Test drive Dacia Logan MCV: a guest from the Balkans
Content
Over 100 kilometers - two and a half circles of the globe - the Romanian Dacia Logan had to prove how easily and convincingly he copes with everyday tasks with this seductive car.
First, let's reveal the secret of why the Logan MCV even after 100 kilometers looks almost like new - both inside and out. The reason is that the hard plastics that make up the simple interior of the car hardly wear out over time, and the body design does not shine with impressive beauty, which, as you know, is rather fleeting. When MCV started marathon trials in February 000, beauty was out of the question. Much more important was the question of how this cheap car could cover long distances.
What is the budget?
By the way, it can be called cheap only taking into account its base price of 8400 euros (in Germany), which is now 100 euros higher. For this money, the station wagon model does not even offer power steering, the price of a test car in the Laureate trim version, with a 68 hp turbodiesel engine. and additional services such as third-row seats, CD radio, air conditioning, alloy wheels and metallic lacquer rose to 15 euros.
Anyone who wants to can calculate whether it was a lot or a little. However, the answer does not change the fact that for this price there is no other car today with the talent to accommodate seven passengers or transport a herd of old washing machines to a recycling warehouse.
Functionality comes first
MCV did not disappoint anyone, because no one expected more from it, and the manufacturer does not promise anything other than pragmatic and unpretentious mobility. However, this model can change the way you look at a car - two or three days behind the wheel is enough to realize that you really don't need much more.
When traveling with Logan, you can put more emphasis on driving because there is almost nothing to distract from him. Several of the features offered are actually used. Nothing is regulated due to the regulation itself, and this is true even for a modest audio system. Its roaring voice sounds like an alarm clock, but with the noise that the engine emits from 130 km / h and above, the more expensive system will be useless.
Soul for rent
However, a little more power will not be superfluous. Indeed, the dynamic characteristics of a 1,5-liter diesel do not subjectively seem as phlegmatic as measured values show. However, the maximum weight of 1860 kilograms overloads 68 horses. “When I started, it always seemed to me that the parking brake was on,” wrote colleague Hans-Jörg Gotzel in the test diary. To be fair, however, we must add that at the time, MCV was transporting all of its camping gear and a folding Klepper boat along with the Goetzel family of five.
Despite some advantages of the engine - an acceptable average consumption of 6,8 l/100 km, as well as low brake power and poor tire wear - since the station wagon update in October 2008, Dacia no longer offers this engine in Germany. The only diesel in the lineup is the 1.5 dCi version with 86 hp. It costs 600 euros more, has the same value and offers more temperament, but the driver no longer has the proud feeling that he has conquered a mountain or a long distance thanks to his own driving talent.
On a rocking chair
The car with the number B-LO 1025 has been driving throughout Europe for a long time. Slow heat reactions and rapid overloading of the air conditioner, as well as uncomfortable seats, were of some concern. They were the reason for the first unscheduled visit to the service. From 35 kilometers the driver's seat turns into a rocking chair. Under warranty, the entire supporting and regulating mechanism was replaced, but this way the problem was solved in a short time.
By the way, this is the only really annoying and expensive (outside the warranty period) damage. All other problems were relatively minor - for example, around the middle of the test, the rear wheel brakes needed to be cleaned and lubricated, and during the second emergency visit to the workshop, the low beam bulb was replaced. During the third unscheduled visit to the workshop, the car received a new brake light switch and wiper nozzle.
Simple but reliable
Logan didn't have any more damage, but he didn't have many things to damage. Aging is almost imperceptible - and after 100 km the transmission shifts with the same stutter as on the first day, and the clutch, as always, is engaged late. A few scratches on the bumpers indicate a difficult perception of dimensions. Once in the parking lot, the column tore off the left side mirror, but it was not by chance that the car was disabled. Or maybe a cheap car rumbles or even rusts? No traces of such phenomena.
The good health that MCV enjoys is based on regular prevention. Even so, short service intervals of 20 km are cut in half by inspections at 000 km. In this regard, Renault's instructions are inconsistent. For example, the reader Wolfgang Krautmacher receives a prescription from the manufacturer, according to which this check is only one-time - after 10 km.
However, our official request was answered that in order for the warranty to be valid, checks must be carried out after every 10 km interval with an odd serial number. The fact is that the MCV had to not only undergo regular maintenance at a relatively high average price of 000 euros, each time receiving a decent amount (285 liters) of fresh engine oil, but also undergo several intermediate checks. costing an average of 5,5 euros.
Balance
As a result, it turns out that Logan with almost 1260 euros requires about twice as much maintenance costs than Renault Clio with a service interval of 30 kilometers. This is reflected in the calculation of the total cost of the car, which without tires, oil and fuel is 000 cents - about 1,6 percent more than usual for this price range.
Thus, despite the high cost when selling used cars after 100 km, the Dacia is not really a cheap car, but still profitable enough for anyone who is not looking for a car to fall in love with, but helping them. in the real life.
text: Sebastian Renz
LOgan MCV on the Bulgarian market
In Bulgaria, the Logan MCV is available with gasoline (75, 90 and 105 hp) and diesel engines with 70 and 85 hp. with., as two more powerful gasoline units and a diesel with a capacity of 85 hp. can only be ordered with the highest level of equipment of the Laureate. Base price of the 85 hp diesel version. The village costs 23 levs for a five-seater and 590 levs for a seven-seater option (with the possibility of VAT refund).
An interesting proposal is the modification that runs on propane-butane (90 hp, 24 190 BGN. With seven seats), which, unlike other models with additionally installed gas systems, has a full proprietary warranty. In addition, the gas bottle is located in the spare wheel and does not take up cargo space.
Evaluation
Dacia Logan MCV 1.5 DCI
The second place in the index of damage to the ABS of the corresponding class. High maintenance costs due to short service intervals (10 km).
technical details
| Dacia Logan MCV 1.5 DCI | |
|---|---|
| Working volume | - |
| Power | 68 k. From. at 4000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 18,8 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | - |
| full speed | 150 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 5,3 l |
| Base Price | - |
