Dacia Sandero 2026: release date, price and features

The 2026 Dacia Sandero facelift brings refreshed styling, larger infotainment display, and updated interior. Still Britain’s cheapest new car? Full details here.

When spy photographers caught the first camouflaged prototypes of the facelifted Dacia Sandero testing on Spanish roads, our editorial team at AutoHit was genuinely intrigued by what we could see. Here’s a car that became Europe’s best-selling model in 2024 – shifting an impressive 309,392 units – yet Dacia is still willing to invest in keeping it fresh. That’s either supreme confidence or smart business sense, and having driven the current Sandero extensively, we suspect it’s the latter.

The Romanian brand’s approach to the budget supermini segment has always been refreshingly honest: offer maximum practicality for minimum outlay, without pretending to be something it’s not. Now, with the 2026 facelift spotted testing ahead of its expected late 2025 reveal, Dacia appears ready to polish this winning formula rather than revolutionise it.

From what we’ve observed in the latest spy shots and industry intelligence, the refreshed Sandero promises subtle but meaningful improvements that should help it maintain its position as Britain’s value champion. The timing is particularly astute – arriving just as competitors like the new Citroën C3 and updated Hyundai i20 raise their game in the budget sector.

Key Highlights

• Refreshed exterior styling with new front grille and revised LED headlight graphics
• Larger 10.1-inch infotainment display borrowed from the Dacia Duster on higher trims
• Updated interior featuring new steering wheel design and enhanced materials
• Expected pricing below £15,000 maintaining its position as UK’s cheapest new car
• Same proven engines including the popular 1.0 TCe 90 and TCe 100 Bi-Fuel options
• Launch timing late 2025 with sales beginning in 2026
• Both Sandero and Stepway variants receiving the refresh treatment

Design Evolution: Subtle Refinement Over Revolution

Exterior Updates: Fresh Face for a Familiar Friend

According to our analysis at AutoHit, the spy photographs reveal a car that’s recognisably Sandero but with enough visual updates to feel contemporary. The front end benefits most from the refresh, with a redesigned grille featuring “fancier motifs” for both upper and lower sections. The headlights retain their slim profile but gain a revised LED pattern – expect the Y-shaped lighting signature that’s become a Dacia trademark across the range.

We’ve tested enough facelifted models to know that sometimes less is more, and Dacia appears to understand this principle. The changes aren’t dramatic enough to alienate existing customers, but they’re sufficient to signal progress. That’s particularly important when your customer base values consistency and dependability above flashy innovation.

At the rear, modifications appear more subtle. The spy shots show a redesigned bumper and what looks like mildly updated taillights, though the fundamental silhouette remains unchanged. Given the current car’s pleasant proportions, this evolutionary approach makes sense.

Interior: Where the Real Improvements Lie

The cabin is where the 2026 facelift promises its most significant upgrades. Spy photographers have captured what appears to be a much larger infotainment screen – likely the 10.1-inch unit already deployed in the Dacia Duster and Bigster. This would represent a substantial upgrade from the current car’s 8.0-inch display on Expression trim models.

Based on what we know from other recent Dacia updates, we’d expect the refreshed Sandero to also receive the brand’s latest steering wheel design. Small details like this might seem insignificant, but they contribute to the overall sense of modernity that helps justify the asking price.

The reality, however, is that interior space and practicality were never issues with the current Sandero. It already offers excellent passenger room and a generous 328-litre boot. The facelift appears focused on perceived quality rather than fundamental packaging improvements.

Technical Specifications: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It

Engine Lineup: Proven Powertrains Continue

From what we understand, the 2026 facelift won’t introduce new powertrains. The current engine range has proven popular with British buyers, so Dacia sees no reason to mess with success. Expected to carry over are:

1.0 TCe 90 Petrol:

• Power: 90bhp
• Torque: 160Nm
• 0-62mph: 12.2 seconds
• Economy: Up to 50mpg (real-world)
• Target Buyer: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

1.0 TCe 100 Bi-Fuel:

• Power: 100bhp on petrol/LPG
• Fuel Options: Petrol and LPG capability
• Economy: Exceptional when running on LPG
• Target Buyer: High-mileage drivers seeking economy

1.0 TCe 110:

• Power: 110bhp
• Available: Higher-specification Stepway models
• 0-62mph: Around 10.0 seconds
• Target Buyer: Those wanting more performance

Dacia Sandero Engine Lineup – 2026 Expected Specifications

*LPG fuel costs typically 50-60% less than petrol

We’ve driven all these engines extensively, and while none will set your pulse racing, they’re perfectly adequate for the intended use case. The TCe 90 provides enough mid-range shove for urban driving, while the Bi-Fuel option’s LPG capability makes it particularly appealing for high-mileage drivers facing rising fuel costs.

That said, we can’t help wondering whether a mild-hybrid option might arrive later in the model cycle. Industry analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggests electrification is becoming increasingly important even in budget segments, though Dacia has always been refreshingly pragmatic about such trends.

UK Market Context and Competition

Pricing Strategy: Maintaining the Value Advantage

While official UK pricing won’t be announced until closer to launch, industry expectations suggest the refreshed Sandero will remain below the crucial £15,000 threshold for entry-level variants. This positioning is critical – it’s what separates the Sandero from more conventional superminis and maintains its unique market position.

For UK buyers, this continued affordability becomes even more significant when considering total cost of ownership. According to current UK government guidance on vehicle taxation, the Sandero’s low CO2 emissions keep VED costs minimal, while insurance groups remain favourable for younger drivers.

Competition Analysis: Fighting on Multiple Fronts

The budget supermini segment has intensified considerably since the current Sandero launched in 2020. Key rivals now include models featured in our guide to the best hybrid cars for city driving in 2025, though the Sandero’s petrol-only approach represents a different philosophy.

Direct Price Competitors:

• Kia Picanto: £15,295-£17,995 (smaller but more refined)
• MG3: £14,795-£17,495 (similar space, more equipment)
• Citroën C3: £16,995-£19,995 (more style, higher price)

Value Comparison Models:

• Hyundai i20: £19,495-£23,995 (better quality, much higher price)
• Volkswagen Polo: £20,515-£25,995 (superior refinement, premium cost)
• Ford Fiesta: Discontinued (no direct replacement planned)

Budget Supermini Comparison – UK Market 2026

Looking at this competitive landscape, the Sandero’s value proposition remains compelling. While rivals may offer superior refinement or more advanced technology, none can match its combination of space, practicality, and affordability. As we’ve noted in our analysis of best affordable SUVs under £25,000, British buyers increasingly prioritise value over badge prestige.

What We Know About Driving Experience

Platform Strengths: Built on Solid Foundations

The current Sandero sits on Renault’s CMF-B platform – the same architecture underpinning the Renault Clio and Nissan Juke. This gives it a sophistication level that previous Sanderos could only dream of. We’ve tested the platform extensively across multiple models, and it delivers a composed ride quality that belies the Sandero’s budget positioning.

Based on what we know so far, the 2026 facelift won’t alter these fundamental characteristics. Expect the same comfortable ride, predictable handling, and surprisingly refined road manners that made the current car such a pleasant surprise when it launched.

That said, we won’t know how successfully Dacia has refined the platform calibration until we get proper UK road time. The devil, as always, is in the details of suspension tuning and NVH suppression.

Real-World Practicality: The Sandero’s Secret Weapon

One area where the Sandero truly excels is practical usability. At 4,088mm long, it’s actually larger than many competitors while maintaining excellent packaging efficiency. The generous 328-litre boot and impressive rear-seat space make it genuinely suitable for family use – something that can’t be said for all budget superminis.

From a UK perspective, this practicality becomes particularly relevant given our driving patterns. The Sandero is equally at home navigating narrow city streets or swallowing the weekly shop. It’s this versatility that helps explain its remarkable sales success across diverse European markets.

Technology and Equipment Updates

Infotainment Evolution: Catching Up with Expectations

The spy shots clearly show a much larger central display, almost certainly the 10.1-inch MediaNav system already deployed across Dacia’s range. This would represent a significant step forward from the current car’s 8.0-inch unit, bringing it into line with customer expectations in 2026.

Based on our experience with this system in other Dacia models, expect wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with integrated navigation and a range of connected services. The interface isn’t the slickest in the business, but it’s functional and intuitive – perfectly in keeping with Dacia’s no-nonsense philosophy.

Entry-level models will likely continue with the Media Control system, which essentially uses your smartphone as the infotainment brain. It’s a clever solution that keeps costs down while acknowledging that most buyers already carry a device more capable than any built-in system.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Meeting Modern Standards

Current Sandero models already benefit from essential safety systems including emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The 2026 facelift is unlikely to revolutionise this offering, but expect incremental improvements in system calibration and responsiveness.

One area where we hope to see improvement is the Euro NCAP safety rating. The current car’s three-star score, while not disastrous, lags behind newer rivals. Updated airbag positioning or structural reinforcements could help boost this rating, though such changes might not be immediately visible.

Launch Timeline and Market Strategy

Expected Debut: Late 2025 Reveal

Dacia Sandero 2026 Facelift – What’s New Summary

Industry sources suggest the facelifted Sandero will be officially revealed towards the end of 2025, with UK sales beginning in early 2026. This timing allows Dacia to capitalise on the new registration period while avoiding direct clashes with major competitor launches.

For British buyers, this timeline works well. The current car remains competitive, so there’s no urgency to rush the replacement to market. Instead, Dacia can take time to ensure the refresh delivers meaningful improvements rather than superficial changes.

Stepway Variant: Off-Road Style Continues

Spy photographs confirm that both regular Sandero and the higher-riding Stepway variant will receive the facelift treatment. The Stepway, with its plastic body cladding and raised ride height, has proven particularly popular in the UK market where SUV-inspired styling resonates strongly.

We’d expect the Stepway to maintain its current positioning as the more expensive, better-equipped variant. With prices currently starting around £16,000, it offers genuine SUV practicality at supermini money – a proposition that’s proven particularly appealing to British families.

Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture

Future Electrification: Not Yet, But Eventually

While the 2026 facelift maintains purely conventional powertrains, Dacia has confirmed that the next-generation Sandero (due around 2027) will offer electric variants alongside petrol options. This makes the upcoming facelift something of a swansong for the purely ICE-powered Sandero.

For buyers considering the broader electric vehicle landscape, our recent analysis of premium SUVs under £60kshows how rapidly the EV market is evolving. However, Dacia’s approach of maintaining affordable petrol options alongside future electric variants recognises that not all buyers are ready for the electric transition.

Market Position: Defending the Crown

With 2024 sales figures confirming the Sandero as Europe’s best-selling car, Dacia has everything to lose and little to gain from dramatic changes. The facelift appears calibrated to maintain this market leadership while addressing minor criticisms of the current car.

From our perspective, this conservative approach makes perfect sense. The Sandero has found its niche by offering genuine value rather than attempting to compete on prestige or advanced technology. The 2026 updates should reinforce these core strengths while addressing areas where the car was beginning to feel dated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will the 2026 Dacia Sandero facelift actually cost?

While official UK pricing hasn’t been announced, industry expectations suggest the entry-level Essential model will remain below £15,000, with Expression variants around £16,000-£17,000. The key is maintaining the Sandero’s position as Britain’s cheapest new car while justifying the refresh’s improvements.

When will the facelifted Sandero arrive in UK showrooms?

Based on current information, expect the official reveal in late 2025 with UK sales beginning in early 2026. Order books will likely open several months before first deliveries, allowing early adopters to secure preferred specifications.

What’s the biggest improvement over the current model?

The larger 10.1-inch infotainment display represents the most significant upgrade, bringing the Sandero in line with current customer expectations. Combined with interior material improvements and exterior styling updates, the cabin should feel noticeably more modern.

Will there be new engine options?

Current indications suggest the existing 1.0 TCe petrol engines will carry over unchanged. While a mild-hybrid system might make sense for future efficiency improvements, none are expected for the 2026 facelift. The focus appears to be on styling and equipment rather than powertrain changes.

How does it compare to the new Citroën C3?

The C3 offers more adventurous styling and slightly superior refinement, but commands a £2,000-3,000 premium over equivalent Sandero models. For buyers prioritising value and practicality over design flair, the Sandero remains compelling despite being less stylistically bold.

Is the Stepway variant worth the extra cost?

The Stepway’s raised ride height, plastic body cladding, and additional equipment justify its premium for buyers wanting SUV-style practicality. At around £16,000-18,000, it offers genuine crossover capability at supermini prices – particularly appealing for rural British drivers.

Should I wait for the facelift or buy the current model?

Unless you specifically want the larger infotainment screen and updated styling, the current Sandero remains excellent value. With dealers likely offering attractive deals to clear existing stock, immediate buyers might secure better pricing than waiting for the 2026 model.

Our Verdict: Evolution Over Revolution

The 2026 Dacia Sandero facelift represents exactly what it should be – a thoughtful evolution of an already successful formula. Rather than attempting to transform the car into something it’s not, Dacia has focused on addressing the few areas where the current model was beginning to show its age.

The larger infotainment display and interior improvements should make the cabin feel more contemporary without compromising the no-nonsense functionality that Sandero buyers appreciate. Similarly, the exterior styling updates provide visual freshness without alienating existing customers who chose the car precisely because it doesn’t try too hard to be fashionable.

We’ve driven the current Sandero extensively across various European markets, and its combination of space, reliability, and sheer value remains compelling. The upcoming facelift should reinforce these strengths while addressing minor criticisms about perceived quality and technology integration.

That said, the automotive landscape is changing rapidly. With electrification requirements tightening and customer expectations evolving, this may be the last opportunity for Dacia to refine the traditional ICE-powered Sandero formula before more fundamental changes become necessary.

For British buyers seeking maximum practicality per pound, the 2026 Sandero facelift should continue offering exceptional value. Whether it can maintain the crown as Europe’s best-selling car while facing increasingly sophisticated competition remains to be seen, but early indications suggest Dacia has played its cards wisely.

As detailed in the official Dacia UK website, the brand’s commitment to “essential” rather than “excessive” features continues to resonate with cost-conscious buyers. The 2026 facelift appears perfectly aligned with this philosophy – offering meaningful improvements without compromising the core value proposition that has made the Sandero such a remarkable success story.