If you’re looking for a cheap, no-frills car with zero road tax and almost 75 miles to the gallon, let me introduce you to the Dacia Sandero.

Dacia is fairly new to the UK, but it is owned by Renault and therefore has the same technology.

I’m not going to talk about performance or comfort though – it won’t surprise you to learn that this is not where the Sandero’s strength lies.

But it is a thoroughly reliable, basic, five-door supermini that is reasonably spacious and has extraordinary fuel economy.

A simple three trim level line-up is on offer – Access, Ambience and Lauréate.

The Access model is simplicity itself (there isn’t even a radio!), but there is still power steering, daytime running lights and a handy split folding rear seat.

Move up to Ambiance and the list extends to a radio/CD audio system, electric front windows, remote central locking, Bluetooth and an aux socket and USB port.

Lauréate – the likely best-seller, accounting for up to two thirds of all sales – might be at the top of the range but the price still won’t bring on vertigo.

It comes with air conditioning, electric windows front and rear and a multi-function trip computer.

To keep costs low, there are just six options – metallic paint and 15-inch alloys for Ambiance and Lauréate grades and leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, a centre armrest and the MediaNav satellite navigation and multimedia system for Lauréate versions alone.

All models come with safety features, including ABS and Electronic Stability Control, plus four airbags in the cabin.

The passenger airbag can be switched off if a child seat is being used, and Isofix child seat anchorage points are provided on the outer rear seats.

With the rear seat in place, the boot offers 320 litres of space – one of the highest in the supermini class. With the rear seat folded, that figure soars to 1,200 litres.

Vehicle warranty is for three years/60,000 miles, with a two-year paintwork warranty and six years’ anti-corrosion cover.

The Sandero is clearly not going to set your heart racing, but it doesn’t pretend to either.

Not the smoothest drive ever and a little noisy at times, but all-in-all it’s a decent car that offers excellent value for money.