WHEN a new car comes along with a price-tag that matches a fraction of the optional extras on most premium cars, then it's certainly worth investigating.

The car is the Dacia Sandero and it is billed as the cheapest car on UK roads today with an asking price starting from £5,995.

Dacia or "Datchya" as it should be called is Renault's Romanian-built budget brand but it could be the perfect buy for anyone on a tight budget looking for a new car option.

Admittedly that cheap as chips price-tag is for the entry level Access model and the car I tried was the more up-market Laureate version costing £9,795 (£10,590 with options fitted).

The Sandero certainly looks a smart five-door hatchback with tinted windows, a chrome front grille, daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, plus 15-inch wheels.

The interior is pretty basic in its design with a clutter-free environment and room for four adults to travel in comfort.

There are a number of techno treats to be explored, including an efficient heating system with air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, a seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system with radio, sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity plus USB and AUX input, electric windows, leather multi-function steering wheel and lots more.

And the boot is generously-sized with a capacity of 320 litres which can be increased to 1,200 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats folded flat.

The car was powered by a 1.5-litre diesel-driven engine with 90bhp and it provided ample bite and acceleration when weaving through busy city centre traffic. But in addition, there was also enough power to cope admirably on faster motorways too.

The Sandero moved smoothly through the five-speed manual gearbox and although the 0-62mph sprint time of 12.1 seconds won't break any records, owners will still be laughing all the way to the bank with the impressive fuel economy of 74.3mpg on a combined run. An ECO mode and gear shift prompter helps to maximise fuel efficiency along the way.

On the downside, there is a bit of engine and road surface noise if pushed hard and you can expect to feel the odd bump or two, but they are fairly minor gripes in all reality. If I were to be really picky then I could criticise the hard plastic interior, but once again in the Dacia Sandero's defence - it is a budget car.

There are plenty of safety features included too, such as anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, child locks in the rear doors, electronic stability control, traction control, numerous airbags and a Thatcham-approved engine immobiliser.

All in all, the Dacia Sandero may not be to everyone's liking, but for anyone who wants a brand new car without spending their life's savings or going into monumental debt, it could be the ideal solution.