Thanks to the Romanian car maker Dacia, you can now go to a car showroom in Britain with 6 grand in your pocket, and drive off in a brand-new car. The new Dacia Sandero is officially priced from £5,995, which is what a Ford Fiesta cost… back in 1989! The most expensive version of the Sandero is priced at £9,795.

You know what’s the best thing about this deal? That 6 grand Sandero – UK’s most affordable new car right now – is by no means embarrassing or completely awful. You could easily and happily live with it everyday, if all you want is something to travel from A to B in.

Of course for that kind of money you have to be prepared to do without a lot of features. The entry-level has 15” steel wheels, power assisted steering, a 60/40 split folding rear seat and daytime running lights. But there is no radio, no electric windows, and no air con. They haven’t compromised on safety though, as it comes with  ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, ASR traction control, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), driver, passenger and front side airbags and ISOFIX points in both outer rear seats.

If you go for the Accenta trim level, which costs only 600 quid more, you get radio CD player with fingertip remote controls, USB and AUX input, Bluetooth™, remote central locking, electric front windows, body coloured bumpers and 15” ‘Colorado’ wheel trims.

The range-topping Lauréate model comes with air conditioning, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, cruise control and electric rear windows as standard. There is also an optional 7-inch navigation and multimedia screen available.

2013 Dacia Sandero pricelist: