Dacia specifications

Dacia Sandero specifications and photos

The 2012 Dacia Sandero marks the introduction of the second generation of the budget-friendly B-segment hatchback. Originally unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, this model brings updated styling and new engine choices to the compact car segment.

Years 2012
Body type hatchback
Trims 8
Photos 20
Rear view of Dacia Sandero 2012
Overview

Dacia Sandero at a glance

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

The second-generation Dacia Sandero, introduced in late 2012, repositions the budget hatchback with a more contemporary aesthetic and modernized engine options. Dacia redesigned almost every exterior panel, including the grille, bumpers, headlights, and taillights, to give the car a cleaner look. Aimed at buyers seeking straightforward, cost-effective transportation, the 2012 model sits firmly in the B-segment class. It offers a practical layout that prioritizes interior space and running efficiency. This generation introduces a downsized three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine alongside updated versions of its naturally aspirated petrol and turbodiesel power units, ensuring low fuel consumption across the lineup.

  • Power: 75-90 hp
  • Engine displacement: 899-1461 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 design of the 2012 Sandero represents a significant evolutionary step over the first-generation model. Key changes include a revised front grille design, updated headlights, and more defined bumpers. The side panels and rear section also received updates, featuring revised rear light units that give the hatchback a more coherent and modern look. Riding on 15-inch wheels with 185/65R15 tires, it retains a practical ground clearance of 163 mm, which is useful for navigating varying road conditions.

Interior

Inside, the Sandero cabin focus remains on simplicity and utility, accommodating up to five occupants. Higher trim levels benefit from a major tech addition: a 7-inch color touchscreen display that integrates radio, audio controls, and satellite navigation systems. Comfort and convenience features, depending on the chosen configuration, include air conditioning and an electric power package. Standard materials are durable and simple, aligning with the vehicle's budget-conscious positioning.

Performance

The engine lineup for the 2012 Sandero includes several distinct options, all paired with a 5-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels. A three-cylinder 0.9-liter TCe turbocharged petrol engine produces 90 hp, providing a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 11.2 seconds. A naturally aspirated 1.2-liter 16-valve petrol engine offers 75 hp, which also features an alternative variant running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). For diesel buyers, the 1.5-liter dCi engine comes in 75 hp and 90 hp variants, with fuel consumption rated as low as 3.8 liters per 100 km in mixed driving conditions. The diesel variants can also be equipped with an automatic Start-Stop system.

Practicality

As a five-door hatchback, the Sandero offers straightforward utility for daily commuting and small families. It has a cargo capacity of 320 liters in the boot, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. The car has an overall length of 4057 mm and a wheelbase of 2589 mm, providing a good balance of inner passenger space and compact outer dimensions that make it easy to maneuver and park in tight urban environments, supported by a 10.5-meter turning diameter.

Safety and tech

The 2012 Sandero's safety features vary by market and trim configuration, but the range includes active safety systems such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) alongside airbags. Technological highlights are centered around the optional 7-inch Media Nav touchscreen system, which consolidates navigation, radio, and media connectivity into a central unit.

Buyer notes

When shopping for a used 2012 Dacia Sandero, buyers should carefully check the specification levels of individual vehicles. Since this model was sold as a budget vehicle, base trims can be very basic, lacking common features like air conditioning or power windows. Upgrading to the higher trims adds the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit and better safety equipment like ESP. Drivetrain preference depends on use: the 1.5 dCi offers excellent fuel economy for long commutes, while the 0.9 TCe provides a livelier driving experience in city traffic.

Configurations

Trims and key specifications

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

Power 75-90 hp
Engine displacement 899-1461 cc
Seating 5 seats
Transmissions 5-speed manual
Trim / modification Engine Power Seats Transmission
0.9 TCe MT 899 cc 90 hp 5 5-speed manual
1.2-speed manual 1149 cc 75 hp 5 5-speed manual
1.5 dCi MT (75) 1461 cc 75 hp 5 5-speed manual
1.5 dCi MT (90) 1461 cc 90 hp 5 5-speed manual
1.2i (75 hp) 5-speed manual 1149 cc 75 hp 5 5-speed manual
0.9i (90 hp) 5-speed manual 899 cc 90 hp 5 5-speed manual
1.5 DCI (75 hp) 5-speed manual 1461 cc 75 hp 5 5-speed manual
1.5 dCi (90 hp) 5-speed manual 1461 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.

Detailed specs

Specifications by trim

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

0.9 TCe MT 39 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km 6.6
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km 4.6
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km 5.3
Top speed, km/h 169
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 11.2
Emissions standard Euro V

Engine

Engine 0.9i
Engine code H4Bt
Engine type Internal combustion engine
Fuel type Gasoline
Engine displacement, cc 899
Cylinder layout Inline
Number of cylinders 3
Valves 12
Turbocharger +
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Power, hp 90
RPM at max power 5500
Torque, Nm 135
RPM at max torque 2500

Dimensions

Seats 5
Length, mm 4057
Width, mm 1733
Height, mm 1523
Wheelbase, mm 2589
Front track, mm 1497
Rear track, mm 1486
Kerb weight, kg 1037
Fuel tank capacity, L 50
Ground clearance, mm 163
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

Equipment

Wheels

Rim diameter 15
Tires 185/65R15
1.2-speed manual 38 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km 7.7
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km 4.9
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km 5.9
Top speed, km/h 156
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 14.6
Emissions standard Euro V

Engine

Engine 1.2i
Engine code D4F 732
Engine type Internal combustion engine
Fuel type Gasoline
Engine displacement, cc 1149
Cylinder layout Inline
Number of cylinders 4
Valves 16
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Power, hp 75
RPM at max power 5500
Torque, Nm 107
RPM at max torque 4250

Dimensions

Seats 5
Length, mm 4057
Width, mm 1733
Height, mm 1523
Wheelbase, mm 2589
Front track, mm 1497
Rear track, mm 1486
Kerb weight, kg 1016
Fuel tank capacity, L 50
Ground clearance, mm 163
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

Equipment

Wheels

Rim diameter 15
Tires 185/65R15
1.5 dCi MT (75) 39 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km 4.4
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km 3.7
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km 3.9
Top speed, km/h 159
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 17.7
Emissions standard Euro V

Engine

Engine 1.5 DCI
Engine code K9K
Engine type Internal combustion engine
Fuel type Diesel
Engine displacement, cc 1461
Cylinder layout Inline
Number of cylinders 4
Valves 8
Turbocharger +
Compression ratio 15.5:1
Power, hp 75
RPM at max power 4000
Torque, Nm 200
RPM at max torque 1750

Dimensions

Seats 5
Length, mm 4057
Width, mm 1733
Height, mm 1523
Wheelbase, mm 2589
Front track, mm 1497
Rear track, mm 1486
Kerb weight, kg 1108
Fuel tank capacity, L 50
Ground clearance, mm 163
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

Equipment

Wheels

Rim diameter 15
Tires 185/65R15
1.5 dCi MT (90) 39 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km 4.4
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km 3.7
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km 3.9
Top speed, km/h 167
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 14.7
Emissions standard Euro V

Engine

Engine 1.5 dCi
Engine code K9K
Engine type Internal combustion engine
Fuel type Diesel
Engine displacement, cc 1461
Cylinder layout Inline
Number of cylinders 4
Valves 8
Turbocharger +
Compression ratio 18.8:1
Power, hp 90
RPM at max power 3750
Torque, Nm 200
RPM at max torque 2000

Dimensions

Seats 5
Length, mm 4057
Width, mm 1733
Height, mm 1523
Wheelbase, mm 2589
Front track, mm 1497
Rear track, mm 1486
Kerb weight, kg 1108
Fuel tank capacity, L 50
Ground clearance, mm 163
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

Equipment

Wheels

Rim diameter 15
Tires 185/65R15
1.2i (75 hp) 5-speed manual 38 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km 7.7
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km 4.9
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km 5.9
Top speed, km/h 156
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 14.6
Emissions standard Euro V

Engine

Engine 1.2i
Engine code D4F 732
Engine type Internal combustion engine
Fuel type Gasoline
Engine displacement, cc 1149
Cylinder layout Inline
Number of cylinders 4
Valves 16
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Power, hp 75
RPM at max power 5500
Torque, Nm 107
RPM at max torque 4250

Dimensions

Seats 5
Length, mm 4057
Width, mm 1733
Height, mm 1523
Wheelbase, mm 2589
Front track, mm 1497
Rear track, mm 1486
Kerb weight, kg 1016
Gross weight, kg 1500
Fuel tank capacity, L 50
Turning circle, m 10.5
Ground clearance, mm 163
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
0.9i (90 hp) 5-speed manual 39 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km 6.6
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km 4.6
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km 5.3
Top speed, km/h 169
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 11.2
Emissions standard Euro V

Engine

Engine 0.9i
Engine code H4Bt
Engine type Internal combustion engine
Fuel type Gasoline
Engine displacement, cc 899
Cylinder layout Inline
Number of cylinders 3
Valves 12
Turbocharger +
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Power, hp 90
RPM at max power 5500
Torque, Nm 135
RPM at max torque 2500

Dimensions

Seats 5
Length, mm 4057
Width, mm 1733
Height, mm 1523
Wheelbase, mm 2589
Front track, mm 1497
Rear track, mm 1486
Kerb weight, kg 1016
Gross weight, kg 1500
Fuel tank capacity, L 50
Turning circle, m 10.5
Ground clearance, mm 163
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
1.5 DCI (75 hp) 5-speed manual 39 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km 4.4
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km 3.7
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km 3.9
Top speed, km/h 159
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 17.7
Emissions standard Euro V

Engine

Engine 1.5 DCI
Engine code K9K
Engine type Internal combustion engine
Fuel type Diesel
Engine displacement, cc 1461
Cylinder layout Inline
Number of cylinders 4
Valves 8
Turbocharger +
Compression ratio 15.5:1
Power, hp 75
RPM at max power 4000
Torque, Nm 200
RPM at max torque 1750

Dimensions

Seats 5
Length, mm 4057
Width, mm 1733
Height, mm 1523
Wheelbase, mm 2589
Front track, mm 1497
Rear track, mm 1486
Kerb weight, kg 1016
Gross weight, kg 1500
Fuel tank capacity, L 50
Turning circle, m 10.5
Ground clearance, mm 163
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
1.5 dCi (90 hp) 5-speed manual 39 specifications

Specifications

Performance and consumption

Fuel consumption city, L/100 km 4.4
Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km 3.7
Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km 3.9
Top speed, km/h 167
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s 14.7
Emissions standard Euro V

Engine

Engine 1.5 dCi
Engine code K9K
Engine type Internal combustion engine
Fuel type Diesel
Engine displacement, cc 1461
Cylinder layout Inline
Number of cylinders 4
Valves 8
Turbocharger +
Compression ratio 18.8:1
Power, hp 90
RPM at max power 3750
Torque, Nm 200
RPM at max torque 2000

Dimensions

Seats 5
Length, mm 4057
Width, mm 1733
Height, mm 1523
Wheelbase, mm 2589
Front track, mm 1497
Rear track, mm 1486
Kerb weight, kg 1016
Gross weight, kg 1500
Fuel tank capacity, L 50
Turning circle, m 10.5
Ground clearance, mm 163
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
FAQ

Dacia Sandero questions

Short answers based on the specifications and photos available in this catalog.

What body style is the 2012 Dacia Sandero?

The 2012 Dacia Sandero is a 5-door hatchback belonging to the B-segment category. It features a front-wheel-drive layout and compact dimensions suitable for urban driving.

What generation is the 2012 Dacia Sandero?

This model marks the launch of the second-generation Dacia Sandero. It made its official global debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012.

What are the engine options for the 2012 Sandero?

Buyers can choose from a 0.9-liter TCe turbocharged petrol engine or a 1.2-liter petrol engine, which also comes in an LPG version. Additionally, a 1.5-liter dCi turbodiesel is available in two power ratings.

How fuel-efficient is the 2012 Dacia Sandero?

The 1.5-liter dCi diesel engines are highly efficient, consuming about 3.8 to 3.9 liters of fuel per 100 km in mixed driving. The petrol engines consume between 5.3 and 5.9 liters per 100 km on the mixed cycle.

How much cargo space does the 2012 Dacia Sandero have?

The 2012 Sandero features a boot capacity of 320 liters. This provides a practical space for luggage and daily errands, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.

Is the 2012 Dacia Sandero front-wheel drive?

Yes, all engine variants of the 2012 Dacia Sandero are paired with front-wheel drive. Power is sent to the wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.

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