Revised Dacia Sandero (2012) first official pictures

It’s been five years in the making but Dacia has uncovered the latest version of the Sandero ahead of its official launch at the Paris motor show. There's been a styling overhaul inside and out, but it's the Dacia's low price that'll get consumers excited...

You may struggle to identify any major aesthetic changes from the old Sandero, but Dacia claim its new model incorporates ‘more assertive, status-enhancing design cues.’ One thing's for sure, Dacia has made an effort to bring the Sandero in line with its other models, such as the Duster, with a more angular front end and sculpted flanks.

It’s difficult to say without seeing it in the flesh, but the new Sandero’s cabin looks like a step up from the previous model with a tidier, more sophisticated centre console.

Depending on what your budget allows, the base model will come without alloy wheels, electric mirrors or air-con, but will thankfully feature safety tech such as airbags and ABS. Mid-range models will get colour-coded bumpers and front foglights, while you’ll have to part with a bit more cash to get a trip computer and alloy wheels.

With prices starting at under £7000, the Sandero will be popular for those in the market for a budget city runabout, giving more mainstream competitors such as the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Swift something to think long and hard about.

Full pricing and specifications will be revealed later this month at the Paris motor show, in advance of Dacia’s official UK launch next January.

By Rory Smith