2026 Dacia Sandero Stepway Eco-G 120 Auto Review

The 2026 Dacia Sandero Eco-G 120 automatic marks a decisive evolution for Europe's best-selling city car. For the first time, LPG pairs with an automatic gearbox at Dacia, opening new horizons for an already-proven formula. With 122 hp under the hood and a range exceeding 1500 km, this Stepway version confirms that efficiency doesn't mean sacrificing driving pleasure.

"This engine, codenamed HR12, is intentionally simplified: no EGR valve, fixed-geometry turbo. The goal is clear: limit complexity to control costs and maximize reliability" — Laurent Blairon, Moniteur Automobile

LPG Finally Goes Automatic

The headline news for this Sandero Stepway Eco-G 120 auto is the unprecedented pairing of LPG with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Gone are the sometimes-jerky roboticized boxes of old: Dacia has opted for a 6-speed unit that can even be controlled via steering wheel paddles. An absolute first in the Romanian manufacturer's history.

The 3-cylinder 1.2 turbo biofuel engine develops 122 hp versus 100 hp for the previous block. This 20% bump comes with a 10% reduction in consumption and especially a larger LPG tank: 49.6 liters instead of 40. Result: theoretical range of 1590 km for the standard Sandero and 1480 km for the Stepway.

Design That Evolves Gently

Visually, changes remain measured. Up front, the new LED signature in inverted "T" shape modernizes the face. This signature now appears in the interior ventilation ducts, creating an aesthetic link between exterior and cabin.

Out back, the taillights adopt a pixelated design stretching toward the rear window. A matte black trim in Starkle — material incorporating 20% recycled plastic — completes the look on the Stepway version. This raw plastic promises better scratch resistance while reducing environmental impact.

Tech and Equipment: Moving Upmarket

The cabin finally welcomes a 10-inch touchscreen with connected navigation and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless smartphone charging makes its debut, as do the YouClip accessories letting you mount tablets, phone holders, or coat hooks on dedicated points.

On safety, the Sandero catches up: emergency auto-braking with expanded detection (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists), driver attention monitoring via camera, and a 360° camera depending on trim level.

Pricing?

The Sandero starts at €12,990 in Essential SCe 65 trim. Our Stepway Eco-G 120 auto in Extreme finish comes in at €20,490. In manual, the Eco-G 120 begins at €15,590 for the Sandero and €16,990 for the Stepway. Pricing that lets Dacia keep its edge against a Renault Clio sitting around €18,000 or a Peugeot 208 north of €18,500.

On the Road: A Milestone Crossed

You feel the change from the first kilometers. The Magna automatic — already proven on the Renault Kardian — prioritizes efficiency with early upshifts and refined operation. Purists might find it a touch sedate, but the paddles let you take control.

The engine hits 0-100 km/h in 10 seconds on LPG with a top speed of 180 km/h. Respectable performance, even if the 1.0 TCe 110 petrol keeps a slight edge in snappiness. Consumption ranges between 7 and 8 L/100 km on fuel, with roughly an extra liter on LPG.

Soundproofing Could Be Better

While handling improves and the well-calibrated steering contributes to good vibes, the engine remains audible under load. A point where better-insulated Renault models keep the advantage. A relative criticism, but perceptible on long drives.

Range: The Ace Card

With its 50-liter LPG tank, the Sandero promises a range well over 1000 km without stopping at the pump. A major asset for serious road warriors, especially at today's fuel prices.

This Sandero Stepway Eco-G 120 automatic confirms Dacia's controlled upmarket move. More modern, better equipped, and genuinely more pleasant to live with, it stays true to its unbeatable value-for-money logic. Enough to keep the competition sweating.

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