@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Dacia Sandero vs VW Taigo – Which one offers the better deal?

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

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Compact Car Showdown: Dacia Sandero vs. VW Taigo

In the competitive world of compact vehicles, two names have consistently garnered attention: the Dacia Sandero and the VW Taigo. Each car represents different philosophies of design and engineering, beckoning the question – which one suits your driving needs better? Dive into this head-to-head comparison as we dissect their technical prowess and innovations.

Taigo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Dacia Sandero: Affordable Yet Formidable

The 2024 Dacia Sandero, often lauded for its practicality and affordability, remains a popular choice among hatchback enthusiasts. Embracing a simplistic design, the Sandero offers a range of engine configurations, including both petrol and LPG options. Whether you opt for the manual gearbox or the continuously variable transmission (CVT), Dacia ensures a smooth and dependable drive.

Under the hood, the Sandero provides a power range from 67 to 110 HP, with torque figures reaching up to 200 Nm. While it's not built for speed, acceleration for some models manages a respectable 0-100 km/h in just 10 seconds. The low consumption rates, varying between 5.2 to 7 L/100 km, add to its appeal as a budget-friendly vehicle.

Despite its compact size, with a trunk capacity of 328 liters, the Sandero is meticulously designed to offer maximum interior space and comfort for up to five passengers. This hatchback also boasts a sturdy build with a curb weight varying between 1089 and 1209 kg, ensuring a balanced ride.

Conforming to emission standards with a CO2 efficiency class ranging from C to E, the Sandero appeals to environmentally conscious drivers. It combines a no-nonsense design with efficient engineering, making it a worthy contender in the hatchback segment.

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

VW Taigo: The Sophisticated SUV

On the other hand, the VW Taigo is an SUV that embodies elegance and innovation. Aimed at customers who appreciate refined aesthetics and advanced technology, the Taigo does not disappoint. Its petrol-based engine options range from 95 to 150 HP, striking a balance between performance and efficiency.

The Taigo's standout feature is the availability of a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which complements its powerful engines and offers a seamless driving experience. With acceleration from 0-100 km/h as quick as 8.2 seconds for the higher-end models, the Taigo positions itself as the sportier option.

Practicality is a strong suit of the Taigo, evidenced by a trunk capacity of 440 liters and ample space for five occupants. Its superior build quality is manifested in its curb weight range of 1229 to 1292 kg. Designed for the modern driver, the Taigo features a dynamic exterior with dimensions extending to 4266 mm in length and 1757 mm in width.

The VW Taigo adheres to emission standards, falling within class D of CO2 efficiency, courtesy of its advanced engineering. Its combination of performance, style, and technology makes it a formidable choice in the SUV market.

Taigo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

The Verdict

Ultimately, whether you choose the Dacia Sandero or the VW Taigo depends on your priorities. If affordability, pragmatism, and fuel efficiency are at the top of your list, the Sandero could very well be the smart choice. However, if you seek sophistication, enhanced driving dynamics, and advanced technology, the VW Taigo stands tall as a premium SUV option.

Both vehicles offer unique virtues that cater to different facets of the market, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the world of compact cars.

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

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Dacia Sandero has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 10700 £, while the VW Taigo costs 19600 £. That’s a price difference of around 8919 £.

Both cars consume an average of 5.30 L per 100 km – no difference here.

Taigo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Taigo has a noticeable edge – offering 150 HP compared to 110 HP. That’s roughly 40 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Taigo is noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 8.20 s, while the Dacia Sandero takes 10 s. That’s about 1.80 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Taigo performs a bit better – reaching 212 km/h, while the Dacia Sandero tops out at 183 km/h. The difference is around 29 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Taigo pulls slightly stronger with 250 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 50 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Dacia Sandero is slightly lighter – 1089 kg compared to 1229 kg. The difference is around 140 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Taigo offers noticeable more room – 440 L compared to 328 L. That’s a difference of about 112 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Taigo performs barely noticeable better – up to 1222 L, which is about 114 L more than the Dacia Sandero.

When it comes to payload, VW Taigo slight takes the win – 457 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 21 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Taigo proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Taigo is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £19,600
Taigo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Taigo

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 95 - 150 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.3 - 5.8 L

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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VW Taigo

5 (1)
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The VW Taigo brings coupe-like flair to the compact crossover scene with sharp styling and an interior that punches above its price, feeling smarter than you’d expect. It’s an easygoing daily companion that balances comfort and practicality with a playful wink, perfect for city drivers who want something livelier than a regular hatchback.

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Dacia Sandero
VW Taigo
Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
Taigo @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
10700 - 16700 £
Price
19600 - 31300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.1 L
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
105 - 140 g/km
co2
120 - 132 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
32 - 50 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1089 - 1209 kg
Curb weight
1229 - 1302 kg
Trunk capacity
328 L
Trunk capacity
440 L
Length
4088 - 4099 mm
Length
4266 mm
Width
1848 mm
Width
1757 mm
Height
1499 - 1535 mm
Height
1518 mm
Max trunk capacity
1108 L
Max trunk capacity
1222 L
Payload
404 - 436 kg
Payload
448 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
67 - 110 HP
Power HP
95 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10 - 16.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.2 - 11.1 s
Max Speed
158 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
184 - 212 km/h
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Torque
175 - 250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
49 - 81 kW
Power kW
70 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
999 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1498 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
Dacia
Brand
VW
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.