The local Renault Sandero 2013 line-up now includes a Stepway Limited Edition paying tribute to Roxy Louw, the official ambassador of the Sandero range.

A favourite with South Africa's motoring public since its March 2011 launch, sales of the Sandero Stepway crossover have shown consistent month-on-month growth with an impressive 80 percent leap in 2012.

According to Fabien Payzan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Renault South Africa: "The Stepway is a unique offering in its segment as it is the only crossover in its category at such an attractive, affordable price. Our shift of focus since mid-2012 to the Stepway has certainly yielded positive results. Over 50 percent of Sandero sales now comprise of the Sandero Stepway and its success in the local market has well exceeded our expectations. With increased interest from the buying public and thanks to favourable testimonials, we are heading towards sales of almost 3000 Stepway 1.6 units per year.

"In response to the high demand, we are in the process of increasing production of Stepway by over 25 percent and are confident that sales of this much sought-after crossover model will continue to rise as we are expecting to reach close to 300 units per month."

Payzan welcomed surfer Roxy Louw to the Renault fold as the face of the Sandero range.

"We believe that Roxy is synonymous with the character and fortitude that is inherent in the DNA of every Renault Sandero that comes off the production line of the Renault-Nissan Alliance production plant in Rosslyn and we are proud to align ourselves with her and welcome her to the extended Renault family."

Only 100 Sandero Stepway Roxy Louw Limited Edition vehicles will be available - 50 each in red and black. The vehicles are complemented by Roxy's signature turtle and hibiscus Cowabanga emblem, which lends her distinctive stand-out look and feel to the Limited Edition. Additional exclusive extras include a new Blaupunkt Bluetooth MP3 radio with USB and auxiliary input plus a TomTom LIVE navigation unit to make everyday driving an experience.

In her response to Payzan, Louw says that she chooses to align herself only with brands that she has an affinity and connection with. "Both the Sandero and I are homegrown, proudly South African products so we're off to a great start and together, we look forward to sharing with you an action-packed and adventure-filled 2013."

"I've been driving my Stepway for a few months now; it's spunky and I just love it. Like me, the car is unpretentious and practical and, importantly, priced to be within reach of the man in the street. I've never been a leather seat kind of girl - with wetsuits and surfboards to get around, that's really not my style."

"I love everything about my Sandero Stepway. It's nippy, economical to run and does everything it needs to. Spacious beyond belief, my surfboards, bicycle, wetsuits - you name it - everything fits on it or in it. That said, it's also a super sexy, hot hatchback and for where I am in my life right now, it's the perfect car for me.

"I'm thrilled to be the face of the Renault Sandero range and my branding on the Stepway Limited Edition says it all. As my brother Robbie delights in saying: 'Rox, the car is just so you!'."

Upgrades implemented on the 2013 Sandero Range include some updated looks and features.

The 1.4 Ambiance and 1.6 Dynamique models now boast a trendy front spoiler lip and an updated rear bumper with a black insert. In addition, the 1.6 Dynamique get a sporty punch with a chrome exhaust tailpiece. The 1.6 Dynamique and Stepway models now also include as standard a new Blaupunkt MP3 Bluetooth radio with USB and auxiliary input.

Two new colour options, metallic black and techno-grey, have been added to the Stepway line-up.

Pricing:
Sandero 1.4 Ambiance: R112 900
Sandero 1.6 Dynamique: R129 900
Sandero 1.6 Stepway: R149 900
Sandero 1.6 Stepway Ltd Ed: R149 900