New Dacia Sandero 2026, the best-selling car is renewed and raises its commitment to LPG

The wait is over. After a huge amount of spy photos and even leaks, the new Dacia Sandero 2026 has been officially unveiled. The third generation of the best-selling car in Spain has undergone a significant update. A facelift to stay current and face the remaining commercial life ahead.

It comes with a new exterior design, expanded technological equipment, and a revised mechanical offering. The new Sandero does not come alone; it shares the stage with the new Dacia Jogger that also bursts onto the scene. With hundreds of thousands of units sold, the Sandero has been, since 2013, the best-selling new car to individuals in Spain. A bestseller that now has renewed arguments to deal with the growing Chinese competition.

The design of the new Dacia Sandero 2026

A quick glance at the images illustrating this article reveals what has changed in the Sandero. This model, along with its "crossover" variant Sandero Stepway and Jogger, are the first in the Dacia range to adopt the new lighting signature in the shape of an inverted letter "T" installed above the new headlight clusters where LED technology makes its presence felt.

The new lighting signature is connected to the new grille via a thin line of white dots that take on a pixel-like shape to create a striking contrast. The front bumper is also new. In the side view, there are no major changes, although it is true that the new Sandero, depending on the trim, incorporates new wheel trims or new lightweight alloy wheels, and a shark fin antenna as standard from the Expression trim.

Wrapping up our tour of the exterior at the rear, it is worth noting the new taillights that feature LED "pixel" lights. And in the specific case of the Sandero Stepway, the robust design is reinforced by a new matte black channeling band that extends between the taillights and the revised bumper.

To reinforce the adventurous and rugged image of the Sandero Stepway, the brand incorporates new Starkle protections that extend over the wheel arches, the body underbody, and the fog light trims. This is a material developed by Dacia, first introduced in the Duster, which contains 20% recycled plastic.

Regarding customization options, there are also new features. Dacia has not missed the opportunity to add new colors for the bodywork. The new Sandero and Sandero Stepway add the new Amber Yellow body color with a metallic finish.

The interior and technology of the new Dacia Sandero 2026

Setting aside the exterior, if we delve into the interior of the new Sandero, we will find ourselves enveloped in a more technological environment. The first thing that will catch our attention is the new 10-inch touchscreen. It is the "nerve center" of the revamped cabin. A key component for managing the infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It comes standard in the Expression, Extreme, and Journey trims.

The Media Control system, available in the base trim, features a new more intuitive interface. The new touchscreen is combined with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Another novelty that cannot be overlooked is the multifunction steering wheel that has already been available in other models of the brand. It is also worth mentioning the new automatic transmission gear selector and the shift paddles available for the new 120 HP ECO-G engine that we will discuss later.

Among the new features arriving in the Sandero range, the standout is the wireless charger for compatible mobile phones. This is the first time this model has this option. Other new features include automatic high beams, a multi-view camera, and exterior rearview mirrors with electric adjustments and folding.

In order to create a connection with the revamped exterior design, various changes have been made inside, such as the contours of the air vents adopting an inverted "T" style. Both in the dashboard and in the front doors, there are now new trims that can be made of fabric or denim depending on the trim. Speaking of trims and upholstery, Dacia has added new materials with black and blue fabrics. The Extreme trim retains the microcloud TEP upholstery.

To comply with stringent European regulations, the list of driving assistance systems has been improved. The new Sandero now incorporates assisted emergency braking in urban and peri-urban environments with detection of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles, as well as a driver attention monitoring system.

The engines of the new Dacia Sandero 2026

Under the hood, there have also been changes. And very important ones. While the electrification of the Sandero will have to wait, Dacia has made interesting adjustments to reinforce this model's commitment to the most popular alternative fuel: LPG. But first, let's talk about the gasoline thermal options.

The entry-level option was previously occupied by a 1.0-liter TCe three-cylinder gasoline engine with 90 HP. This block has been boosted and now reaches 100 HP. It is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The 1.0 TCe engine with 110 HP with manual transmission is also retained.

The bi-fuel version now takes center stage in the range. The new Sandero and Sandero Stepway incorporate a new 1.2-liter ECO-G three-cylinder engine with 120 HP (the previous one had 100 HP). It is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is the first time the Sandero range debuts an LPG engine with automatic transmission.

To improve performance, or rather autonomy, the LPG tank has also been increased. The Sandero now has a 49.6-liter tank while the Sandero Stepway reaches 40 liters respectively. This represents a 20% increase in autonomy in LPG mode. The total autonomy (LPG + gasoline) reaches 1,590 kilometers for the Sandero and 1,480 km for the Sandero Stepway. And by the way, it is worth noting that the LPG versions come with the ECO environmental label from the DGT with the mobility advantages that this entails.

Release date and prices of the new Dacia Sandero 2026

When will it hit the market? Dacia has not provided a specific date for the commercial launch of the new Sandero. However, we can assume that the configurator will be open before the end of the year. It will arrive at dealerships in the first half of 2026. Prices are, for now, a mystery. However, we can use the €13,600 from which the current model starts as a reference. The new one will be slightly more expensive.

* This news is an AI translation of the original content. Motenic.com is part of Motor.es.

Fuente: Dacia