Dacia specifications

Dacia Sandero specifications and photos

The 2008 Dacia Sandero is a budget-friendly five-door subcompact hatchback built on the reliable Logan platform. Originally introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, it focuses on offering class-above interior space and robust build quality at an affordable price.

Years 2008

Body type hatchback

Trims 8

Photos 19

Overview

Dacia Sandero at a glance

Quick model context before comparing photos and trim-level specifications.

Positioned as a practical B-segment hatchback, the first-generation Dacia Sandero was designed to offer buyers a budget-oriented vehicle without sacrificing cabin space. The model utilizes the proven Renault-Dacia B0 platform, which it shares with the Logan sedan. Although priced to compete with smaller city cars, its external dimensions and spacious interior place it closer to the larger compact class. The model features a raised ground clearance and underbody protection, including a metal skid plate under the engine bay, to ensure reliable operation on both paved city streets and rougher rural roads. Initially introduced to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, this hatchback was aimed at emerging markets and budget-conscious European buyers. By using existing Renault components, Dacia kept maintenance and production costs low, ensuring high reliability. Built primarily in Romania and Brazil, the Sandero caters to drivers seeking straightforward, durable, and highly economical daily transportation.

Power: 75-90 hp
Engine displacement: 1390-1598 cc
Transmissions: 5-speed manual
Seating: 5 seats

Model guide

Dacia Sandero overview

Editorial context for design, cabin, performance, practicality, and buyer notes.

Design

The exterior of the 2008 Dacia Sandero features a modern, clean hatchback shape with a wide stance. Its front end is defined by large headlights and a radiator grille integrated into the bumper. The side profile shows prominent wheel arches, while the rear features upright taillights and a large tailgate for easy loading. With a length of 4,020 mm and a width of 1,746 mm, it stands out as one of the wider vehicles in its class. Higher trims such as the Laureate and Prestige add color-coded bumpers, body-side moldings, and front fog lamps to enhance the exterior styling.

Interior

Inside, the Sandero focuses on simplicity and functional design. Thanks to the long 2,589 mm wheelbase, the cabin provides generous legroom and headroom for up to five passengers. The dashboard design is straightforward, with logically placed controls to ensure ease of operation. Cargo space is practical, offering a 320-liter trunk capacity. Trim levels range from the sparse Base, which lacks power steering, to the mid-tier Laureate with height-adjustable driver seats, a trip computer, and front power windows. The range-topping Prestige trim adds air conditioning for improved cabin comfort.

Performance

Power for the 2008 Sandero comes from a choice of two reliable eight-valve gasoline engines. The entry-level option is a 1.4-liter engine producing 75 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque, which achieves 0-100 km/h in 13 seconds. Buyers looking for more power can opt for the 1.6-liter MPI engine, which delivers 90 horsepower and 128 Nm of torque, reducing the acceleration time to 11.5 seconds. Both engines are paired with a Romanian-built five-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels. The mechanical setup includes a pseudo-MacPherson front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle, providing a compliant ride over poor surfaces.

Practicality

The Dacia Sandero excels in daily practicality, making it a viable choice for families on a budget. Its B-class dimensions are maximized to offer interior space comparable to larger hatchbacks. A ground clearance of 155 mm combined with standard underbody shielding allows the car to handle unpaved roads and winter conditions confidently. The 320-liter trunk is large enough for routine grocery trips or light luggage, and the 50-liter fuel tank offers a respectable driving range, given the mixed fuel consumption of 7.0 to 7.2 liters per 100 km.

Safety and tech

Technology in the 2008 Sandero is basic, reflecting its low-cost design. Standard safety equipment across the range includes an engine immobilizer and a driver-side airbag. Lower trims lack electronic assistance, with power steering only becoming standard on the Laureate and Prestige levels. Comfort features are similarly tiered; the base model is minimal, while the Laureate brings power-adjustable heated mirrors, a CD player, and a trip computer. Prestige models add air conditioning, making it the most comfortable option for warmer climates.

Buyer notes

When shopping for a used 2008 Dacia Sandero, buyers should pay close attention to the trim level. The Base trim lacks power steering and creature comforts, making it suitable only for those seeking the simplest mechanical layout. The Ambiance trim offers minor visual upgrades like body-colored bumpers but still lacks power steering. For daily use, the Laureate or Prestige trims are highly recommended, as they introduce hydraulic power steering, central locking, power windows, and, in the case of the Prestige, air conditioning. Equipment availability can vary significantly depending on the original market.

Configurations

Trims and key specifications

Use this table to compare the main differences between available configurations.

Power 75-90 hp

Engine displacement 1390-1598 cc

Seating 5 seats

Transmissions 5-speed manual

Trim / modification	Engine	Power	Seats	Transmission
1.4-speed manual AMBIANCE	1390 cc	75 hp	5	5-speed manual
1.4-speed manual BASE	1390 cc	75 hp	5	5-speed manual
1.4-speed manual LAUREATE	1390 cc	75 hp	5	5-speed manual
1.6-speed manual AMBIANCE	1598 cc	90 hp	5	5-speed manual
1.6-speed manual LAUREATE	1598 cc	90 hp	5	5-speed manual
1.6-speed manual Prestige	1598 cc	90 hp	5	5-speed manual
1.4i (75 hp) 5-speed manual	1390 cc	75 hp	5	5-speed manual
1.6 MPI (90 hp) 5-speed manual	1598 cc	90 hp	5	5-speed manual

Specifications can vary by market, model year, and equipment package. Use the trim sections below to review the full data for each configuration.

Gallery

Dacia Sandero photo gallery

19 images are collected here with the main specifications and trim data for this model.

Photo Dacia Sandero

Detailed specs

Specifications by trim

Choose a configuration below to open full technical data grouped by category.

1.4-speed manual AMBIANCE 1.4-speed manual BASE 1.4-speed manual LAUREATE 1.6-speed manual AMBIANCE 1.6-speed manual LAUREATE 1.6-speed manual Prestige 1.4i (75 hp) 5-speed manual 1.6 MPI (90 hp) 5-speed manual

1.4-speed manual AMBIANCE 56 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km	9.6
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km	5.4
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km	7
Top speed, km/h	162
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s	13
Emissions standard	Euro IV

Engine

Engine	1.4i
Engine code	K7J 714
Engine type	Internal combustion engine
Fuel type	Gasoline
Engine displacement, cc	1390
Cylinder layout	Inline
Number of cylinders	4
Valves	8
Compression ratio	9.5:1
Power, hp	75
RPM at max power	5500
Torque, Nm	112
RPM at max torque	3000

Dimensions

Seats	5
Length, mm	4020
Width, mm	1746
Height, mm	1534
Wheelbase, mm	2589
Front track, mm	1480
Rear track, mm	1470
Kerb weight, kg	975
Gross weight, kg	1535
Fuel tank capacity, L	50
Turning circle, m	10.5
Ground clearance, mm	155
Trunk capacity, L	320

Transmission and drive

Transmission	5-speed manual
Transmission type	manual
Drive	Front-wheel drive
Number of gears	5
Transmission manufacturer	RMR
Transmission country	Romania

Suspension

Front suspension type	Pseudo-MacPherson with triangular control arm
Rear suspension type	H-shaped deformable axle with coil springs and vertical shock absorbers

Brake system

Front brakes	Disc
Rear brakes	Drum

Steering

Power steering	Not available