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With A 2.0 Naturally Aspirated Engine And Manual Transmission, The Renault Sandero RS 2022 Shows How The Renault Sandero Can Be A Sports Hatch Renault, A Used Sandero RS, And A Desired Used Sports Car In The Used Market
With a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine, six-speed manual transmission, stiff suspension, and disc brakes on all four wheels, the Renault Sandero RS 2022 has become one of the few affordable sports cars that still deliver genuine fun in the used market, priced around R$ 80,000. Instead of betting on turbo, complex automatic transmissions, and excessive electronics, it offers a simple, robust recipe aimed at those who truly enjoy driving.
At the same time, the Renault Sandero does not hide its origins as a simple compact hatch: basic finish, exposed plastics, and limited rear space reveal the old platform. However, for enthusiasts, this matters less than having the right mechanical setup. It’s the kind of car that separates those who really love cars from those who only care about brand, status, and multimedia screens.
Renault Sandero RS 2022: A Real Sports Car, Not Just For Appearances
The Renault Sandero RS 2022 uses a well-known base, but with a twist that completely changes the driving experience. Under the hood is a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine, simple, robust, and easy to work on, connected to a six-speed manual transmission with firm shifts. No turbo, direct injection, or complicated systems that increase maintenance costs. This is precisely what gives the car an edge in the used market, especially for those looking to perform strongly on track days or “push” the car without restraint.
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There are about 150 hp on ethanol and 145 hp on gasoline, with torque around 20 kgfm at 4,000 rpm, pushing a hatch that weighs around 1,181 kg. The power-to-weight ratio is quite interesting for the category, and Renault claims that it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. It’s not a rocket by specs, but it’s a car that delivers a sense of speed, immediate response, and plenty of communication with the driver.
Simple 2.0 Naturally Aspirated Engine, Prepared To Take A Beating
The main asset of the Renault Sandero RS 2022 lies in its 2.0 naturally aspirated engine. It’s an old, well-known setup that uses a normal timing belt, no oil sump, and keeps simple solutions like the cold start tank. To many, this may seem outdated; but for those looking to use it hard and modify the car, it’s almost a gift.
Being naturally aspirated, the Renault Sandero’s engine accepts modifications more easily, whether for re-mapping, exhaust, intake, or even more ambitious projects with turbo, if the owner wants to go further. Unlike used turbo sports cars, where high-pressure pumps, direct injection, turbochargers, and costly sensors are concerns, here the proposal is for a setup that “can take a beating,” as many owners often say.
Renault itself has included some interesting details, like an air duct that can be partially removed, increasing the engine’s roar during sportier use, almost like a “factory” diffuser. It’s a car designed for those who enjoy listening, feeling, and exploring the revs, not just reading numbers on a spec sheet.
Stiff Suspension, Disc Brakes On All Four Wheels, And Track Setup
Another point that transforms the Renault Sandero into a real sports car is the chassis tuning. The suspension is stiffer than that of the regular Sandero, well-calibrated for those who love curves and are willing to sacrifice comfort in daily use. This means that the car is firm, bounces more on rough surfaces, and can be tiring in urban use, but on track it delivers a level of control that few hatches in this price range can offer.
At the rear, the axle is not independent, but the setup has been well-designed for sporty use. The highlight is the disc brakes on all four wheels, something rare in compact hatches, especially when compared to newer pseudo-sporty models that still use rear drums. Disc brakes all around, stiffer suspension, and a six-speed manual transmission form the basis of a car that was born to be pushed to the limit.
Underneath, the Renault Sandero RS 2022 remains simple: old platform, known solutions, no refinement of a mid-size sedan. But it’s this structural simplicity, combined with sporty tuning, that guarantees robustness and lower maintenance costs than many turbo rivals.
Simple Interior, Bucket Seats, And Total Focus On The Driver
Inside, the Renault Sandero does not try to appear premium. The dashboard is simple, with plenty of exposed plastic, visible screws, and few frills. Those looking for luxury, soft materials, and a feel of an expensive car will probably turn up their noses. But the Sandero RS delivers what truly matters to the enthusiast.
The seats are exclusive to this version, featuring a bucket shape that hugs the body well in corners and during hard braking. There are height-adjustable seatbelts, a darkened ceiling, and red details that enhance the sporty look. The driving position is good but not perfect: the electro-hydraulic steering only has height adjustment, with no depth adjustment, which may bother some more demanding drivers.
In terms of equipment, the Renault Sandero RS 2022 offers digital air conditioning, a simple multimedia center with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via cable, volume controls on the stalk behind the steering wheel, and some basic convenience features. It’s an honest package, but clearly secondary in relation to the main focus, which is the driving experience.
Space And Trunk: Practical Enough, But Far From Being A Reference
In the rear, the Renault Sandero maintains one of its traditional points: reasonable headroom but limited legroom, especially for those traveling behind a taller driver. The rear seat is not split, reducing versatility in some situations, and the finish remains simple, with exclusive fabric for this version but without significant refinements.
The trunk has about 320 liters, with a very basic finish, practically bare metal. It’s functional for daily use, but clearly shows that the project’s focus was not to create a sophisticated family hatch, but rather a sporty compact with some level of practicality. When folding the seats, the space increases significantly, but it still remains typical of a compact hatch.
Fuel Consumption, Maintenance, And Price In The Used Market
In terms of fuel consumption, the Renault Sandero RS 2022 achieves figures consistent with its proposal. On ethanol, it does around 6 km/l in the city and 8.5 km/l on the highway; on gasoline, around 8 km/l in the city and 11.5 km/l on the highway. It’s not an economical car, but it’s also not an uncontrolled gas guzzler, considering we’re talking about a naturally aspirated 2.0 focused on performance.
In the used market, prices range around R$ 80,000, varying greatly depending on mileage, region, and especially the condition of the vehicle. And here lies a crucial point: almost no one buys a Renault Sandero RS just to go to the bakery. Most buy it to accelerate, participate in track days, and “have fun” on the road. This means that finding a well-maintained, cared-for example can be challenging.
On the other hand, the simple mechanics help a lot. The Renault Sandero uses a well-known, robust engine that is inexpensive to maintain, with relatively accessible parts and widely available service. Compared to used turbo sports cars, where any problem can be costly, the Sandero RS tends to be more predictable and wallet-friendly over the long term.
Who Is The Renault Sandero RS 2022 Worth It For
The Renault Sandero RS 2022 is not the ideal car for those seeking maximum comfort, absolute silence, and brand status. It makes noise, is stiff, drinks more than a modern 1.0 turbo, and has a simple interior. But for those who love sporty driving, a manual transmission, direct connection with the car, and real control sensations, it is one of the few products in Brazil that deliver this experience at a still relatively accessible price.
If the idea is to have a compact hatch that is just a little stronger for daily use, perhaps the Renault Sandero RS is not the best choice. But if the plan is to go to track days, enjoy fun trips on winding roads, tinker with the engine, suspension, and exhaust, or simply feel again the so-called “man-machine relationship,” it makes a lot of sense.
In the end, the Renault Sandero RS 2022 is a car for those who truly love cars, not just the logo on the grille. How about you, would you consider a Renault Sandero RS 2022 as your fun car for around R$ 80,000, or do you prefer a more comfortable and less radical hatch for everyday use?
Tenho um racing spirit 2018 preto.
40 mil km.
Mai não vendo de jeito nenhum!!!
Mai de jeito nenhum!!!!
Eu tbm tenho amo o meu, carro MARAVILHOSO, meu bb.