Duster – Dacia’s first concept crossover – is proud to be different. Seen from the driver’s side, it is visibly a sporting coupé, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door which suggest plush travelling refinement. Duster’s height of 1.49 metres, short front and rear overhangs (65cm and 80cm respectively), generous wheelbase (2.80m) and compact volumes (4.25m long, 1.64m wide) exude an overriding sense of robustness and sports appeal.

The front end features a broad bumper with two horizontal air-intake slits that suggest power. The grille features evident Dacia styling cues and is flanked by headlamps which wrap over the front wings to form a tapering line of light that stretches rearward towards the doors.

Viewed from the side, the clear-cut lines of the wheel arches and tall doors reinforce the impression that Duster sits squarely on the road. The Anthracite Grey bodywork and extensive one-piece glazed sweep – made possible by the absence of a central pillar – highlights the styling of the sides which are unmistakably reminiscent of Duster’s graphic identity.

At the rear, the engraved Dacia logo further emphasizes the concept car’s robust, dependable credentials. Like Logan, Duster is just 4.25 metres long, and its inherent agility ensures that it is perfectly at home in the urban jungle. Meanwhile, its 21-inch, five-spoke aluminium alloy wheels, exterior mirrors positioned on the window surround and trapezoidal aluminium exhaust tailpipes are telltale signs of its sporting pedigree. Special care has gone into Duster’s aerodynamic efficiency (Cd: 0.30) and the fluid lines of the body sides enable air to flow freely along the vehicle’s flanks before being jettisoned through the rear lights. The aerodynamic, wing-like forms of the roof-mounted direction indicators also channel airflow towards the rear.

The sum of all this work has naturally been beneficial to fuel consumption, and Duster stands out as a particularly environmentally-respectful crossover. Despite its performance potential, the particulate filterequipped 1.5 dCi 105hp engine (77kW) emits just 139g of CO2/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.3 litres/100km.

A CROSSOVER WITH DACIA HALLMARKS

This futuristic crossover showcases the brand’s core values – namely simplicity, robustness and authenticity – in a surprising form, yet Dacia’s hallmark ingenuity and generosity are immediately apparent in the way designers have approached Duster’s cabin.

The concept car’s two-tone chocolate and blue interior exudes a sense of well-being and conviviality. The fully glazed roof floods the cabin with light, while the enveloping forms of the staggered slim-line front seats provide first class comfort and support. The driver’s seat is incorporated in a structure which extends all the way from the sill to the centre console, forming a sculptural, one-piece ensemble that echoes the exterior’s sporty appeal.

The user-friendly dashboard features fluid, expressive lines while employing simple materials. The driver’s side front airbag is housed in the lower part of the steeringwheel which has made it possible to position the screen centrally and free up appreciable stowage space on the dashboard. The latter’s receding lines also provide record kneeroom of 280mm for the front passenger who benefits from an exceptionally comfortable seating position. The bellows-like form of the original two-tone dashboard incorporates a 20-litre glovebox, while the door inserts each include eight-litre stowage bins. Another bin has been cleverly concealed in the back of the rear right-hand seat. A simple push causes a box to slide forward from the boot which itself is in total keeping with the Dacia spirit, with the upright tailgate providing a carrying capacity of 470dm3 (VDA), a remarkable achievement for a vehicle of Duster’s compact overall dimensions .

Duster is an adaptable, modular concept car. The four-seat ’daily driver’ layout can be swiftly converted into a leisure configuration in a matter of seconds. The passenger seat slides underneath the driver’s seat on rails concealed in the floor to leave just one front seat and consequently free up a total carrying volume of two cubic metres. Thanks to a recess in the floor and a strap located under the dashboard, this space can be used to carry a trials mountain bike.

Four years after the release of the first Logan, Dacia introduces ’New Logan’. The latest version of this celebrated three-volume saloon builds on the same strengths that forged the success of its predecessor, including unbeatable value for money in terms of performance and equipment, plus outstanding cabin space and exceptional reliability. New Dacia Logan goes even further, however, and features a more contemporary design, as well as a more attractive and more comfortable interior which mirrors the renewal of Dacia as a generous, clever brand.

New Dacia Logan will be introduced across the majority of Western European markets from July 2008. In most cases, its entry level price remains unchanged, making it a more appealing proposition than ever.

A DESIGN THAT HAS COME OF AGE

More contemporary looks

New Dacia Logan stands out as a modern saloon with more contemporary exterior lines which reflect its robust, quality build. The grille, which first appeared on Dacia Sandero, is bigger and features the brand’s new logo, plus a chrome upper trim as standard (except entry level version). The new front bumper is flush with the bodywork for a more integrated, harmonious feel, while the headlights are bigger and the fog lamps come with elegant carbon colour surrounds (depending on version).

The rear design of New Dacia Logan has been updated, too. The design of the new boot lid, which can be trimmed with a lower chrome strip, is more streamlined and its lines have been carried over to the revised rear lights. The rear bumper, too, is now flush with the bodywork and incorporates reflectors and a towing hook complete with concealing cap.

Other revisions include a new range of wheeltrims and alloy wheels (optional), while the list of available body colours has been extended with the addition of Basalt Grey, Electric Blue and Extreme Blue.

An even more pleasing interior

New Dacia Logan sets out to be even more appealing than ever. The new dashboard, which first appeared on Dacia Sandero, is modern and functional, while the design of the door panels also contributes to the cabin’s modern feel thanks to their more practical pull handles and elegant trimming (depending on version). The upgrade in range has seen the introduction of two finishes for New Dacia Logan’s dashboard, plus a choice of four upholsteries (depending on countries).

Drivers will appreciate the practical controls, and special care has gone into ensuring that all dashboard information is easy to read. The driving environment itself has been made even more comfortable and driverfriendly thanks to a new driver’s seat adjustment control (depending on version) and a height-adjustable steering column (depending on version). Rear visibility has been improved through the fitment of a comma-type central rear headrest and large format door mirrors. These have been carried over from Dacia Logan MCV and are standard equipment on New Dacia Logan.

BUILDING ON LOGAN’S FUNDAMENTAL STRENGTHS

An exceptionally roomy interior

New Dacia Logan’s generous dimensions ensure outstanding cabin space which continues to be unmatched in the three-volume saloon category of the B-Entry segment. Indeed, its size is more akin to C-segment norms, since the newcomer’s overall length has been increased to 4,290mm (up 40mm compared with the previous version Logan), while its width is 1,740mm. Cabin space is one of New Dacia Logan’s most salient features and three tall passengers (more than 1.90m in height) can be accommodated comfortably in the rear thanks to rear headroom of 873mm. Rear shoulder room is a remarkable 1,428mm too, a figure more readily associated with larger saloons. Last but by no means least, the boot volume of 510 litres is unequalled by any of New Dacia Logan’s rivals in its category and the boot layout itself permits loads of very different shapes and sizes to be carried with ease.

The accent on safety

New Dacia Logan features the same safety features and equipment that enabled the model to achieve a threestar Euro NCAP crash test rating.

New Dacia Logan can be equipped with the latest generation Bosch 8.1 ABS complete with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA), a new feature which debuted on Dacia Sandero. The latter detects when the driver brakes in an emergency situation and acts on the hydraulic circuit to increase the effectiveness of the ABS by applying maximum pressure the instant the driver hits the brakes. Front and rear tracks of New Dacia Logan have been widened 7mm either side, which reinforces the roadholding capabilities of the vehicle.

On the passive safety front, New Dacia Logan features a new honeycomb structure for the dashboard which reduces the severity of impact to the knees. In addition to the materials it employs, the dashboard’s very design takes safety into account thanks to the curves of its lower section which match the form of the tibia, enabling impact loads to be spread out evenly in case of contact. The driver and front passenger also benefit from further lower limb protection thanks to underfoot padding.

All New Dacia Logan’s seats are equipped with three-point seatbelts and headrests, while the new car is delivered as standard with two controlled-deflation airbags (depending on countries), driver and front passenger, the pressure of which diminishes following deployment in order to limit the load applied to occupants.

A comprehensive range of proven powerplants

New Dacia Logan comes with the same proven petrol engines and diesel engine that have contributed to the Dacia range’s success.

The 1.4 MPI 75hp, 1.6 MPI 90hp and 1.6 16V 105hp all comply with the criteria of cost, robustness and ease of maintenance that are a feature of the Dacia brand. They combine generous torque from low revs with thrifty fuel consumption: 7.0, 7.2 and 7.1 litres/100km respectively.

The 1.5 dCi stands out as a benchmark in the diesel engine field thanks to the use of such advanced technologies as second-generation common-rail direct injection which delivers both high performance and extremely low fuel consumption. The 1.5 dCi is available in 70hp form and a punchier 85hp version, while CO2 emissions of 120g/km point to the 1.5 dCi 70hp and 1.5 dCi 85hp engines’ ecological credentials.

THE LOGAN PHENOMENON

Since its release in 2004, Logan has enjoyed genuine success in all the markets where it is sold. With New Logan, Dacia seeks to maintain its lead over its competitors to ensure that the Logan phenomenon continues. Thanks to its line-up of five models – New Logan, Logan MCV, Logan Van, Logan Pick-up and Sandero – Dacia boasts a comprehensive range of robust, dependable vehicles that have been developed for a wide variety of often extreme uses, and most models benefit from a three-year or 100,000km warranty in the majority of the brand’s European markets. New Logan, which is the latest version of Dacia’s three-volume saloon, continues to stand out as the range’s cornerstone and, thanks to its status-enhancing design and more contemporary looks, sets out to appeal to a pragmatic customer base looking for generous cabin space and peace of mind. At the time of its unveiling in June 2004, Dacia Logan’s modern characteristics, cabin space and price tag took the automotive world by surprise. Although the model initially targeted growth markets, Renault responded to strong demand to extend its availability to Western Europe. It was first released on its home market, Romania, in September 2004, before being introduced in Eastern, Central and then Western Europe (June 2005). A total of 530,692 Dacia Logans were sold between September 2004 and the end of May 2008 (essentially in Europe and the Maghreb countries).

Logan soon became recognized as a phenomenon, serving as a yardstick in the industry by giving the majority of its buyers the chance to fulfil their dream of owning a new car. In all the countries where it is sold, it has won over a clientele attracted by the prospect of family mobility at a low price.

New Dacia Logan will be produced in Pitesti, Romania. Total investment amounted to €27 million and the development teams remained true to the Logan spirit by investing solely in what was strictly necessary to continue delivering the best possible equipment and performance at an attractive price. Indeed, the entry level price for New Dacia Logan remains unchanged in the majority of the countries where it is sold.

The new model can seat up to seven adult passengers and shakes up the estate vehicle market in the same way that Logan revolutionized the world of family saloons. Following its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, Logan MCV will go on sale from October 2006 in Romania and from early 2007 in Dacia’s other major European markets. Like the saloon version, its powerplant range includes the 1.5 dCi diesel engine, a genuine benchmark in the realms of driving pleasure and fuel consumption. The car also comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty (in most European Union countries). In perfect keeping with the Logan spirit, its price range represents incomparable value for its specification.

A simple, robust design inherited from the saloon version

Like Logan Saloon, Logan MCV has been developed to cover a broad variety of often extreme motoring conditions and uses. Its technical specification was guided by a bid for strength and simplicity, as illustrated by the one-piece dashboard of the saloon version which has been carried over to the estate with a view to eliminating assembly play and ensuring first class durability. The door panels are also made from a single piece, while the choice of materials and fabrics has been dictated by the desire to reinforce the notion of perceived quality and robustness already associated with Logan Saloon. The bodyshell undergoes the same protective treatment that has forged the Logan range’s reputation for reliability and strength, including the protection of steel panels thanks to wax-injected hollow sections systematic use of mastic sealants for body panel matings and upgraded protection of the sub-frame against chipping by stones. Meanwhile, given that Logan MCV targets a much wider range of uses than the saloon, engineers have chosen to ensure additional protection for the estate version, including a number of features revealed on the Logan Steppe Concept show car. These include the use of broader door protective mouldings that also serve to reinforce the notion of strength exuded by the new vehicle’s lines. Logan MCV features an underbody powertrain guard too, as well as an all-new solution designed to seal the gearbox and transmission internals from penetration by dust. The mechanicals are consequently fully armoured against the wide variety of outside aggressions to which they might be exposed. Combined with the new car’s high ground clearance of 155mm (an increase of 20mm compared with European norms) and long suspension travel, these features enable Logan MCV to be driven without hesitation on even the world’s roughest roads. Special attention has also been paid to thermal comfort which has been engineered to offer consistent conditions for all passengers in both hot and cold climates thanks to optimized air-vents and a 40kg/h higher airflow rate compared with the saloon version.

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A range of modern powerplants

Logan MCV is available with the same range of engines that have contributed to the success of the saloon version and which have already proved themselves on numerous vehicles of the Renault range. Based on a choice of three petrol engines (the 1.4 MPI, the 1.6 MPI and the 1.6 16V), plus the benchmark 1.5 dCi diesel, the Logan MCV range offers a broad selection of powertrains tailored to meet the needs of its different markets and customers.

1.4 MPI and 1.6 MPI: two powerplants ideally suited to Logan’s positioning
The 1.4 and 1.6 eight-valve engines correspond perfectly with the criteria of cost, strength and ease of maintenance that are a characteristic of all Logans. Both these engines stand out by their high torque which is available from low revs and across a broad rev band that extends from 3,000 to 4,500rpm. Despite the model’s volumes, careful attention has been paid to keeping the weight of Logan MCV to a minimum and the entry level version tips the scales at just 1,165kg. The resulting package favours both performance and fuel consumption which are of the same standard as the other vehicles produced by the Renault Group.

The 1.4-litre engine delivers a power output of 55kW (75hp) at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 112Nm at 3,000rpm, while the 1.6 engine boasts maximum power of 64kW (90hp) at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 128Nm at 3,000rpm. Both are coupled to the manual five-speed gearbox that equips Laguna II and Mégane II.

In the case of both engines, the first three gear ratios are short to ensure good pull-away and acceleration response from low revs and to facilitate the carrying of heavy loads. Meanwhile, the longer two final gears favour fuel consumption and acoustic performance and help position Logan MCV amongst the best in its class when it comes to fuel efficiency, as testified by the 1.4 75hp version’s combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.6 litres/100km.

1.6 16V: unmatched dynamic performance

Recently introduced for the saloon version, the 1.6 16V engine ensures unrivalled performance. With top power of 105hp (77kW) at 5,750rpm and maximum torque of 148Nm at 3,750rpm, Logan MCV 1.6 16V accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 11.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 174kph. Price for price, estate cars offering such a high level of dynamic performance are few and far between.

However, it is notably for its flexibility and driving pleasure that the 1.6 16V was chosen to power Logan MCV. With 90 per cent of maximum torque available from as low as 2,000rpm, this engine offers smooth acceleration response with no flat spots at either low or medium revs. This hasn’t been achieved to the detriment of fuel efficiency however, since the combined cycle fuel consumption of this 16-valve version of the 1.6-litre engine is just 7.5 litres/100km.

The 1.6 16V is coupled to a Type JR five-speed gearbox with enhanced synchronization and cable-controlled gear shift which combine to ensure reduced travel, extra gearshift precision and therefore greater driving pleasure. Oil change intervals for all the petrol engines that power Logan MCV are just 30,000km.

1.5 dCi 70hp: a benchmark diesel engine

A true benchmark in the world of diesel engines, the 1.5 dCi also comes from the Renault powerplant range. It is situated at the leading edge of powertrain technology and its secondgeneration common rail direct injection guarantees both high performance and very low fuel consumption which, at just 5.3 litres/100km (equivalent to 140g of CO2/km), puts Logan MCV 1.5 dCi in a very strong position compared with the other diesel-powered estates available on the market.

In running order, the compact 1.5 dCi tips the scales at a low 127kg and combines comfort and flexibility thanks to its low inertia, low lag turbocharger. Its maximum power output is 50kW (70hp) at 4,000rpm, while its peak torque of 160Nm is available at 1,700rpm and 85 per cent is available between 1,500 and 3,500rpm. The manual five-speed gearbox is lubricated for life and benefits from the use of longer gear ratios in order to make the very most of the 1.5 dCi’s torque, as well as further enhance fuel consumption and acoustic performance without sacrificing dynamic performance. Even when the vehicle is carrying heavy loads, getaways and re-acceleration response are particularly punchy.

The combination of this engine’s low fuel consumption and 50-litre fuel tank gives Logan MCV a benchmark range of almost 1,000km. Inexpensive to run, Logan MCV 1.5 dCi contributes to facilitating the life of its users thanks its low maintenance costs.

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Safety, a fundamental concern

Logan MCV benefits from Renault’s acclaimed expertise when it comes to safety. Like Logan, Logan MCV is built on the Alliance’s B platform, the active safety features of which have naturally been carried over to the new car. The front suspension is based on the MacPherson-type layout featured on Clio II, while the reinforced rear suspension uses the same principle of a programmed deflection H-beam as the other models built on the same platform. The rear suspension is combined with spiral springs and extendedtravel, vertically-positioned dampers which allow Logan MCV to take even the worst conditions in its stride. Meanwhile extensive research has gone into the stiffness of the front and rear springs with a view to minimizing body movement, notably roll. The overall package ensures sound, balanced handling in all situations. As is the case with the saloon version, a front antiroll bar is fitted as standard equipment.

The brake system employs discs at the front and drums at the rear, while versions equipped with ABS come with the same latest-generation Bosch 8.0 system complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as that used for Mégane II. This system fully exploits the potential of the rear brakes. On the passive safety front, Logan MCV is in keeping with European standards and comes with up to four airbags. The two controlled-deflation front airbags that are standard equipment across the range incorporate a system which controls the amount of pressure inside the cushion to restrict the load exerted on occupants in case of impact. Two lateral font seat airbags will also become available as options at a later date. The airbags combine with programmed structural deformation for enhanced protection in case of impact from the side. The restraint system comprises three-point seatbelts with headrests for all seats, including the third row seats of sevenseater versions.

Logan MCV also benefits from Renault’s recognized engineering expertise in the domain of resistance to impact and absorption of kinetic energy. In front impacts, the layout of the engine compartment favours the stacking up of mechanical parts. Inside the car, the single-piece dashboard is a key safety feature in itself. Its honeycomb structure made from polypropylene, an extremely absorbent material, reduces injury to the knees in case of impact. Meanwhile, the rounded forms of the lower part of the dashboard and cubby-hole lid marry the shape of the tibia to spread out the forces resulting from an impact across the legs and ankles. The structure of the seats holds the occupants’ groins in the ideal position, while padding beneath the driver’s and front passenger’s feet protects the lower limbs. In case of impact from the side, the structure of the B-pillar protects the occupant’s groin in addition to the work that has gone into the optimizing the seats’ lateral strength and the positioning of padding inside the door panel. Careful attention has also been paid to protecting occupants from the consequences of rear impact: the fuel tank is located away from the rear underneath the floor with a view to limiting intrusion of the substructure and running gear.

Finally, Logan MCV comes with Isofix child seat anchorage points which can be mounted with the child’s back facing the direction of travel in the case of the outer second-row seats. A switch at the side of the dashboard allows the airbag to be deactivated and a warning light serves as a reminder that the function has been disabled. All these systems would enable Logan MCV to easily obtain a three-star EuroNCAP crash-test rating.

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A new Dacia vehicle in its own right

Logan MCV is the second model in the Logan programme which will feature six vehicles within the framework of the Renault Commitment 2009. Logan MCV reasserts the Renault Group’s determination to expand internationally and will be manufactured in Pitesti, Romania, the factory where the Logan adventure first began. The daily production capacity of Logan MCV is expected to be 360 vehicles, and 100 million euros* out of the total programme outlay of 154 million euros* were spent on manufacturing-related investment concerning the car’s production in Pitesti. These budgets were kept to a minimum thanks to the systematic application of techniques such as “carry-over” (transfer of solutions from one project to another) and “design to cost” (preponderance of the notion of value to the customer regarding technical and design specifications). These two principles were an underlying feature of the project from start to finish along with a permanent obsession for quality.

Logan MCV will go on sale in Romania from October 2006 and then progressively in the course of 2007 across the rest of Europe, from Spain to Turkey, and in certain African and Latin American countries. In its home market, Logan MCV is aimed at developing the loyalty of Dacia’s customers who already account for almost half the market. In other European markets, like the saloon version, it is expected to win over a pragmatic, rational thinking and price-conscious clientele as well as motorists looking for a highly functional and versatile vehicle. In this respect, it stands out as the perfect complement to the saloon car and gives Dacia the status of a fully-fledged brand in its own right with a range comprising several models.

Sitting squarely on its 17-inch wheels, Logan Steppe concept exudes robustness, an impression einforced by its wrap-around bumpers and protective side sills, yet lightened
by the use of metallic finish inserts. Derived directly from Logan, the car’s grille and front-end design suggest sports performance.

The interior of Logan Steppe concept exudes a sense of warmth and conviviality, with a combination of lightcoloured leather and tech-feel fabrics. The seats take their inspiration directly from the road car and offer touring car comfort for five people. The MP3 player hints at the interior’s high-tech ambience and the rear passengers can watch their latest freestyling* exploits on the slopes thanks to two video screens built into the back of the front
headrests. Accessories can be stored safely in the roof storage system. The netted seatback pockets are ideal for stowing sports magazines. The rear 60/40 split benchseat permits enhanced modularity and load carrying capacity. The design of the dashboard is evocative of escapism and sport, and it would come as no surprise to spot the trace of a snowboard boot above the assenger-side airbag.

The centre console takes up the same tech-feel design cues and materials as those used for the exterior. With lines that recall the marks of a slide in the snow, it serves as a union between the interior’s front and rear: its base flanks the electric parking brake control while its two arcs curve up either side of the gear selection grid. The controls (climate control switches,
air vents, door handles and trims, gearshift lever) have all been designed to be functional, which is especially practical when the driver has already donned his or her gloves before setting off for a spot of off-piste riding*! Visible behind the four-spoke steering wheel and compact airbag are the diode back-lit dials. The surround of their multifunction screen is picked out
by needles that seem to float weightlessly in the light; every detail of Logan Steppe concept reathes freedom.

At the rear too, Logan Steppe concept’s interior is all about relaxation. The doors open to reveal a peaceful, restoring atmosphere, particularly appreciable after an exhilarating descent from the peaks! With the removable rear bench folded down, occupants can rest and recuperate thanks to flasks stored in the side pockets. In the many storage spaces, it is possible to find a tool kit for running repairs of sports gear. And when the special support is pulled out, waxing and grinding skis is absolute child’s play. Meanwhile, at the back of the boot, special heated hooks allow wet boots and gloves to be hung to dry.

To repair the rough and tumble of a demanding workout on the slopes, a fully-equipped first aid kit is located in one of the door backs, while the other houses the video editing equipment and monitor for a detailed review of the afternoon’s action. With the rear bench deployed and the second row of seats folded down, the non-slip, modular floor makes it possible to lie down in total comfort. Thanks to its modular boot, which boasts a maximum capacity of 1.7 cubic metres, Logan Steppe concept is functional from tip to tail (overall length: 4.47m). The roof storage ystem blends in harmoniously with the vehicle’s lines. The rake of the windscreen is prolonged
by a full-width deflector which ensures effective protection of equipment from air turbulence and/or poor weather. At all speeds, and whatever the load, the airflow is channelled from the front of the car.

The roof storage system, which can be adapted to match the requirements of the moment, has been carefully thought through to meet the needs of snow sports enthusiasts. The assisted-opening lid provides direct access to the snowboard*. The handle of the latch, which takes its inspiration from ski bindings, not only holds the snowboard securely in place but also ensures protection against theft. Spotlights are located either side of the car at the leading edge of the roof storage system to light up snowcovered roads or illuminate the ski slope. The powerful diodes can be switched on independently of the headlamps, ideal for prolonging a great day at the snow park!

Certain technical features – such as the use of “flat blade” windscreen wipers and diode Xenon headlamps – bring comfort and modernity to Logan Steppe concept, while its disc brakes and big allipers point to performance. Standing at a height of 1.78m including its roof storage system, Logan Steppe concept features wellbalanced proportions. The side strips echo the front-end styling and offer protection along narrow lanes. The metallic finish door handles and direction indicators built into the door mirrors highlight the car’s racy personality, while the quarterlights reinforce its dynamic lines.

Developed with snow sports especially in mind, the specific roof storage system – which is built into the roof –calls on the same materials as those employed for the bumpers and door handles. Logan Steppe concept’s rear-end styling suggests a spacious interior. Access to the boot is facilitated by a touch-sensitive button; simply touching it allows the two symmetrical rear doors to swing open and reveal a low sill. To ensure a brightly-lit interior, the car features a large glazed area (more than 3.3 square metres in total).

The Dacia Nova was introduced in1998 as an alternative to the 30 years old Dacia 1300. It’s almost modern design made it quite attractive to the Romanians. It also was cheap compared to other new foreign cars and seemed to be a well-made car (not totally true).

Nova GT and GTi

The Nova was available in 2 versions, GT and GTi, but don`t be fooled by the names. It had no sporty capabilities. It was basicaly the same car, one with a duble barrel carburetor and the other had a Throttle Body Injection. Although the engine was weak and not so reliable, it was leap form the 1.4L 57HP engine that equiped the old 1300.

But because it wasn`t a very reliable car and it`s comercial succes was not as big as intended, the production was canceled two years later and replaced by the “new” model: Dacia SupeRNova

The 510 litres volume of the trunk, as well as its geometry, allow the easy loading of objects of various shapes.

Logan has two groups of Renault 1.4 l (75 HP) and 1.6 l (90 HP) motor-propellers, 8 valves, with a JH gearbox, which give it great road endurance qualities.

While robust, L90 has a six-year corrosion guarantee. With a competitive price, L90 is also economic in use. Advantageously situated compared to the other cars of the same segment, Logan is also characterized by a moderate consumption level and a fair cost of maintenance.