Dacia Sandero is the UK’s Most Affordable New Car Priced from £5,995

If you live in the UK and are looking for an affordable means of transportation, Dacia will try to lure you away from the used car market with its new Sandero supermini that goes on sale in January 2013 at a starting price of £5,995 (equal to €7,400 / US$9,700), making it Britain’s cheapest new car.

According to Renault’s low budget brand, the base price of the Sandero is very close to what Ford asked for a similarly specified Fiesta 5dr 1.0-litre Popular 4-speed in 1989 at £5,736. Today, a base Fiesta will set you back £9,795, while the smaller, A-segment Fiat Panda starts at £8,900.

The second generation of the Sandero, which made its world premiere alongside the Logan at the Paris Motor Show last month, is offered with a choice of three engines, including Renault’s new 0.9-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol (TCe90) rated at 89hp (90PS).

With this engine, the Sandero is capable of reaching a top speed of 109 mph (175km/h), while returning a fuel economy of 54.3 mpg UK and CO2 emissions of 120 g/km

The base £5,995 model is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol delivering 74hp (75PS) and 47.9 mpg on the combined cycle with CO2emissions of 137g/km.

The third engine option is Renault’s new 1.5-liter dCi 90 turbo diesel rated at 89hp (90PS), with which the five-door Sandero delivers 74.3 mpg UK and sub-100 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

The entry-level version comes with black bumpers, 15-inch steel wheels, power assisted steering, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, ASR traction control, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), driver, passenger and front side airbags and ISOFIX points in both outer rear seats.

If you spend another £600, the mid-level Ambiance adds radio CD player with fingertip remote controls, USB and AUX input, Bluetooth, remote central locking, electric front windows, body colored bumpers and 15-inch ‘Colorado’ wheel trims

At the top of the range is the Lauréate, which Dacia expects to be selected by up to two thirds of UK buyers, and we quote the company’s sic press statement for your enjoyment:

“Probably scaring the competition half to death, the range-topper not only looks great inside and out, it also comes fully loaded with equipment. With air conditioning, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, cruise control and electric rear windows as standard.”

Dacia also offers numerous options such as fully-integrated 7-inch touchscreen navigation and multimedia system for just £250.

The new Sandero will join the Duster SUV that starts from £8,995 OTR.