Dacia Sandero RS: the update to the low-cost sports car (that you can't buy in Spain)

The Dacia Sandero RS 2020 gets updated and becomes a bit more aggressive. The bad news? It cannot be bought in Spain.

Following last month’s debut of the new Dacia Sandero and Dacia Logan models for South America, it is now the turn of the renowned Dacia Sandero RS to get a makeover. This is the first major facelift since the ‘hot’ compact was launched in 2015, and the changes are mainly limited to design updates.

For the 2020 model, the Dacia Sandero RS will receive new LED rear light clusters, new 17-inch black ‘diamond’ alloy wheels, new side decals reading Renault Sport, and red brake calipers inherited from the Racing Spirit limited edition.

Other distinctive exterior features, such as the F1-style front splitter, the black roof spoiler and the dual-outlet exhaust, remain unchanged. The interior also borrows features from the Dacia Sandero RS Racing Spirit, including the black interior roof and red double-stitched seats. In addition, the door panels feature a fabric with a carbon-fibre look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRleBA0ti2s

Dacia Sandero RS 2020, how its style has evolved

The only option available is the metallic paint, which can be chosen in Fire Red, Étoile Silver or Nacré Black, as the Sandero RS comes with white paint as standard. Nothing changes mechanically: the Dacia Sandero RS 2020 retains the same naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine producing 150 CV and 205 Nm of torque when running on ethanol, and 145 CV and 201 Nm when running on petrol.

It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox with short ratios. The Dacia Sandero RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202 km/h. The Renault-Sport tuned suspension, the electrohydraulic steering and the four-wheel disc brake system remain the same.

Standard equipment includes the RS Drive system with three driving modes (Standard, Sport and Sport+), hill start assist, electronic stability control, traction control, the Media Nav Evolution infotainment system, automatic air conditioning, rear-view camera, electrically adjustable mirrors, electric windows and cruise control with speed limiter. Prices start from 17,000 dollars in Brazil.