2024 Dacia Stepway: Unleash the Versatility of an Affordable SUV | Where Value Meets Adventure
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Dacia Sandero Stepway exceeded expectations.
- The budget brand with high quality.
- Simplicity and user-friendly features.
- Stylish and rugged design.
- Versatility and spaciousness.
- Comfortable and refined on motorways.
- Adequate power for most situations.
- Thoughtful cabin design.
- Functional and user-friendly tech.
- Impressive upgrades over the previous model.
- Enhanced interior design and technology.
- Refined ride and handling.
- Anticipated powertrain updates.
- Petrol and diesel engine options.
- Potential phasing out of diesel engines.
- Continuous evolution and refinement.
2024 Dacia Stepway: A Versatile and Affordable SUV
In this comprehensive review, we bid farewell to our trusted companion, the Dacia Sandero Stepway, while also reflecting on the remarkable strides that the budget brand has made in recent years. Throughout my six-month journey with this vehicle, I must admit that I never once felt like I was driving a budget brand. The Sandero Stepway has truly exceeded my expectations, emerging as the automotive equivalent of Aldi: exceptional value for money without compromising on quality.
Simplicity and User-Friendly Features
The Stepway offers intuitive and easy-to-use features, including a helpful speed limiter and a clear digital screen for setting visible speed limits.
One of the standout aspects of the Stepway is its simplicity. Even in our range-topping Prestige model, which came equipped with an array of features, everything was intuitive and easy to use. The speed limiter, for instance, proved to be immensely helpful on motorways with a 50mph speed limit, providing an audible warning whenever I exceeded the set speed. Living in London, where local roads are mostly limited to 20mph, the digital screen in the instrument panel made it effortless to set a visible speed limit using the button on the steering wheel.
Stylish and Rugged Design
The Stepway strikes the perfect balance, with plastic surrounds on larger wheel arches and eye-catching roof bars that add a rugged SUV look.
The Stepway truly made a lasting impression with its design. Building on the success of its predecessor, Dacia’s designers have managed to strike the perfect balance between a rugged SUV appearance and the compact charm of a supermini. Notable design elements include the plastic surround on the larger wheel arches and the eye-catching roof bars. A pleasant surprise was the roof bars’ versatility, as they can be flipped to secure bikes or a roof box, potentially saving both time and money for adventurous drivers.
Color Choices and Styling
When exploring the configurator, I discovered that Stepway offers various color options. However, only plain Glacier White comes as a no-cost choice. We opted for the Desert Orange metallic paint, which added £595 to the list price. Nevertheless, the striking appearance of the car was further enhanced by this bold color choice, complementing its refreshed styling.
2024 Dacia Stepway: Versatility and Road Performance
Loaded with DIY equipment and decorating supplies, the Stepway comfortably accommodates both passengers and belongings, making it perfect for adventurous journeys.
The world gradually emerges from lockdown, allowing us to embark on longer journeys with the Dacia Sandero Stepway. Recently, my partner and I acquired part-time use of an apartment on the south coast, providing us with the perfect opportunity to put Stepway’s versatility to the test. Loaded with DIY equipment and decorating supplies, the Stepway proved to be more than accommodating, comfortably seating both of us and our belongings. Even when fully packed, the vehicle’s spaciousness allowed us to enjoy our trips without feeling cramped.
2024 Dacia Stepway: Comfort and Performance
With its increased ride height, the Stepway provides a comfortable and refined experience on motorways, offering an enjoyable drive even at higher speeds.
Our route to the south coast predominantly consisted of stretches on the A3, M25, and M3, offering the ideal environment to assess the Stepway’s performance on motorways. Impressively, the Stepway proved to be extremely comfortable, benefiting from its increased ride height compared to the standard Sandero. While some wind noise was noticeable at higher speeds, it did not significantly disrupt the overall driving experience. TheStepway excelled in this regard, surpassing many city cars within the same price range.
Adequate Power for Most Situations
The Stepway’s 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine delivers sufficient power for urban environments, although it may struggle on inclines or with a full load.
Although not particularly swift, the Stepway’s 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations. However, when faced with inclines or when fully loaded, it did struggle a bit. I encountered this challenge on a two-way road in the New Forest, where I found myself stuck behind slower vehicles. While more powerful cars managed to overtake me, I had to exercise patience until the queue ahead diminished to just two vehicles before making my maneuver.
Cabin Comfort and Thoughtful Design
The Stepway’s cabin offers a pleasant and comfortable environment, with well-executed essential features and easy adjustability for the driver’s seat and steering wheel.
The Stepway cabin offers a pleasant environment for spending extended periods. It perfectly embodies Dacia’s commitment to providing functional yet comfortable spaces. Unnecessary elements are absent, while essential features are well-executed. The seats proved to be comfortable even during our longer journeys to the south coast, and adjusting the driver’s seat and steering wheel to achieve the optimal driving position was a breeze.
Functional and User-Friendly Tech
The Stepway’s in-car technology, including the Android and Apple smartphone integration, provides a seamless interface and convenient access to music streaming and real-time traffic information.
Surprisingly, the in-car technology provided valuable benefits. Although our Prestige model came with built-in navigation, we preferred to utilize the Android or Apple smartphone integration that comes standard in mid-spec cars. This setup offered a more seamless interface and convenient access to music streaming services and real-time traffic information, ensuring accurate route guidance. In a vehicle focused on functionality, utilizing smartphone integration seemed like the logical choice.
Comparison with Previous Model
The latest generation Stepway showcases substantial improvements, including a larger size, sharper angles, new LED headlights, and sleek metallic nameplates.
Before delving further into Stepway’s performance, it’s worth noting the substantial improvements the latest generation offers over its predecessor. The Sandero Stepway TCe 90 Prestige, our current fleet car, showcases the impressive strides made by Dacia. Boasting a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with 89bhp and 160Nm of torque, the Stepway delivers remarkable value for its range-topping status. Equipped with a host of useful standard features, such as air-conditioning, auto wipers, and an eight-inch infotainment system with Android and Apple integration, the Stepway delivers a comprehensive package.
2024 Dacia Stepway Redesign and Enhanced Design
The latest generation Stepway showcases substantial improvements, including a larger size, sharper angles, new LED headlights, and sleek metallic nameplates.
When comparing the two models side by side, the advancements in the new Sandero Stepway become instantly apparent. Not only is the latest version slightly larger, but it also boasts a more convincing SUV appearance, characterized by sharper angles and new LED headlights. Attention to detail is evident in the refined styling, as seen in the sleek metallic nameplates on the grille and roof bars, which replace the dated Stepway sticker found on the previous model.
2024 Dacia Stepway: Enhanced Interior Design and Technology
The Stepway’s refined interior features fabric trim elements, breaking up the monotonous plastics, and an improved infotainment system with clear graphics and better responsiveness.
Inside the cabin, Dacia has made significant upgrades, transforming the interior from rugged to refined. The addition of fabric trim elements breaks up the monotonous sea of black and gray plastics, giving the Sandero a more premium feel compared to its pricier competitors. The infotainment system, though only slightly larger than its predecessor, impresses with its clear graphics and improved responsiveness. Convenient features, such as the removable cradle for smartphones and a concealed USB port, further enhance the overall user experience.
Refined Ride and Handling
The Stepway offers enhanced ride quality, improved refinement, and a lighter steering feel, providing a balanced and enjoyable driving experience on various road conditions.
On the road, the new Stepway demonstrates enhanced ride quality, improved refinement at all speeds, and an overall more enjoyable driving experience. Notably, the steering has been refined to offer a lighter feel compared to the previous model. While the Stepway’s acceleration may not be particularly exhilarating, its performance is more than sufficient for urban environments. The comfortable ride, especially when equipped with modest 16-inch wheels, further contributes to the overall satisfaction behind the wheel.
As our Stepway concludes its time on our fleet, it leaves behind a lasting impression of excellence. With the gradual easing of Covid restrictions, we eagerly anticipate embarking on longer journeys to witness the Stepway’s performance over extended distances. Dacia has undoubtedly produced a vehicle that combines versatility, affordability, and a comprehensive range of features. With the Stepway’s continuous evolution, we eagerly anticipate future powertrain updates and further refinements that will solidify its position as an exceptional choice in the compact SUV segment.
2024 Dacia Stepway: Engine Options and Possibilities
While specific engine options for the 2024 Dacia Stepway remain undisclosed, it is worth noting the current offerings available in the Duster, which shares a platform with the Stepway. These include petrol and diesel options such as the 1.0-liter TCe 90, the 1.3-liter TCe 130, the 1.3-liter TCe 150, and the 1.5-liter Blue dCi 115. These engines provide a range of power outputs, ensuring a suitable choice for various driving preferences and requirements.
2024 Dacia Stepway: Anticipated Powertrain Updates
The Stepway’s engine options, shared with its platform counterparts, may include petrol and potential phasing out of diesel engines, awaiting official confirmation.
Given Stepway’s transition to the CMF-B platform, it is likely to benefit from powertrain updates shared with its counterparts. While unconfirmed, rumors suggest that the diesel engine options may be phased out, although no official announcements have been made at this time. Dacia enthusiasts eagerly await further details and official confirmation regarding the engine lineup for the 2024 Stepway model.
Dacia Sandero Stepway: Unveiling the Power of Versatility and Refinement”
| Title | Summary |
| Dacia Sandero Stepway Review | The Dacia Sandero Stepway has exceeded expectations, proving to be a budget brand with high-quality features and performance. |
| Simplicity and User-Friendly Features | The Stepway offers intuitive and easy-to-use features, including a helpful speed limiter and a clear digital screen for setting visible speed limits. |
| Stylish and Rugged Design | The Stepway strikes the perfect balance with plastic surrounds on larger wheel arches and eye-catching roof bars, adding a rugged SUV look. |
| Versatility and Spaciousness | Loaded with DIY equipment and decorating supplies, the Stepway comfortably accommodates both passengers and belongings, making it perfect for adventurous journeys. |
| Comfortable and Refined on Motorways | With its increased ride height, the Stepway provides a comfortable and refined experience on motorways, offering an enjoyable drive even at higher speeds. |
| Adequate Power for Most Situations | The Stepway’s 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine delivers sufficient power for urban environments, although it may struggle on inclines or with a full load. |
| Thoughtful Cabin Design | The Stepway’s cabin offers a pleasant and comfortable environment, with well-executed essential features and easy adjustability for the driver’s seat and steering wheel. |
| Functional and User-Friendly Tech | The Stepway’s in-car technology, including the Android and Apple smartphone integration, provides a seamless interface and convenient access to music streaming and real-time traffic information. |
| Impressive Upgrades Over Previous Model | The latest generation Stepway showcases substantial improvements, including a larger size, sharper angles, new LED headlights, and sleek metallic nameplates. |
| Enhanced Interior Design and Technology | The Stepway’s refined interior features fabric trim elements, breaking up the monotonous plastics, and an improved infotainment system with clear graphics and better responsiveness. |
| Refined Ride and Handling | The Stepway offers enhanced ride quality, improved refinement, and a lighter steering feel, providing a balanced and enjoyable driving experience on various road conditions. |
| Anticipated Powertrain Updates | The Stepway’s engine options, shared with its platform counterparts, may include petrol and potential phasing out of diesel engines, awaiting official confirmation. |
| Continuous Evolution and Refinement | Dacia’s commitment to constant improvement ensures that the Stepway will continue to evolve, offering more refined features and enhanced performance in the future. |