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Dacia Logan MCV: Test Drive Review
Date: 06 January 2014 | Author:
The fourth new model to join the budget Dacia line-up is the most practical yet.
The Logan MCV manages to be both compact - it's 64mm shorter than a Ford Focus Estate - and offer a boot 34 litres larger than a Mondeo Estate. The MCV stands for Maximum Capacity Vehicle, and it's fair to say the aim has been achieved.
It will appeal to operators looking for something big but very much frill-free, as the Logan MCV conforms to the plan set out with the Sandero city car, Duster small off-roader and Sandero Stepway crossover in offering a very cheap vehicle that's short on niceties.
The huge boot has been carved out without significantly compromising occupant space, with good room front and rear for adults in a car of this size.
It's fine to drive - it's not entertaining but there's nothing to cause concern - and it feels more refined and more complete than the baby Sandero. Covering big mileages wouldn't be a chore, but neither vehicle would be a particular pleasure.
Priced from a ridiculously low £6815 for the entry 75hp 1.2 petrol, even the top-spec 90hp 1.5 diesel is well below £11,000.
However, even the highest Laureate trim level, expected to be the best-seller, doesn't get the likes of alloy wheels or parking sensors as standard, and the entry Access trim, only available with the 1.2 petrol engine, doesn't even have electric mirrors and windows, wheel trims, a radio or remote locking.
The 90hp diesel driven here impresses for running costs, with sub-100g/km emissions and an official fuel economy figure of 74.3mpg, while the 33.1% residual value is decent for a budget brand.
The nearest competitor - Skoda's Fabia Estate - costs £14,350 in 90hp 1.6 TDI 90 SE form and has a boot that's 68 litres smaller with the rear seats up, highlighting the practical value of the Logan.
VerdictThe Logan MCV is a very cost-effective way to move big loads |
7/10 |
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