All-New 2020 Dacia Sandero Starts Testing, Looks Like A Budget Clio

Dacia has begun testing the third-generation Sandero hatchback on public roads.

It was also about time, since the current model has been on sale since 2012 and received a mild refresh in 2016. As you can see, the prototype is heavily camouflaged and even features some padding to disguise its shape.

Still, it’s pretty obvious that it has a more modern silhouette with a waistline that rises more prominently towards the rear, a Renault Clio-like rear end with horizontal taillights and a smaller rear screen, a more profiled bonnet, and a front end that seems to adopt sleeked horizontal headlights and a new grille. Unfortunately, no photos of the interior are available, but a major overhaul should happen inside too.

Also read: 2020 Renault Logan, Sandero And Stepway Unveiled In Brazil With New Styling, CVT Option

Speaking of the Clio, the next-generation Sandero is expected to use the same CMF-B as Renault’s supermini. However, the Dacia will get a slightly simpler version of the architecture since the budget model won’t come with all the bells and whistles of the 2020 Clio.

Switching to the new platform will be a major leap forward for the Sandero as this will make it roomier, safer, more enjoyable to drive, and more sophisticated technologically. Rumor has it Dacia will even put a hybrid powertrain in the 2020 Sandero, something the CMF-B platform makes possible.

For now, there’s no confirmation regarding the engine lineup, but the Sandero is expected to gain Renault’s new 100 PS (99 HP) 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine as a replacement for the 0.9-liter unit.

In addition, the new 1.3-liter TCe turbocharged four-cylinder with 115 PS (113 HP) should also be part of the lineup. Finally, the 1.5-liter Blue dCi turbodiesel is expected to soldier on with 95 PS (94 HP), albeit upgraded with an SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection to pass the latest emission standards.

The third-generation Dacia Sandero should debut sometime in 2020 in both standard and high-riding Stepway body styles.