Dacia Sandero Stepway Eco-G Test: Fuel efficiency takes a leap with LPG. Thanks to an additional liquefied gas tank, the Dacia Sandero Stepway Eco-G keeps fuel costs low and autonomy high.
By Laura King
Is this small SUV in its LPG variant worth it?
We answer you in this test.
Particularly low prices have always characterized Dacia. And now, the Romanian subsidiary of Renault allows itself another saving specialty: it offers liquefied gas models, like this Dacia Sandero Stepway TCe 100 Eco-G that we tested today.
Advantages of the so-called LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): low fuel costs and comparatively low CO2 emissions. With the Sandero, we have chosen Dacia’s smallest gas model, does the small vehicle really save money?
Design
Like Stepway, the Sandero has a slightly more adventurous appearance, measuring 4.10 meters long, eleven millimeters longer therefore, and 88 higher (including the roof bar) than the standard sibling.
The real gain is in the 201 millimeters of ground clearance, an increase of 39, which helps here and there over obstacles, providing the driver with a comfortable seat height of 60 centimeters.
Because the wheelbase (2,604 mm) and interior dimensions remain unchanged, there is no more space in the Stepway. Tall drivers handle themselves well in the front, but the seats could be firmer and larger overall. Otherwise, the Stepway leaves a neat and well-thought-out impression.
Engine
The one-liter turbo produces the characteristic three-cylinder sound, always present, but not annoying. Powered by liquefied gas, it provides 101 HP and 170 Nm of torque, which work smoothly and harmoniously, although they could have a little more temperament. Overall, it’s not a very spirited car, and it officially takes 11.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with a top speed of 174 km/h.
Dacia provides the same values for gasoline operation, although in that case there are only 91 HP and 160 Nm. Changing from liquefied gas to gasoline and vice versa is done with a simple touch and completely imperceptibly. However, gas operation is recommended, as the LPG engine seems a little smoother and more refined. And, of course, it reduces costs.
Great autonomy
Since the calorific value of a liter of liquefied gas is approximately 25% lower than that of a liter of gasoline, the Sandero naturally consumes more gas than gasoline per 100 kilometers. But that doesn’t matter, because gas is cheaper than 95.
In summary: although we have tested it in Germany, with the prices there, the fact that each kilometer traveled with gas saves approximately four cents, gives an idea of the cost reduction that it entails. And since it has two tanks (40 liters of gas, 50 liters of gasoline), it can theoretically travel more than 1,300 kilometers without stopping.
The basic LPG Stepway model has an additional cost of about 600 euros compared to the pure TCe 90 gasoline model and pays for itself after approximately 15,000 kilometers, taking the German example. And always with a three-year warranty (100,000 kilometers).
Factors to decide the purchase
The Sandero has always been attractive for its price, and with the liquefied gas option, refueling is even more economical. It’s ideal for those who prioritize savings, although the comfort weaknesses of the original model remain unchanged.
