IT'S easy to be cynical about a company like Dacia - especially one that sells a full-size supermini for £5,995.

Concerns and scepticism are understandable. Other brands have attempted the same thing before and there have been quality issues.

This time comparison stops there, however, because Dacia's cheapest model the Sandero may be pretty basic, but it's well built, good looking and boasts strong engines.

The Romanian company is actually owned by Renault and has been the fastest growing automotive brand in Europe for eight years in a row, which is the reason why the UK and Ireland had to wait several years for right-hand drive capacity.

Let's get the negative stuff out of the way first. The Sandero can't claim up to the minute, state of the art technology, so the steering feels a bit wallowy and the handling is anything but pin sharp.

Otherwise it's good news all the way for an offering that is both Britain's most affordable new car and also the nation's most affordable diesel and sub-100g/km CO2 vehicle.

The Access model kicks off a simple three-trim line-up and offers 15-inch steel wheels, power steering, a 60/40 split folding rear seat and daytime running lights plus pre-wiring for a sound  system, though that's extra.

Safety features include ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, traction control, Electronic Stability Control, driver, passenger and front side airbags and ISOFIX points in both outer rear seats

And a boot claimed to be one of the biggest in its class can hold 320 litres, rising to 1,200 litres with the rear seats down - so the value in the Sandero is obvious.

Shell out another £600 and the mid-level Ambiance adds a radio CD player with fingertip controls, USB and AUX input, Bluetooth, remote central locking, electric front windows and body coloured bumpers.

Range-topping Sandero versions are called Laureate and come loaded with the likes of air-con, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, cruise control and electric rear windows as standard.

There's also an optional seven-inch touchscreen navigation and multimedia system for £250.

Beneath the bonnet a three-strong engine range sees Renault's 1.2-litre petrol unit delivering an average 47.9mpg, the more frugal 0.9-litre turbocharged TCe 90, which debuted in the Renault Clio, capable of 54.3mpg and the tested model's 1.5-litre dCi 90 diesel boasting a whopping 74.3mpg and less than 100g/km of emissions.

The more I drove the Sandero the more I came to appreciate its simple pleasures. Smooth, comfortable and extremely efficient - especially on faster roads - it's worth every penny, in an economic environment where every penny counts.

That said, opting for top spec Dacia models seems to defeat the object. For instance diesels start at £8,395 and the test car was specced up with accessories that took it to £9,515.