[Cartoday]
Renault’s Sandero global car line up is set to receive an SUV-alike Crossover. Dubbed the Stepway, this newcomer is destined for Brazil and Argentina…could it find its way over here?
The Sandero Stepway is powered by a 1,6-litre, 16-valve engine developing 84 kW. Models destined for the Brazilian market can be had with a HiFlex bioethanol-burning version of this powerplant.
The Stepway’s underpinnings are essentially the same as those of the standard Sandero’s BO platform, but the ride height has been jacked up a notch. Chunky bumpers and plastic wheel arch liners, a revised grille and roof rails with an integrated spoiler further distinguish the Stepway from the standard car.
It’s never going to tackle anything more challenging than a kerb or two outside the supermarket, but those faux-macho styling cues will see the Stepway squaring up with the likes of VW’s CrossPolo, the Suzuki SX4 and Dodge Caliber.
With increasing economic pressure being placed upon Western markets, carmakers such as Renault are looking to developing nations, such as Brazil and Argentina, in order to up their numbers.
The Stepway is being introduced in Brazil, in a bid to move Renault up from its current fifth position in the market there. It will be introduced to Argentina shortly thereafter.
Will it find its way over here? Given the fact that Nissan’s Rosslyn plant is currently tooling up to manufacture the standard car here, it seems plausible that it will. The Sandero will make an appearance at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show before going on sale locally from next year.
Aug
27