Dacia Sandero Stepway specifications and photos
The 2012 Dacia Sandero Stepway is a rugged, high-riding hatchback that brings a crossover-like stance to the budget segment. Built as a more adventurous counterpart to the standard Sandero, it combines increased ground clearance with practical daily utility.
Dacia Sandero Stepway at a glance
Quick model context before comparing photos and trim-level specifications.
Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, this model represents the second generation of Dacia's popular high-clearance hatchback. It retains the affordable front-wheel-drive layout of the standard model but adds distinctive exterior styling to appeal to budget-conscious buyers looking for a rugged look. The chassis features front McPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, retuned to accommodate the elevated ride height. Compared to its predecessor, this generation introduces a more refined design and upgraded interior materials, aiming to appeal to buyers who want SUV-like styling and enhanced ground clearance without the purchase and running costs of a traditional four-wheel-drive vehicle. With revised steering settings and a broader range of options, this model offers a more mature driving experience, positioning it well in the competitive subcompact crossover and hatchback segments.
- Power: 90 hp
- Engine displacement: 899-1461 cc
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual
- Seating: 5 seats
Photos, trims and specifications for Dacia Sandero Stepway
This model page brings gallery images, trim comparison, and detailed technical data together for the 2012 generation.
Estimate fuel cost
Use trim-level fuel consumption data to estimate monthly and yearly fuel spending.
Fuel costs are estimates. Real consumption can change with driving style, traffic, tires, weather, load, and market-specific equipment.
Dacia Sandero Stepway overview
Editorial context for design, cabin, performance, practicality, and buyer notes.
Design
To set it apart from the standard Sandero hatchback, the Stepway features a rugged design package. This includes protective plastic cladding around the wheel arches and lower body, front and rear skid plates, and integrated roof rails. A defining trait is its ground clearance of 207 mm, which helps it navigate rougher roads, snow, and high curbs. Despite these utility-focused exterior additions, the vehicle's footprint remains compact, sharing its length and width dimensions with the core platform. The updated second-generation styling features more modern headlights and a redesigned grille, which gives the car a more assertive road presence compared to the original model.
Interior
Inside, the second-generation model benefits from a noticeable upgrade in cabin materials and build quality over the original version. The layout is straightforward and functional, focusing on durability and ease of use. Depending on the selected trim level, technology options include a 7-inch touchscreen navigation and multimedia system. Passenger space is typical for a B-segment vehicle, offering seating for up to five occupants with improved upholstery options. Sound insulation was also addressed in this generation to ensure a quieter cabin environment during highway journeys.
Performance
The engine lineup is anchored by a three-cylinder 0.9-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 90 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque. For diesel buyers, a 1.5-liter dCi engine is available, also producing 90 horsepower but with a higher torque output of 200 Nm. This diesel unit is highly efficient, offering a fuel consumption of 4.0 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. A five-speed manual transmission handles the power, sending it strictly to the front wheels. Both engines are compliant with Euro V emissions standards.
Practicality
As a B-segment hatchback with an elevated ride height, this model is well-suited for urban and suburban environments. It offers a 320-liter trunk capacity, which provides decent cargo space for everyday shopping or small luggage. The 207 mm ground clearance is a practical advantage, offering extra peace of mind on unpaved roads, snowy streets, or steep driveways while maintaining standard hatchback dimensions for easy parking.
Safety and tech
This generation marks an improvement in available safety features and cabin technology. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is available as an option to assist driver control. The center console can house a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia setup featuring navigation, providing modern connectivity for a budget-friendly vehicle. Standard safety gear includes front airbags and anti-lock brakes, while the diesel variants can be configured with an engine start-stop system to minimize fuel use at idle.
Buyer notes
When exploring the used market for this vintage, buyers should note that equipment levels vary significantly by trim. The base models can be quite sparse, whereas higher trims include the 7-inch navigation screen and cruise control. While the 1.5-liter dCi diesel offers superior torque and fuel economy, the 0.9-liter turbo petrol engine provides a lighter front end and decent responsiveness for city driving. Buyers should verify if optional features like ESP were selected on specific vehicles.
Trims and key specifications
Use this table to compare the main differences between available configurations.
| Trim / modification | Engine | Power | Seats | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 TCe MT | 899 cc | 90 hp | 5 | 5-speed manual |
| 1.5 dCi MT (90) | 1461 cc | 90 hp | 5 | 5-speed manual |
| 0.9i (90 hp) 5-speed manual | 899 cc | 90 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.
Dacia Sandero Stepway photo gallery
9 images are collected here with the main specifications and trim data for this model.
Photo Dacia Sandero Stepway
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 | 6.7 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 4.6 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 5.4 |
| Top speed, km/h | 175 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 11.1 |
| 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 | 4080 |
| Width, mm | 1757 |
| Height, mm | 1533 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2589 |
| Front track, mm | 1497 |
| Rear track, mm | 1486 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1098 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 50 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 207 |
| 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 | 16 |
|---|---|
| Tires | 205/55R16 |
1.5 dCi MT (90) 39 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 4.6 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 3.7 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 4 |
| Top speed, km/h | 162 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 13.3 |
| 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 | 4080 |
| Width, mm | 1757 |
| Height, mm | 1533 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2589 |
| Front track, mm | 1497 |
| Rear track, mm | 1486 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1158 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 50 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 207 |
| 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 | 16 |
|---|---|
| Tires | 205/55R16 |
0.9i (90 hp) 5-speed manual 39 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 6.7 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 4.6 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 5.4 |
| Top speed, km/h | 175 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 11.1 |
| 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 | 4080 |
| Width, mm | 1757 |
| Height, mm | 1533 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2589 |
| Front track, mm | 1497 |
| Rear track, mm | 1486 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1098 |
| Gross weight, kg | 1520 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 50 |
| Turning circle, m | 10.5 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 207 |
| 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 | 4.6 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 3.7 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 4 |
| Top speed, km/h | 162 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s | 13.3 |
| 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 | 4080 |
| Width, mm | 1757 |
| Height, mm | 1533 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2589 |
| Front track, mm | 1497 |
| Rear track, mm | 1486 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 1098 |
| Gross weight, kg | 1520 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 50 |
| Turning circle, m | 10.5 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 207 |
| 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 |
Dacia Sandero Stepway questions
Short answers based on the specifications and photos available in this catalog.
What body style is the 2012 Dacia Sandero Stepway?
It is a five-door hatchback with an elevated ride height and rugged body styling elements that resemble a small crossover.
What is the ground clearance of this vehicle?
The vehicle features a ground clearance of 207 mm, which is higher than the standard Sandero hatchback and helps when driving on uneven surfaces.
What engines are available for the 2012 Dacia Sandero Stepway?
The available options include a 0.9-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 90 horsepower and a 1.5-liter dCi diesel engine also producing 90 horsepower.
Does the 2012 Dacia Sandero Stepway have all-wheel drive?
No, despite its rugged styling, skid plates, and elevated ground clearance, the vehicle is strictly front-wheel drive (2WD).
How much cargo space does the boot offer?
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 320 liters, which is identical to the standard hatchback variant of the same generation.