As Europe’s best-selling retail car, the Dacia Sandero carries massive expectations into its next chapter.


Set to arrive around 2028, the fourth-generation supermini will mark a historic milestone as the first Renault Group model engineered to offer both combustion-hybrid and full-electric powertrains under the same badge.

For our latest editorial commission with Auto Express, we set out to illustrate how Dacia will evolve its champion budget hatchback—balancing aerodynamic EV efficiency with the rugged, outdoorsy attitude that defines the modern Dacia lineup.


One Design Language, Multiple Powertrains: The Creative Brief


Working alongside Auto Express Deputy Editor Richard Ingram and insights from Dacia’s leadership—including CEO Katrin Adt, VP Frank Marotte, and Design Director David Durand—our brief focused on two major shifts in the Sandero formula:

  1. A Unified Multi-Energy Exterior: Rather than splitting its lineup into separate electric and combustion sub-brands, Dacia aims to make the petrol-hybrid and full-EV Sandero models virtually indistinguishable at a glance, using subtle aerodynamic refinements on the electric version.
  2. Greater Separation for the Stepway: While the standard Sandero remains a sleek, accessible supermini, Dacia’s design team wants to widen the visual gap between the regular hatch and the pseudo-SUV Sandero Stepway.


To capture this dual identity, our renders present a tauter, more planted silhouette that bridges urban supermini dimensions with authentic baby-SUV toughness.


Decoding the Design: Striker Influence Meets Bigster Toughness


To bring the 2028 Sandero to life, we synthesized Dacia’s newest conceptual cues with the robust production surfacing introduced on the latest Duster and flagship Bigster:

  • Striker-Inspired Front Fascia: Taking direct inspiration from the Striker alongside the Bigster, the front end adopts a bold, blocky upper grille seamlessly integrated with ultra-slim LED headlights and crisp geometric daytime running light graphics. For the electric variant, we incorporated a cleaner, faired-in upper grille and refined lower aero intakes to reduce drag without losing Dacia's tough character.
  • Chiseled Body Panels & Flush Details: Moving along the flanks, soft curves give way to tighter, more architectural sheet metal. We introduced flush-fitting door handles to optimize airflow on EV variants, paired with a high, flat beltline that gives the cabin a secure, hunkered-down look.
  • Squared-Off Arches & Stepway Armor: Highlighting David Durand’s push for stronger differentiation on the Stepway variant, the wheel arches are squared off and framed in durable cladding (referencing Dacia’s recycled Starkle material), paired with modular roof rails and reinforced skid-plate detailing on the lower bumpers.
  • A Planted, Purposeful Rear: At the back, wide shoulders frame a clean tailgate and distinctive geometric LED taillights, giving the compact footprint a wider, more upmarket stance on the road.


How Architecture Shapes Proportions: The Multi-Energy CMF-B Platform


Translating engineering intelligence into accurate proportions is the foundation of every editorial illustration we produce. Rather than migrating to the pricier bespoke AmpR Small architecture underneath the Renault 5, the new Sandero is expected to utilize a heavily adapted, multi-energy evolution of the CMF-B platform.


This "one platform for all" strategy allows Dacia to keep costs down while packaging two very different setups under the same bodywork:

  • Hybrid Power: A detuned evolution of the Renault Group’s 1.8-liter petrol-electric full-hybrid system (already seen in the Clio, Duster, and Bigster).
  • Full-Electric Power: Entry-level and mid-range EV hardware borrowed from the upcoming Renault Twingo and Renault 5, expected to utilize 27.5kWh to 40kWh+ battery packs to prioritize mass-market affordability.

In our digital renders, accounting for underfloor battery packaging meant carefully managing the rocker panel thickness and wheel-to-body relationship—ensuring the standard Sandero sits low enough for aerodynamic efficiency while the Stepway commands a genuine crossover ride height.


Explore the Full Feature & Share Your Thoughts


You can read the complete exclusive report on the 2028 Dacia Sandero’s powertrain roadmap over on Auto Express, and swipe through the full high-resolution views on our official Instagram post.

What do you think of this sharper, Striker-influenced direction for the next-generation Dacia Sandero? Head over to our Instagram to leave your thoughts in the comments—and if you like this design, please share the post, as it really helps us create and share more automotive artwork like this!