By Khulekani Dumisa

Earlier this month, Renault showed us live images of the new Renault Sandero and Stepway without giving much detail. The brand has now shared full details of the new duo. We like the new design and think if Renault keeps the prices as attractive as they at present, this and the new look will mean more customers for the brand.

New looks

Built on a completely new platform, the third generation Sandero sits lower and has more internal room. Exterior looks of the Sandero include a more sloping windshield, a lower roofline and a radio antenna placed at the rear.

Meanwhile the Stepway gets a raised ground clearance, logoted roof bars, large wheel arch wideners and reinforced door bottoms. The front sets itself apart with a more domed bonnet.

Both cars get a new grille, new bumpers and standard Y-shaped LED which are joined by a horizontal line at the front and rear.

Interior

The cars gets an all-new dashboards and feature new materials. New seat design, and multiple seat and steering wheel adjustments are also on offer for greater comfort.

Renault is also offering a new Media Control system that allows users to manage radio, telecommunications and navigation directly on their smartphone, which is mounted on a special bracket at the top of the dashboard.  This system, fitted on the first trim levels, is completed by the Media Display and Media Nav, this time with a specific screen on the center console. The systems support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and with Media Nav, even allowing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via Bluetooth.

Without mentioning numbers, Renault says, interior roominess, boot volume and storage space have been further improved in the all-new Sandero and Stepway.

Safety

The Sandero and Stepway get a reinforced structure complete with 6 standard airbags thanks to the CMF modular platform that the cars are now built on. New driving aids, including AEB (Emergency Brake Assist) and eCall, which come as standard, also get introduced.

Engines

The exclusively gasoline-powered range of engines features a new CVT gearbox for a new two-pedal offering, as well as an ECO-G gasoline/LPG bi-fuel engine for better fuel economy and reliability.

A naturally aspirated 1.0-liter engine with 48 kW and a five-speed manual will move the Sandero. The Stepway (at least in Europe) will not get the naturally aspirated engine but (along with the Sandero) will get a turbocharged 0.9-litre with 71 kW that is paired with a six-speed transmission. At the summit is a bi-fuel engine.

All engine options will get a stop/start system and the previously mention CVT transmission.

The local introduction of the all-new Renault Sandero and Stepway is yet to be announced.