Designed as a "world"...
Designed as a "world" car mainly for developing markets - and caught by our spy photographers in last week"s magazine - the newcomer will go on sale as the Logan. But it will wear two different manufacturers" badges, depending on where it"s being sold. In countries where Renault is already established, it will get the Dacia nameplate. However, in places such as Russia, where the French maker has no significant presence, the car will be badged Renault.
News of the Logan is eagerly anticipated because of its nickname: the 5,000 Euro Car. Sadly, that trumpeted target price (below ï‚÷£4,000) won"t be available for the model"s Romanian launch in September. More expensive variants with more standard equipment will appear first, with cheaper basic versions following later to avoid competition with the budget-priced Dacia Solenza.
According to Louis Schweitzer, boss of Renault, British drivers could get a chance to buy the saloon. "We have not ruled out selling the Logan in western Europe," he said. "We"re convinced it could find a place in any market." The boxy styling hides five full-size seats plus a large boot, and the Logan complies with all EU safety and emissions standards. It will be powered by Renault"s 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines. A 1.5 turbodiesel will follow in late 2005.
Pierre Eduard, the project"s product planning manager, confirmed that other versions, including a load-lugger, are on the way. "It won"t be a normal estate or station wagon," he said. "It will move the game on, but that"s all I can say at the moment." Buyers will have to wait to find out - the saloon seen in this week"s issue will be the only car available until 2007.
To keep costs down, Renault has raided its corporate parts bin. The little car shares its platform with the new Modus and uses Clio front suspension, while the cabin has familiar switchgear.