The Dacia Sandero, projected to be Europe’s best-selling car in 2025, is facing a new competitor in the budget-friendly segment B market: the FIAT Grande Panda. With the arrival of the refreshed Sandero-now available with a Full Hybrid option-a detailed comparison between the two models is warranted. This report examines the design, interior features, engine options, and pricing of both vehicles as they vie for position in a competitive landscape.
Dacia Sandero has consistently focused on value and recently underwent a refresh, including a revised range of powertrains with the addition of a Full Hybrid option. The Sandero, projected to be the best-selling car in Europe in 2025, is a key model for Dacia, and the automaker aims to maintain its popularity throughout 2026 with this updated version. The vehicle continues to be offered in two body styles: Streetway, designed for city driving, and Stepway, with crossover-inspired styling. In the Italian market, the Sandero competes in the segment B, facing rivals such as the FIAT Grande Panda, a model on which the Italian automaker has placed significant bets.
With the arrival of the new Dacia Sandero, a comparison with the FIAT Grande Panda is warranted to examine their features and differences.
DIMENSIONS AND DESIGN
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The Sandero Streetway measures 4.102 mm in length, 1.848 mm in width, and 1.499 mm in height. Dimensions are similar for the Stepway version. Luggage capacity reaches up to 410 liters, though this decreases to 328 liters for models equipped with a GPL (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) system due to the fuel tank. The recent refresh has updated the Sandero’s appearance, primarily redesigning the front end. It now features headlights with a new inverted T-shaped light signature. This signature is connected to the redesigned grille by a thin line of white dots, resembling pixels against the black grid. The inverted T-shaped light signature is also incorporated into the rear design.
The FIAT Grande Panda measures 3.990 mm in length, 1.760 mm in width, and 1.570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2.540 mm. It offers 412 liters of luggage space, reduced to 361 liters in the electric version. The Grande Panda’s design is characterized by a front end featuring Pixel light signature headlights and styling cues reminiscent of the Panda 4×4, such as embossed lettering on the doors. The all-electric model includes a front port for charging at alternating current stations.
INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY
The interior of the Dacia Sandero has also been revised with several updates, including a new steering wheel designed for improved ergonomics. The inverted T-shape theme extends to the interior, specifically on the air vents. Models with automatic transmissions feature a new E-Shifter transmission selector on the center console. In terms of technology, higher trim levels include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster with new graphics. The base trim does not include an infotainment system, only a smartphone holder, while higher trims feature a 10-inch display.
The interior of the FIAT Grande Panda features a dashboard that modernizes the design of the original Panda. Behind the steering wheel is a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display is also included. However, the base trim level does not include the infotainment system, offering only a smartphone holder instead. The dashboard is enclosed in a frame with rounded edges, and some of the upholstery details echo the color of the vehicle’s exterior.
ENGINES
The new Dacia Sandero offers a range of powertrains, including GPL and Full Hybrid options. The TCe 110 gasoline engine with a 6-speed manual transmission is available. The Sandero Streetway also offers the SCe 65 gasoline version with a 5-speed manual transmission. For those preferring GPL, the Eco-G 120 is available, featuring a 1.2-liter, 120 hp turbocharged bi-fuel engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Total range (GPL + gasoline) reaches 1,590 km for the Sandero Streetway and 1,480 km for the Sandero Stepway. The Sandero Streetway also offers the new TCe 100: a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Hybrid 155 (Full Hybrid) version, already seen on the Dacia Bigster, will be available from late 2026.
FIAT Grande Panda is currently offered with gasoline, mild hybrid, and electric powertrains. The range includes the familiar 1.2-liter, 100 hp PureTech 3-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Hybrid version is also available, featuring the same gasoline engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission that integrates a 29 hp electric motor. Total system output reaches 110 hp. At the top of the range is the Grande Panda electric model with a 113 hp motor, a 44 kWh LFP battery, and a WLTP range of 320 km.
PRICES
What is the price of the new Dacia Sandero in Italy? The Streetway starts at 14,800 euros, while the Stepway starts at 16,500 euros. The FIAT Grande Panda? Prices start at 17,900 euros for the gasoline model, 19,900 euros for the hybrid, and 23,900 euros for the electric version.
