The new Renault Sandero Stepway, however, is an infinitely superior vehicle to its predecessor. One expects manufacturers to incrementally improve their wares with each generation, but with the latest version of the Stepway, Renault has does more than just that — the urban crossover has taken giant leaps forward in virtually all departments. And the best part of it all? The second-gen Stepway's pocket-pleasing price-tag has hardly changed.

Perhaps most impressive is the Stepway's standard specification list, which includes a number of features that are pretty unusual in the budget segment. It boasts rear parking sensors, cruise control (with a speed limiter), Bluetooth, leather steering wheel (with tilt-adjustment) and satellite audio controls, as well as an electronic stability programme, traction control, hill-start assist, emergency brake assist, and four airbags.

In addition to these handy items, the Stepway also features all the kit one would expect from such a vehicle, including electric windows, air-conditioning, a multi-information display, audio system (CD/radio/USB/Aux), electrically adjustable side-mirrors, front fog-lights, a 60:40 split folding rear bench, IsoFix child-seat anchors, and ABS with EBD.

The styling is similarly pleasing, allowing the Renault Sandero Stepway to come across as more premium than it actually is. In fact, we reckon this crossover version — with its subtle black cladding, raised ground clearance (up 29mm to 193mm), front and rear scuff-plates, and silver roof-rails — is a fair bit better looking than the standard hatch on which it is based.

Of course, the Stepway shares its powerplant — an 898cc turbo triple we first sampled in the Renault Clio 4 — with the self-same Sandero. This forced induction three-potter makes a credible 66kW at 5250rpm and 135Nm at 2500rpm (besting the previous generation's naturally aspirated 1.6-litre), which the French automaker reckons is good for an 11.1-second dash to 100km/h.

In reality, though, the Sandero Stepway feels a little sluggish at the bottom of the rev-range, even if the fuel-saving Eco Mode (which dulls engine response for the sake of efficiency) is disabled. This lack of punch compels the driver to push a little harder, resulting in a menacing three-potter thrum as the revs rise, as well as a general decrease in fuel efficiency.

Although we didn't manage to match Renault's consumption claim of 5.4 litres per 100km, we were nevertheless left impressed by our final figure of 6.1 — which translates into a theoretical range of well over 800km from the 50-litre tank. Bear in mind, however, that in top gear the small capacity engine spins at a rather lofty 3000rpm at 120km/h.

The shift action of the five-speed manual gearbox, meanwhile, is disappointingly flimsy and the ride a little choppy over scarred tarmac. In fact, chuck the Stepway around and it feels decidedly unsettled thanks to the appreciable increase in ride-height. But customers buying a Stepway are likely to care more that it can take poor road surfaces in its stride than that it doesn't corner particularly flat.

Inside, the Stepway comes across as hard-wearing but without looking "cheap and nasty". The layout of certain controls, however, takes some getting used to (the front electric windows, for example, are operated via dash-mounted buttons in front of the gear-lever, while the rear window controls are bizarrely situated between the front seats). Cabin space is considerable, with rear leg-room perfectly acceptable and head-room back there really rather good. The boot, meanwhile, can swallow 292 litres (and hides a space-saver spare wheel).

Make no mistake, the Sandero Stepway is a budget car, but the fact that it's easy on the eye and absolutely crammed with kit — as well as a standard five-year or 150 000km warranty and two-year or 30 000km service plan (with intervals of 15 000km) — makes it stand out from the cut-price crowd. In fact, it outshines the recently launched Toyota Etios Cross in all areas other than engine response and road manners.

The Stepway represents terrific value for money, even if it is some R14k more expensive than the standard Sandero hatchback.

Very much unlike its predecessor, the new Renault Sandero Stepway's significant strengths render its flaws almost inconsequential.

Power

Engine: 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Power: 66kW at 5250rpm

Torque: 135Nm at 2500rpm

Tyre Size

205/55 R16

Space

Luggage compartment: 292 litres

Get a close-up look and personal feel for the Renault Sandero at a Group 1 Renault dealership or view the Renault Sandero for sale online. Find the perfect Renault for you at a Group 1 Renault today.