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Little remembered among used automatic hatchbacks, the Renault Sandero Intense combines generous interior space, 1.6 flex engine, CVT transmission, four airbags, and an equipment package capable of putting it on the radar of those searching for alternatives to Onix, HB20, and Argo.
The Renault Sandero Intense 2020 combines a 1.6 flex engine with up to 118 hp, CVT automatic transmission, four airbags, and a 320-liter trunk in a configuration aimed at those looking for space, comfort, and equipment among used hatchbacks.
Although Onix, HB20, and Argo dominate much of the segment’s searches, the Renault model offers generous internal dimensions and a package that includes electronic stability control, hill start assist, rearview camera, and multimedia center.
1.6 flex engine delivers up to 118 hp
Under the hood, the mechanical set uses the 1.6 SCe flex engine with four cylinders and 16 valves, responsible for developing 115 hp with gasoline and 118 hp with ethanol, always at 5,500 rpm, according to the official Renault catalog.
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The maximum torque reported by the manufacturer reaches 16 kgfm at 4,000 rpm with either fuel, a characteristic that helps sustain adequate responses in everyday use without turning the hatch into a sporty performance proposal.
In the Intense version, this engine works with the CVT X-Tronic automatic transmission, which offers six simulated gears and continuously varies its operating ratio to reduce interruptions during accelerations and make driving smoother.
Instead of the fixed ratios present in conventional automatic transmissions, the system prioritizes progressiveness and comfort, especially for those facing traffic jams, frequent urban commutes, or looking to abandon the clutch pedal without migrating to a larger vehicle.
Performance matches the Sandero CVT’s proposal
According to the data declared by Renault, the Sandero 1.6 CVT accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11 seconds, both with gasoline and ethanol, maintaining performance consistent with its family and urban use proposal.
The maximum speed indicated is 174 km/h with gasoline and 177 km/h when fueled with ethanol, numbers that reinforce a configuration more focused on the balance between responses, transmission smoothness, and comfort than on sportiness.
Internal space favors family use
Among the main differentials of the model is the internal space, favored by a body of 4.07 meters in length, 1.73 meters in width, 1.57 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 2.59 meters among compact hatches.
This last measure directly influences the area available for occupants, especially in the rear seat, while the elevated cabin and less inclined roof help preserve headroom for those traveling in the back.
Even classified as a hatch, the Sandero presents proportions that favor the transport of five passengers and make the cabin more usable for family trips, especially when compared to compacts with lower bodies or sloping rear lines.
In the luggage compartment, the trunk holds 320 liters, according to Renault’s technical specifications, offering capacity for shopping, travel bags, and everyday objects without requiring external dimensions typical of a larger vehicle.
Moreover, the rear seat has a foldable backrest and seat in a one-third and two-thirds proportion, a solution that expands the cargo area while keeping part of the seat available for a passenger, as needed.
Four airbags and stability control
In terms of safety, the hatch came from the factory with four airbags, two front and two side, in addition to ABS brakes, door protection bars, three-point seat belts, and Isofix system for child seats.
Integrated into the CVT version package, the electronic stability control acts on the braking and traction of the wheels when it detects a loss of trajectory, assisting the driver in sudden maneuvers or instability situations.
Another feature present is the hill start assist, which prevents the car from rolling back immediately during uphill starts and adds convenience in garages, hills, or slow traffic sections of daily life.
Equipment package enhances comfort
On the equipment list, the Sandero Intense includes automatic air conditioning, rearview camera, parking sensor, electrically adjustable mirrors, electric windows on all four doors, and 16-inch alloy wheels with two-tone finish.
This set is complemented by cruise control and a speed limiter, features that allow maintaining a programmed speed on highways and help the driver adhere to a pre-selected limit throughout the journey.
The Media Evolution multimedia center uses a seven-inch touchscreen and offers compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing access to navigation, music, and communication apps through the connected phone.
During maneuvers, the same equipment displays the images captured by the rear camera and also provides Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, Eco Driving, and Eco Coaching, functions related to monitoring daily driving habits behind the wheel.
Steering, suspension, and brake system
In steering, the electro-hydraulic system differentiates the Sandero from competitors equipped with fully electric assistance, as it reduces the effort needed to move the steering wheel but maintains hydraulic components that should be observed during the inspection of a used unit.
With a declared curb weight of 1,140 kilograms, the hatch uses 205/55 R16 tires, independent front suspension of the McPherson type, and a semi-independent rear axle, a common solution among compact vehicles currently marketed in Brazil.
In the brakes, the configuration combines ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear, always with an ABS system, while the monocoque body has two volumes, four side doors, and a certified capacity for five adult occupants on trips.
What to check before buying a used Sandero
Before purchasing, the maintenance history deserves special attention, as records of revisions, tire conservation, steering operation, CVT transmission response, and operation of electrical equipment help reveal how the vehicle was used.
It is also advisable to check for possible recall campaigns through the chassis number, confirm the documentation status, and conduct a careful inspection, precautions applicable not only to the Sandero but to any semi-new or used vehicle.
Intense version adds items to the Sandero Zen
Within the former range, the Intense version occupied a relevant position by adding equipment to the Zen CVT configuration, expanding the comfort, convenience, and safety package available for those looking for a used automatic hatch in the market.
Among the features presented by the manufacturer were automatic air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric mirrors, rear camera, fog lights, split rear seat, electric rear windows, and standard cruise control for greater convenience.
This set helps explain why the model may emerge as an alternative to more sought-after compacts, combining a spacious cabin, 320-liter trunk, automatic transmission, and safety features that do not always appear together in entry-level used versions.
Among so many Onix, HB20, and Argo advertised in the Brazilian market, would the internal space and equipment package of the Sandero Intense be enough to put this little-remembered CVT hatch on your list of options?
