For more than ten years, the Dacia Sandero has dominated sales in France thanks to an implacable recipe: unbeatable call price, generous interior space and equipment without frills. But in a market where expectations evolve quickly, staying at the top requires adapting. Dacia understood this and prepares a strategic facelift for its flagship model, scheduled for the end of 2025.
This restyling does not upset the fundamentals: the Sandero retains its proportions and its general appearance, but modernizes its lines with neat details. The light signature abandons the motif in “Y” for a more sophisticated horizontal LED drawing, while grille and shields gain in personality. Subtle adjustments which concern both the classic version and the steepway with a brown look.
But the real novelty is hidden under the hood: for the first time, the Sandero will host a complete hybrid engine. Inherited from the Renault Clio and the Captur, this 140 hp system promises a net consumption and an increased driving pleasure, without sacrificing the competitive price which makes the strength of the model. An important turn that could further expand its customers and directly threaten the hybrid references of the segment such as Toyota Yaris.
A bestseller that prepares his future
In France, the Dacia Sandero is more than just an affordable car: it has become a safe bet, a rational choice that seduces both individuals and fleets. With a firmly established leader position, the model could be content to capitalize on its success. But the versatile city car market is changing: environmental standards are tightened, expectations in terms of equipment is changing and hybrid competition is strengthening.
The restyling expected for the end of 2025-early 2026 is therefore not a simple cosmetic update. It is for Dacia to prepare its flagship model to remain competitive in a context where technology becomes an essential purchase criterion, even on the most accessible segments.
A refined style but without breaking
Visually, the Sandero 2026 retains the essence of the current model: balanced proportions, generous ground clearance, and robust design. But the detail makes the difference. The new LED light signature adopts a broken horizontal line, replacing the “Y” pattern which so far characterized the range.
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The grille evolves towards a more horizontal drawing, integrating the new Dacia logo with more presence. The front and rear shields are redesigned to accentuate the perceived width and improve aerodynamics. As always, the Stepway and Standard variations will benefit from the same developments, the first, however, retaining its crossover attributes: roof bars, wheel array protections and enhanced cash height.
A more connected interior
On board, Dacia philosophy remains intact: simple materials, robust adjustments and ergonomics without surprise. But the high versions should accommodate a central screen larger than the current 8 inch, accompanied by a modernized multimedia system. Integration ofOTA (Remote updates) is envisaged, which would constitute a first for the model.
The entry-level could keep the smartphone support as an infotainment system, in order to maintain an attractive starting price. In all cases, the safety equipment will remain aligned with European standards, including automatic emergency braking, help in keeping the track and recognition of traffic signs.
An unprecedented hybrid engine
The real novelty of the Sandero 2026 lies in its mechanical offer. For the first time, Dacia will offer a complete hybrid version. This powertrain, already seen on the Renault Clio E-Tech and the Captur, combines an atmospheric 1.6-cylinder oil engine with two electric motors: a starter-gener-giving and a traction engine.
With a combined power of 140 chthe system offers fluid and silent driving in town, while maintaining consumption below 5 L/100 km depending on estimates. It will also drive short distances in 100 % electric mode, an asset to reduce consumption in an urban environment and obtain the cris’Air 1 badge.
Objective: to counter hybrid references
By introducing this technology, Dacia directly targets models such as Toyota Yaris Hybrid or the Renault Clio E-Techwhile retaining its price advantage. If the positioning is confirmed, the Sandero Hybrid could become the most affordable complete hybrid on the French market, below the 20,000 € at the entrance.
This hybrid offensive is part of a wider strategy: to offer customers a more efficient alternative without sacrificing the philosophy of simplicity and robustness that has built Dacia’s reputation. A bet that could not only reinforce the domination of the Sandero, but also to shake up the order established in the segment of hybrid city cars.