The Dacia Sandero 0.9 TCe Laureate 5dr Hatchback is an affordable and practical compact hatchback, ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option with no-frills simplicity. Offering a surprising amount of space and features for the price, it competes well in the entry-level segment, making it a strong choice for first-time car buyers or anyone seeking an economical daily driver. Let?s dive into the details and explore what the 67 Plate Dacia Sandero has to offer.Performance and EfficiencyPowering the Sandero 0.9 TCe is a 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 90 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. While this engine isn?t designed for blistering performance, it delivers enough power to get you around town efficiently, with a 0-60 mph time of around 11 seconds. It offers an easy drive for city commutes, with decent acceleration and enough grunt to keep up with traffic.The 1.0-litre engine offers great fuel efficiency, returning around 55-60 mpg on a combined cycle, depending on driving conditions. For a budget car, that?s an impressive figure, ensuring low running costs for everyday trips. The 5-speed manual gearbox shifts smoothly, and the steering is light, making parking and tight turns effortless. While it's not the most engaging car to drive, the Sandero delivers where it matters most?efficiency, comfort, and ease of use.In terms of driving experience, the Dacia Sandero has a comfortable and forgiving ride. The suspension is designed for everyday driving, and while it might feel a bit soft over rougher roads, it handles potholes and bumps with ease. On motorways or longer journeys, it?s perfectly capable but might feel a little underpowered at higher speeds, especially when overtaking.Interior and ComfortInside, the Sandero 0.9 TCe Laureate offers a surprisingly spacious and comfortable cabin. As expected in a budget car, the materials used are basic, with plenty of hard plastics, but the build quality is solid, and everything feels robust. The layout is straightforward, and the controls are simple to use, making it a great option for drivers who prefer a more basic and less tech-heavy cabin.The front seats offer decent comfort and support, especially for shorter to medium-distance journeys. The driving position is fairly upright, and there?s plenty of headroom and legroom for most drivers, even those of a taller stature. The rear seats offer reasonable space, though taller passengers might find legroom a bit tight on longer trips. Still, for the price, the Sandero is remarkably spacious inside, especially when compared to other cars in the budget segment.Boot space is another strong point of the Sandero. With 320 litres of cargo room, it comfortably accommodates luggage for a family weekend away or a large shop. It?s one of the biggest boot spaces in this class, making the Sandero ideal for those who need practicality and space in a compact car.Technology and FeaturesWhile the Dacia Sandero is a budget vehicle, the Laureate trim comes well-equipped for the price, providing a range of features that make it a more compelling choice in this price bracket.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system: The central touchscreen is easy to use and offers DAB radio, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. It?s relatively simple but does the job. Unfortunately, it doesn't have smartphone integration such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which may be a downside for those used to more advanced infotainment systems.Manual air conditioning: The Sandero Laureate comes with manual air conditioning, which is effective for keeping the cabin comfortable. While it?s not as sophisticated as climate control, it?s more than adequate for most users.Cruise control and speed limiter: These features make long-distance driving easier and more comfortable, which is great for motorway trips or even just reducing driving fatigue during everyday commutes.Electric windows and central locking: These are standard features and add to the car?s