@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
@ Opel / Stellantis Media
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Dacia Sandero vs Vauxhall Astra – Which model is better for everyday use?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Sandero or Vauxhall Astra?

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

A Surprising Contender: Dacia Sandero vs Vauxhall Astra

When it comes to reliable hatchbacks, the competition is fierce. Today, we delve into a comparison between two popular models: the Dacia Sandero and the Vauxhall Astra. Both vehicles bring unique features to the table, catering to different desires and needs. Join us as we explore the technical aspects, innovations, and overall offerings of these two contenders.

Astra @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Performance and Powertrain: A Balancing Act

The latest model year for both vehicles is 2024, featuring various engine types and power outputs. The Dacia Sandero comes equipped with a choice of petrol or LPG engines, offering power outputs ranging from 67 to 110 horsepower. The choice between a manual gearbox and a CVT transmission complements its front-wheel drive configuration, aiming to provide a balance between simplicity and efficiency.

On the other hand, the Vauxhall Astra showcases a more diverse engine lineup, including petrol, diesel, mild hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid, and electric options. With power ranging from 110 to an impressive 225 horsepower, the Astra offers both manual and automatic transmissions, enhancing versatility for drivers. For those looking for eco-friendly drives, the plug-in hybrid and electric options bring added appeal.

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Efficiency Matters: Fuel and Emissions

When it comes to efficiency, the Dacia Sandero strives to keep consumption low with its best figure at 5.2 L/100km. Its CO2 emissions range between 105 to 139 g/km, placing it largely in the C and D efficiency classes.

The Vauxhall Astra steps up the game with its ability to achieve as low as 1.3 L/100km in hybrid mode, while its electric variant offers an impressive 15.5 kWh/100km consumption figure, with up to 418 km of electric range. CO2 emissions see notable reductions especially in hybrid forms, bringing it into the A and B efficiency classes.

Astra @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Interior and Practicality: Space for Everyone

Space is a crucial aspect of any hatchback, and both models aim to deliver. The Sandero provides decent storage with its 328 liters of trunk capacity. Consistent with its body type, the Sandero maintains a 5-seat configuration perfectly suited for small families or urban driving.

Meanwhile, the Vauxhall Astra offers more with a trunk capacity ranging from 352 to 422 liters depending on the model variant. The Astra, known for its slightly larger dimensions, offers a comfortable interior space for all passengers, especially during longer trips.

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Dimensions and Road Presence

A closer look at the dimensions reveals that both vehicles are similar in size with the Sandero stretching up to 4099 mm in length, a width of 1848 mm, and a height up to 1535 mm. Though the Vauxhall Astra is slightly longer at 4374 mm, it maintains a narrower profile with its 1860 mm width and a slightly lower height range down to 1432 mm.

Astra @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Conclusion: Which Hatchback Will Win Your Heart?

In conclusion, the choice between the Dacia Sandero and Vauxhall Astra depends largely on individual priorities. The Sandero caters to those looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly option with adequate power and features. Conversely, the Astra stands out with its extensive range of powertrains and modern efficiency technologies, offering more versatility and luxury.

While the Sandero is perfect for budget-conscious buyers and simpler needs, the Vauxhall Astra is ideal for those seeking more power, options, and a touch of cutting-edge advances. Ultimately, each car presents its own unique charms, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference and lifestyle needs.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Dacia Sandero has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 10700 £, while the Vauxhall Astra costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 14486 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Vauxhall Astra manages with 2.20 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Dacia Sandero with 5.30 L. The difference is about 3.10 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Vauxhall Astra has a clearly edge – offering 225 HP compared to 110 HP. That’s roughly 115 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Vauxhall Astra is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 7.50 s, while the Dacia Sandero takes 10 s. That’s about 2.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Vauxhall Astra performs evident better – reaching 235 km/h, while the Dacia Sandero tops out at 183 km/h. The difference is around 52 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Vauxhall Astra pulls significantly stronger with 360 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 160 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Dacia Sandero is distinct lighter – 1089 kg compared to 1341 kg. The difference is around 252 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Vauxhall Astra offers distinct more room – 422 L compared to 328 L. That’s a difference of about 94 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Vauxhall Astra performs slightly better – up to 1339 L, which is about 231 L more than the Dacia Sandero.

When it comes to payload, Vauxhall Astra to a small extent takes the win – 509 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 73 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Vauxhall Astra proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Vauxhall Astra is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £25,200
Astra @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Vauxhall Astra

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Diesel, Electric, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 130 - 225 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.2 - 6 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.40 kWh
  • Electric Range : 82 - 419 km

Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero is the everyman's hatchback — unpretentious, practical and brilliantly affordable, with sensible space and straightforward charm where it matters most. It won't wow in the premium lane, but for buyers who want honest, dependable transport without showroom theatrics, the Sandero is a clever, no‑nonsense pick that keeps running costs low and grin levels high.

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Vauxhall Astra

The Opel Astra strikes a neat balance between everyday practicality and engaging handling, so the daily grind suddenly feels a bit less dull. Inside it's intelligently packaged with modern kit and comfortable seating, making it a very sensible pick for buyers who want a dependable hatchback that doesn't take itself too seriously.

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Dacia Sandero
Vauxhall Astra
Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
Astra @ Opel / Stellantis Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
10700 - 16700 £
Price
25200 - 40500 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.1 L
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 6 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.40 kWh
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
82 - 419 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
51 kWh
co2
105 - 140 g/km
co2
0 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
32 - 50 L
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 52 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1089 - 1209 kg
Curb weight
1341 - 1736 kg
Trunk capacity
328 L
Trunk capacity
352 - 422 L
Length
4088 - 4099 mm
Length
4374 mm
Width
1848 mm
Width
1860 mm
Height
1499 - 1535 mm
Height
1432 - 1488 mm
Max trunk capacity
1108 L
Max trunk capacity
1268 - 1339 L
Payload
404 - 436 kg
Payload
414 - 509 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel, Electric, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
67 - 110 HP
Power HP
130 - 225 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10 - 16.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 10.6 s
Max Speed
158 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
170 - 235 km/h
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Torque
230 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
49 - 81 kW
Power kW
96 - 165 kW
Engine capacity
999 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 - 1598 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2023 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, C, B
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Vauxhall
What drive types are available for the Dacia Sandero?

The Dacia Sandero is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.