum torque of 170 Nm. According to Dacia, consumption and emissions are about ten percent lower than the previous Hybrid 140. In city traffic, up to 80 percent of the time can be driven electrically. The car starts in electric mode by default.

Eco-G 120: LPG with longer range.

Dacia remains committed to LPG. The Eco-G 120 features a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 88 kW (120 hp), up from the earlier 100 hp variant. For the first time, this engine is also available with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A fine combination, as evidenced during our test.

The LPG tank grows from 40 to 49.6 liters, increasing the driving range in LPG mode by about twenty percent. The total range, including gasoline tank, is up to 1,590 kilometers for the Sandero and 1,480 kilometers for the Sandero Stepway, according to factory specifications. In LPG mode, CO₂ emissions are on average about ten percent lower than for a comparable gasoline version.

Other engines

In addition to these new powertrains, the Sandero remains available with a 73 kW (100 hp) 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The Sandero Stepway remains available with the TCe 110 in combination with a manual transmission. The base version of the Sandero will keep the SCe 65 gasoline engine with a five-speed manual transmission.

Positioning

With this update, Dacia sharpens the Sandero on several fronts. The model combines mature handling with a spacious cabin and practical solutions. As a result, the Sandero, in both regular and Stepway versions, remains a relevant player in the B-segment for those who look primarily at functionality and ease of use. We are not surprised that the Dacia Sandero is so popular. The car drives very maturely, offers exceptional space and is also nice and comfortable. It is simply a very nice total package for not too much money.