Next-gen Dacia Sandero to be a C-segment hatchback

With its speculative rendering, the German publication suggests that the Dacia Sandero will traverse upmarket in its third generation, and that's not all. The sub-compact hatchback will metamorphose into a proper hatchback like a Renault Megane or Ford Focus.

The third generation Dacia Sandero will ride on the CMF-B platform, which Groupe Renault  has developed in two types: low specifications and high specifications. It is safe to assume that Dacia will pick the low specifications given its target price and audience. Utilising a B-segment car's platform for a C-segment project is something even Skoda plans to do, for its next-gen Rapid Spaceback due next year.

Back to the Sandero, toggling to the CMF-B and gaining AEB will help in achieveing a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

The 2020 Dacia Sandero's engine options will likely include small and compact petrol, bi-fuel and diesel engines, most carried over with from the current model, albeit with improvements. Dacia could offer the new 1.3-litre TCe engine co-developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler as well.

The current Dacia Sandero's prices start at €6,990. The next-gen Dacia Sandero's prices should start at around €8,000. It is said to arrive at the end of 2019.

The next-gen Renault Sandero (and Renault Logan) would take a different direction, and not just as co-branded Dacia vehicles.