Sandero Says Goodbye in 2025 After 17 Years of Success

O Renault Sandero, one of the most striking compact hatchbacks on the Brazilian market, ended its trajectory in 2025, after 17 years of production. Even though it has been offered exclusively in the Stepway version in recent years, with an engine 1.0 aspirated and an adventurous appeal, the model no longer had the same shine that made it famous in the past. Thus, Renault decided to discontinue its production at the São José dos Pinhais plant in Paraná and focus on more promising segments, such as compact SUVs, with emphasis on the recently launched Renault Kardian.

Despite its demise in the Brazilian market, the Sandero's legacy lives on among enthusiasts and consumers who recognized its durability, generous interior space and value for money. Let's explore the trajectory of this era-defining hatchback and understand why it became an icon for the Renault brand in Brazil.

The Beginning of Everything: A Global Hatch

O Renault Sandero was born as a project of Dacia, the Romanian sub-brand of Renault specialized in low-cost cars. Developed with the participation of engineers from France, Romania and Brazil, the Sandero was designed as a global, affordable and robust car, ideal for emerging markets and consumers looking for practical and economical vehicles.

His first appearance was in Frankfurt Motor Show, in 2007, as a global Dacia model. A few months later, the hatch arrived in Brazil, being the Renault's first car to be launched outside Europe. In the country, he competed with heavyweights of the time, such as Fiat Palio, Volkswagen Gol It is Ford Fiesta, and soon conquered its space thanks to its excellent cost-benefit and reliability.

The Stepway Version: The Adventure Hatchback

In 2009, Renault launched the Stepway version, with an adventurous appeal and robust style, features that were popular with Brazilian consumers. The formula included wider tires, raised suspension and aesthetic details that were reminiscent of an SUV. Competing directly with Volkswagen's CrossFox, the Stepway offered a similar proposition at a more affordable price, which further increased its popularity.

Interestingly, the Stepway version was presented in Brazil eight months before being shown at the Barcelona Motor Show, which shows the relevance of the Brazilian market for the model. Over the years, Renault has invested heavily in the Stepway's image, even promoting it as a “compact SUV”, despite its platform being the same as the traditional Sandero.

The Second Generation: More Modernity

The second generation of the Sandero arrived on the European market in 2012, but was only introduced in Brazil in 2014, due to the time needed to adapt to local conditions. This generation brought a more refined design, improvements in safety and comfort, as well as a new line of more efficient 1.0 and 1.6 engines.

In Brazil, the second-generation Sandero stood out as a reliable option for app drivers, thanks to generous interior space and good drivability. It also maintained its reputation as a robust car, ideal for facing the challenging conditions of Brazilian streets and roads.

Sandero RS: The Sports Car That Conquered Brazilians

Among all versions, the Sandero RS was, without a doubt, the most striking. Launched in 2015, the sports hatchback featured an engine 2.0 naturally aspirated 150 hp and torque 20.9 kgfm, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. With reduced weight and adjustments made by Renault Sport, the Sandero RS delivered an exciting driving experience, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds.

Best of all? The competitive price, which at the time was around R$ 65 thousand, well below rivals such as the Fiat 500 Abarth and Suzuki Swift Sport. This made the Sandero RS a hit among young drivers and sports car fans, cementing its place as one of the best affordable hot hatches sold in Brazil.

The Decline of Compact Hatches

In recent years, the compact hatchback segment has lost strength in the Brazilian market. Iconic models such as Volkswagen Gol, Fiat Uno, Ford Ka It is Toyota Etios were also discontinued, reflecting a change in consumer behavior, which now prefers SUVs and crossovers.

Renault followed this trend, choosing not to bring the third generation of the Sandero, launched in Europe in 2020, for Brazil. Instead, the brand decided to invest in compact SUVs, such as the Renault Kardian, which is positioned as the brand’s new flagship in the country.

The End of the Line

The end of Sandero production, officially announced in 2025, marks the end of an important cycle for Renault in Brazil. The Stepway version, the last remaining in the line, will no longer be manufactured, ending the trajectory of a car that accumulated more than 1.5 million units sold in the country.

Now, the Sandero joins the group of memorable cars that are no longer produced in Brazil, such as the Chevrolet Corsa, O Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio. However, its legacy lives on among consumers who value its simplicity, durability and value for money.

Conclusion

O Renault Sandero was more than a compact hatchback. It symbolized a time when entry-level cars were the protagonists of Brazilian streets. During 17 years old, the model has proven to be a reliable, affordable and versatile car, winning over drivers of different profiles and adapting to market changes.

Although its production has come to an end, the Sandero leaves a legacy that will hardly be forgotten. Its impact on the market, especially with striking versions such as the Stepway and Sandero RS, will continue to be celebrated by enthusiasts and former owners.

Now, in 2025, Renault turns its attention to the future, betting on SUVs and more modern technologies. But for those of you who experienced the best moments of the Sandero, we are certain that it will always have a special place in the history of the Brazilian automotive market.