Dacia Sandero RS Hot Hatch Planned for Emerging Markets
Dacia is preparing a Sandero RS hot hatch aimed at Brazil and Russia, with Renaultsport confirming the project will sit below the Clio RS in its line-up.
Dacia is developing a Sandero RS hot hatch for launch in emerging markets, with Renaultsport confirming the project ahead of the 2014 Moscow Motor Show. The RS-badged Sandero will target buyers in Brazil and Russia, but is not planned for European sale.
Patrice Ratti, head of Renaultsport, confirmed to Autocar that the Sandero RS is under development and will sit at the entry point of the Renaultsport line-up. The car is intended to offer a budget-friendly hot hatch option in markets where the Sandero is already popular. In these regions, the car is sold under the Renault badge, not as a Dacia.
Positioning in the Renaultsport Range
The Sandero RS will be positioned below the Clio RS and Megane RS in terms of price and performance. Ratti indicated that the new model is aimed at buyers looking for a sporty hatchback without the premium price tag associated with Renaultsport’s higher-end offerings. The Sandero’s lighter weight compared to the Clio means it does not require as much power to deliver engaging performance.
The most powerful Sandero currently on sale in Russia uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 101hp. The RS version will feature a more potent engine, though Renaultsport has not yet detailed exact specifications. The model is expected to use a naturally aspirated or possibly a tuned version of the 1.6-litre engine, but no turbocharging or high-end hardware from the Clio RS is anticipated at this level.
Market Focus and Strategy
Dacia’s Sandero RS is a response to demand for affordable performance cars in markets where the Renault badge carries more weight than Dacia’s. The decision to exclude Europe from the launch is based on market positioning and the existing Renaultsport range available to European buyers. The RS will be marketed as a Renault in Brazil and Russia, where the Sandero already competes in the budget hatchback segment.
The Sandero RS will join a Renaultsport line-up that includes the Clio RS and Megane RS, but will be priced and specified to appeal to a different set of buyers. The car is expected to offer a combination of sporty looks, uprated suspension and brakes, and a more powerful engine, but without the advanced technology or price of Renaultsport’s European models.
Comparison with Other Budget Hot Hatches
The Sandero RS will compete with locally popular hot hatches such as the Volkswagen Gol GT and Fiat Palio Sporting in Brazil. Its positioning as a budget performance car echoes moves by other manufacturers to offer accessible sporty models in emerging markets. For European buyers interested in the Sandero RS, Renault has confirmed there are no plans to bring the car to the region. More details, including engine output and performance figures, are expected closer to launch.
