Dacia is headed Down Under

GOOD NEWS FOR BUDGET BUYERS! ANOTHER LOW-COST BRAND IS SOON TO ARRIVE. HERE’S WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU, AND FOR PARENT RENAULT

- ALEX INWOOD

CAR BUYERS hunting for strong value will soon have another brand to consider, with Dacia set to join the Aussie marketplace early next year. The budget-focused brand, which leapt into the global spotlight through a series of running jokes by Top Gear co-host James May, is aiming to launch locally with at least four models ranging from a small hatch through to light commercials.

All will major on value, with the Romanian-built Dacia Sandero expected to be the cheapest of the lot with a sticker price tipped to start below $20K. While Aussie pricing is yet to be announced, the Sandero costs from £7995 in the UK, which equates to around A$14,600. If such a price is possible, it would see the Sandero significantly undercut the Kia Picanto to become one of Australia’s cheapest cars.

An exact local line-up is yet to be confirmed, but early talk is that we will also see the Sandero Stepway crossover, Duster SUV and Orochute.