Renault’s Logan sedan and Sandero
hatchback only received their mid-generational updates in 2019 in South
America, while the same cars branded with the Dacia badge in Europe did the
same three years in advance. However, there are upsides to this situation as
well.
For one, South America remains the only
market where the Sandero is available in its ‘hot-hatch’ RS version, sporting
suspension improvements and a two-liter, non-turbo engine under the hood rated
at 150 hp. There is also a ‘sported-up’ GT Line spec that
brings no real performance enhancements and is all about the looks.
The pre-facelift Sandero had the GT Line
version as well, but it was different and
available in most South America countries, including Brazil. The new 2020 GT
Line is currently limited to Argentina, although other countries might
eventually get it, too. The GT Line comes based on the middle-ground Zen spec
and boasts side sill extensions, a (fake) rear diffuser, a larger rear spoiler,
dimmed brake lights, special badges, and 16-inch wheels.
The cabin sports blue accents and a
leather-bound steering wheel. The airbags number four in total, and the
infotainment system boasts a touchscreen interface. The series ships with the
standard 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine under the hood. Regardless of whether
you choose five-speed manual transmission or CVT, it will deliver up to 115 hp and 156 Nm of torque to the wheels. The CVT has the
advantage in that it unlocks certain useful electronic aids, specifically ESP,
electronic traction control, and hill climb/descent assist. Even the suspension
stays the same as in the regular Sandero – something that could surely use
improvement.
