BRITAIN'S CHEAPEST CAR: DACIA SANDERO vs CITROEN C3

We line up superminis from Dacia and Citroen in our new road test to find the best-value option 

IN the past, buying the cheapest new car on sale meant living with some trade-offs. Whether that was a wheezy engine, a cramped cabin or flimsy plastics, there was always an overriding feeling of compromise at every turn.

This pair shows that this no longer needs to be the case. Dacia has rebranded its range to steer away from its budget roots and towards a more rugged image. Here we're trying the Sandero Expression, which costs £13,995.

Up against it is the Citroen C3 You! which is the same price, and almost £3,000 less than the next C3 in the range. Does it offer more for your money than the Sandero?

Dacia Sandero
MODEL TESTED: 1.0 TCe Expression
PRICE: £13,995 POWERTRAIN: 1.0-litre 3cyl turbo petrol, 89bhp

IN Expression trim, the Dacia Sandero comes with a host of useful upgrades beyond the base Essential spec. On top of its £13,995 asking price, our test car is fitted with the optional Iron Blue paint (£650) and a spare wheel (£300), bringing the final total to £14,945.

Tech highlights

WHEN the first-generation Sandero arrived, its low price was made possible by using Renault's old platforms and tech. The latest model, however, is right up to date, using the same CMF-B underpinnings as the current Clio - our New Supermini of the Year for three years running.