Dacia Sandero Fuel Consumption and Running Costs (2025 Guide)

Overview: Affordable Efficiency Meets Everyday Practicality

The 2025 Dacia Sandero remains one of the most budget-friendly and efficient small cars in the UK. Despite moving slightly upmarket in recent years, it still undercuts nearly every rival—including the MG 3, Fiat Panda, and Citroën C3—while offering excellent fuel economy, low running costs, and surprising refinement for its price point.

The Sandero’s charm lies in its value-driven simplicity: a small, lightweight body, frugal engines, and minimal mechanical complexity. Whether you’re commuting in the city or tackling long motorway journeys, the Sandero provides outstanding mileage and an economical ownership experience.

Dacia Sandero Engine Lineup (2025)

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine powers the entire range, available in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and Bi-Fuel (LPG) forms. Each version prioritizes efficiency and reliability while maintaining enough power for daily driving.

Fuel Economy: Real-World Dacia Sandero MPG

The Sandero delivers class-leading fuel efficiency across its variants. Below are realistic consumption figures derived from both official data and owner feedback.

1. Dacia Sandero SCe 65 (Petrol)

• Combined: 53.3 mpg
• City driving: 46–47 mpg
• Motorway: 61 mpg
• Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres
• Range: ~580 miles per tank

This entry-level engine is modest but frugal, ideal for short urban trips. However, at motorway speeds, it may feel underpowered, requiring higher revs that slightly reduce efficiency.

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2. Dacia Sandero TCe 90 (Turbo Petrol)

• Combined: 47–50 mpg
• City driving: 37 mpg
• Motorway: 57–59 mpg
• Transmission options: 6-speed manual or CVT automatic

The TCe 90 balances power and efficiency perfectly. It’s quiet, refined, and surprisingly brisk, making it the most versatile choice for mixed driving. Expect around 49 mpg combined in real-world use, with low CO₂ emissions keeping road tax reasonable.

3. Dacia Sandero TCe 100 Bi-Fuel (Petrol + LPG)

• Combined (petrol mode): 49.6 mpg
• LPG mode: ~36 mpg equivalent
• Combined range: up to 620 miles using both tanks
• Fuel savings: up to 40% compared to petrol

The Bi-Fuel version stands out as the most cost-effective to run. It allows drivers to switch between petrol and LPG using a dashboard toggle. With LPG roughly half the price of petrol, frequent drivers can see substantial savings. Even though LPG stations are rarer than before, their network remains viable across the UK.

Running Costs and Road Tax

*Estimated based on 10,000 miles annually and average 2025 UK fuel prices.

Despite small variations in road tax, the LPG Bi-Fuel remains the cheapest long-term option, especially for high-mileage drivers. Its lower fuel price offsets the slightly higher purchase cost within the first two years.

Sandero Fuel Efficiency by Driving Condition

The Sandero’s lightweight construction and efficient aerodynamics help maintain steady economy even at higher speeds. In urban conditions, fuel use increases slightly due to stop-start traffic, but the Eco driving mode available on higher trims helps mitigate this.

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Fuel Consumption Conversion Chart (MPG ↔ km/L)

This conversion helps international readers understand efficiency in both imperial and metric units.

Fuel Tank, Range, and Refueling Details

The dual-tank Bi-Fuel setup extends range impressively. Drivers can expect over 600 miles per fill-up, making the Sandero one of the longest-ranging cars in its segment.

How the Sandero Compares to Rivals

Even when compared to its closest competitors, the Sandero offers exceptional efficiency and the lowest overall running costs per mile.

Eco Driving Tips for Better MPG

To extract maximum fuel economy from your Sandero:

1. Keep tyres inflated to recommended pressures (check door jamb sticker).
2. Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the boot.
3. Drive smoothly—accelerate gently and anticipate braking.
4. Use higher gears at lower revs where possible.
5. Switch to LPG whenever available in Bi-Fuel models.
6. Follow Dacia’s maintenance schedule strictly to keep the engine efficient.

Final Verdict: The Dacia Sandero’s True Strength Lies in Efficiency

The 2025 Dacia Sandero isn’t just one of the UK’s cheapest cars—it’s one of the most economical to own. With real-world fuel efficiency nearing 50 mpg, inexpensive servicing, and rock-bottom insurance costs, it outperforms many pricier superminis in total cost of ownership.

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The TCe 90 is the sweet spot for most drivers, offering punchy performance with modest consumption. For commuters or those covering long distances, the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel delivers unbeatable value with its extended range and LPG savings.

Key Takeaways

• Up to 53.3 mpg combined in SCe 65 variant
• Bi-Fuel version offers 620-mile range and 40% cheaper fuel
• Annual fuel costs from under £1,000
• Strongest efficiency in its segment vs rivals
• Ideal for drivers seeking practicality, efficiency, and affordability

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