The Renault Sandero Stepway has become such a popular offering that Renault South Africa now only offers a single Sandero hatchback model and three versions of the crossover-type Stepway.
As a motoring enthusiast, I'm supposed to detest crossovers, and especially one such as the Stepway that bases its design off of a raided platform hatchback. My engineering mind knows how difficult this is to get right but my sensibilities remind me that this is a decent business practice and that the layman is none the wiser. In fact, when it's based on the existing Dacia platform, you have a recipe for a budget-friendly compact crossover that is affordable to run and can handle our pock-marked roads.
Related:Renault’s Sandero Stepway Plus: a value-packed new addition
The recent addition of the TechRoad model sees it receive a tech injection that keeps the ageing (the second generation was released in SA in 2014) Stepway model relevant and contemporary.
Styling
I'm yet to find a single person call the Sandero Stepway attractive, but in the same vein, they're not calling it ugly either. One would definitely say that the Sandero Stepway is a function over form approach to creating a car and the updates that the TechRoad package offers makes it more appealing to a younger audience.
You still get the same C-shaped daytime running lights and C-shaped taillight elements but the TechRoad package adds a few touches to help differentiate it from the range. There are TechRoad-specific vinyl decals on the doors and the B-pillars receive a patterned vinyl treatment as well. The wing mirrors of the TechRoad are adorned with gloss black covers as well.
The TechRoad rides on a set of 16-inch wheels with wheel covers that are surprisingly convincing, finished in a silver and black colour scheme. One has to tap on the spokes to see that they are in fact, plastic wheel trims. This is good news for those that travel on poor roads as the steel wheels are able to withstand a decent force without deforming.
One detraction for me was the glaring presence of the bonnet hinges from outside of the vehicle. This, along with the roof trims that came up shy, reminded me that this is still a budget vehicle dressed up in the best that Mr P has to offer.
Interior & Space
Remember that bit about function over form? Well, it presents itself when one alights. The generous cabin space is easily accessible from the door openings and once inside you will notice that there is an above-average amount of headroom. Shoulder room is also rather surprising given the external dimensions of the Sandero Stepway TechRoad. Rear legroom is adequate at best with the front seats in a comfortable position for my 5'9 frame and will feel rather stifling for adults on a longer journey.
One cannot expect swathes of Napa leather and Alcantara in the interior of a vehicle of this price, so hard plastics it is then. I was expecting this but was pleasantly surprised by the leather-bound steering wheel and gear-knob. These are the primary touch-points and the TechRoad sees to it that these feel upmarket of its price tag.
The Techroad also gets a dedicated upholstery with blue detailing but leather seats are an optional extra should you wish. The blue theme continues with dashes of colour in the air vents and around the centre fascia. My test vehicle was specced with the leather seat option but someone seemed to have forgotten to tighten the bolts. I was able to rock back and forth in the seat by a few millimetres with the lower squab section flexing more than I would have liked.
The boot offers a generous 292-litres of cargo space, making it a front-runner in its segment. It's complemented by a split-folding rear seat configuration that allows for larger items to be carted around in the absence of rear-seat passengers.
Comfort & Convenience
The mixed-bag of additional tech features definitely makes the Sandero Stepway TechRoad and appealing proposition. Keeping in mind that this vehicle still comes in under the R250 000 mark, I was surprised to see electric windows for the front and rear as well as electric mirrors. Cruise control is a welcomed addition and as is customary with Renault products, also offers a speed limiter to help you stay safe and out of trouble. You will, however, only get manual airconditioning but this is effective enough.
The pride of the interior is the MediaNav infotainment system with its 7-inch touchscreen interface. This robust system is simple to use and offers bundled navigation - once again making the TechRoad a leader in its segment. This unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but still insists on using the Renault control system behind the steering wheel rather than steering wheel-mounted controls.
Performance
Under the bonnet, you will find a rather small, 900cc engine. That's right, it's less than 1-litre. But that's not a major concern as the Stepway is rather light and with the addition of the turbocharger, this unit manages to produce 66 kW and 135 Nm torque. That's more than enough to get you and keep you, going on the highways and byways. In fact, the TechRoad will do the customary 0 - 100 km/h sprint in 11.1-seconds and top out at 169 km/h - more than you will need unless you're loaded to the hilt.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and while this 'box is slick shifting and easy to drive, I battled with the power delivery of the engine. Anyone who has driven a small displacement car will know of the dip in power that occurs whenever the airconditioning compressor kicks in. Whether the AC was to blame or not, there was an ever-present surge and dip that could be felt on occasion.
This wasn't my only concern though. Earlier on I highlighted the fact that altering a hatchback platform to create a high-riding crossover poses a few challenges. Raising the centre of gravity doesn't do any vehicle favours in the handling department. The Renault/Dacia engineers were forced to compensate for this by stiffening up the suspension. This has compromised the ride quality though.
The Sandero Stepway TechRoad has a propensity to crash into bumps and undulations in the road. The higher profile tyres iron out most of the secondary ride (high-frequency articulation) but the dips and bumps you can see (primary ride) result in jostling and jumping as you go.
Fuel Economy
An affordable purchase price is one thing but running costs are where you feel the pinch in the years to come. Renault has a reputation for creating engines that can run on the whiff of an oil rag and they claim that the small engine in the TechRoad can return a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.4 l/100km.
Our real-world driving with a fair mix of highway and urban driving saw us return numbers of 6.4 l/100km which is still more than acceptable when one considers that we never touched the Eco mode that is provided on the Stepway TechRoad.
Safety
Often, when one opts for a vehicle of this nature in the price range, one has to accept that certain concessions have been made in the safety department. It's one of the easiest ways to keep the cost of manufacture low. That's not the case in the Renault Sandero Stepway TechRoad though. You will get a complement of 4 airbags with one for either front passenger as well as side airbags for front occupants.
The TechRoad is also equipped with ABS that features Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). A stability program is also included with Renault dubbing it ESP with ASR (traction control) to help keep you pointing the right direction and not veering off into the weeds. You will also get Hill Start Assist (HSA) and the Stepway has received a commendable 3-star NCAP rating.
Young families will appreciate the ISOFIX mounting points for child seats and the 3-point centre seatbelt arrangement - another class-only feature for the TechRoad.
Finally, a reverse camera helps with parking and manoeuvring with the 7-inch screen offering a crisp and clear image.
Price
The Renault Sandero Stepway makes no bones about the fact that it caters for the budget segment of the market and the TechRoad, despite all the lovely creature comforts, still only costsR243 900 incl. VAT, excl options (leather seats). This translates into a monthly repayment ofR4499.51per month when financed over 72-months with a 10% deposit, no balloon payment and with an anticipated interest rate of 13%.
You get a 5-year / 150 000 km warranty and a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan thrown in for good measure.
Competitors
The TechRoad holds its own nicely against its two nearest rivals, the Toyota Etios Cross and the recently-released Ford Figo Freestyle (in both Trend and Titanium spec).
The Toyota Etios Cross 1.5 Xs will set you back R221 500 while the Ford Figo Freestyle 1.5 Trend comes in at R233 700 and the Titanium model retails for a near-identical R243 000 (and as such is the best comparison).
Verdict
Renault has done well to keep the ageing Stepway relevant and the new additions really do make it an appealing proposition. The more time you spend with it, the less the shortcomings bother you and you start to appreciate the simplicity of the execution. It really is a decent buy for those that crave something that rides a little higher and has enough storage space for the odd weekend away.
*Pricing correct at the time of publishing and subject to change without notice*
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