• Dacia Logan takes affordability to the max

    by  • April 16, 2014 • Car Reviews, Test Drives

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    2013 Dacia Logan MCV exterior right front static

    The Dacia Logan MCV is a rugged looking estate

    Dacia has been attention grabbing since it arrived on the Irish budget car scene two years ago, offering decently specced cars at an affordable price.

    In the Dacia Logan MCV, the Renault-owned Romanian brand brings to the Irish market what is essentially a Dacia Sandero estate.

    Nominally a maximum capacity vehicle, the Logan’s utility vehicle looks wouldn’t be out of place in the Australian outback.

    Inside, both the cabin and the boot are generously sized, with good legroom for passengers back and front. The rear seats fold to further extend the already large boot. Two adults would be comfortable in the back seat.

    2013 Dacia Logan MCV interior cockpit title=

    The cabin in the Dacia Logan MCV is uncluttered and functional

    The top of the range Signature model I was driving was also well specced, with easy to use always-on cruise control/speed limiter, Bluetooth/USB, air conditioning and front and rear electric windows standard.

    I was impressed with the quality of the sound system.

    In order to bring these cars to market at a budget price Dacia has to make some cost saving compromises.

    These are evident in the Logan in the placement of the electric window switches; the driver’s sun visor, and the finishes in the boot.

    The electric window controls are in the centre of the car rather than on the doors. Frustratingly, there’s no cover on the mirror on the driver’s sun visor, which can be quite disconcerting.

    In the boot, you can see the locking mechanism, as it is uncovered, and you have to use the key if you want to open it from the outside.

    There’s better news on the engine front, our test car carried the 1.5 dCi 90 found in many Renaults.

    It’s a good engine and 0-120kph acceleration in our five speed manual, while not quick, was decent. Cabin soundproofing at motorway speeds could be better though.

    2013 Dacia Logan MCV interior boot

    The boot in the Dacia Logan MCV is large

    I found that the steering in the Logan wasn’t very precise with there was quite a bit of body roll. The suspension was also quite springy, which was fine for the city but not the most pleasant on bumpy rural back roads.

    The Logan did impress on fuel consumption thought, the diesel model I was driving was extremely economical.

    Prices for the Dacia Logan MCV start from just over €11,000 but given the concessions made in the quest for a super low price, it’s doubtful that people who love driving will love the Logan MCV.

    However, drivers looking for a practical, well specced, economical family motor that is quite simply a means of getting from A to B in comfort should certainly check it out.

    The Dacia Logan MCV is available now with prices starting from €11,190 for the 1.2-litre petrol model. Prices for the Signature 1.5-litre diesel I was driving start from €15,690. It comes with a three year/100,000km warranty.

    Tech Spec
    Engine: 1.5 dCi 90 (diesel)
    Acceleration: 0-100kph in 12.1seconds
    Maximum Speed: 173kph
    CO2 emissions: 99g/km
    Combined fuel economy: 3.8l/100km
    Annual road tax: €180

    Visit the Dacia Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.

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