Dacia’s Budget Stars Just Got A Serious Glow-Up

There’s plenty happening at Renault Group’s budget arm. Dacia’s no-nonsense lineup that includes the Sandero hatchback, Sandero Stepway crossover, Logan sedan, and Jogger crossover estate, has been handed a facelift. The updates bring sharper styling, more modern tech, and fresh powertrains, though the cars continue to hold fast to their budget-friendly roots.

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The Sandero and Logan launched in 2020, followed by the Jogger in 2021. A new corporate badge arrived in 2022, a few smarter safety aids landed in 2024, and now Dacia has decided to go further. The result is a slightly more sophisticated version of the same affordable recipe that’s been outselling many flashier rivals for years.

The Styling Changes

Visually, the newcomers look quite familiar to the untrained eye, but their redesigned LEDs, grilles, and bumpers, all contribute to a more modern look. The previous Y-shaped DRLs have been replaced by a slimper lightning signature which is mirrored in the clear tinted taillights (besides the Logan).

A slimmer front grille is joined by new bumper intakes that make the Sandero and Logan look more interesting. Of course, the Sandero Stepway and Jogger are distinguished by the skid plates and the additional plastic cladding which is now made of a partly-recycled material called Starkle. Finally, there are new designs for the alloy wheels and hub cups, and two fresh exterior shades, named Amber Yellow and Sandstone.

Cabins Get Smarter

Inside, Dacia’s designers have spent their budget wisely. A larger 10-inch infotainment screen now tops higher trims, while base versions keep the smartphone holder that works surprisingly well. The 7-inch digital instrument cluster gains updated graphics, and the new steering wheel feels a bit more substantial. You also get a wireless charging pad, the modular YouClip mounting system, and sturdier upholstery.

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In terms of safety, all models gain the driving aids required by the latest European safety standards including an improved automatic emergency braking system and driver attention alert. The driver can always tweak the ADAS configuration through the dedicated “My Safety” button. Furthermore, the optional Driving Pack adds auto headlights, a multi-view camera, and power folding mirrors to the flagship Journey and Extreme trims.

Hybrids, Gas, And A Bit Of LPG

Underneath, nothing drastic has changed. The Sandero, Stepway, Logan, and Jogger still ride on the CMF-B platform used across Dacia’s combustion range and shared with a few Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi models.

The big news is the arrival of the Hybrid 155 setup, borrowed from the Duster and Bigster SUVs. It pairs a 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, a 1.4 kWh battery, and a clutchless automatic gearbox, producing a combined 153 hp (114 kW / 155 PS) and 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque.

Dacia says it can run in electric mode for up to 80 percent of city driving, which sounds a bit optimistic. It launches in the Jogger first, then joins the Stepway in late 2026.

All four models are available with the Eco-G 120 option, featuring the new turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 118 hp (88 kW / 120 PS) and runs in both gasoline and LPG. This can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Dacia has made the LPG tanks larger than before, increasing the total range to up to 1,590 km (988 miles) between refuelling stops.

Finally, there are some gas-only options. The Sandero and Logan are offered with a basic 1.0-liter unit producing 64 hp (48 kW / 65 PS) or a slightly punchier turbo version with 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS). The Stepway and Jogger get that turbo engine in a livelier 109 hp (81 kW / 110 PS) form.

Pricing TBA

Prices haven’t been announced yet, but Dacia insists the facelifted Sandero family still delivers “even greater value for money,” keeping its reputation as Europe’s sensible buy. The Sandero remains the continent’s best-selling retail car, shifting 309,392 units in 2024 alone, with the Stepway accounting for about two-thirds of that number. Not bad for something that proudly refuses to be premium.

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