Jul 11, 2007 12:12 PM
8206 Views
Here are few cents worth of comments on Logan from someone from Automotive Industry
We test drove both 1.6 petrol and diesel models. The riding comfort and handling is extremely good probably best in the class. The torque at lower gears is very good. Initially we were apprehensive of this vehicle for city traffic ride, but we were surprised at the easy with which we could cruise through and turn(the dealer guy was initially scared about our maneuvering skills, but the end was appreciative of our driving ability)
The DriveTrain and gear box is imported now and are best in quality(probably only until it manufactured in India)
It has Electronic Throttle Control which means fuel supply to engine is optimized.
All models also have engine immobilizer not very publicized(Maruti has hyped this feature so much)
The AC is also very effective. The round type ducts are useful(I always felt that in my current car the passenger side ducts are always waste if only driver is sitting, with this car you can close the ducts thus increase the circulation on driver side ducts)
The cluster is high end and has built in driver information system which is very useful feature. Even low end vehicles have clock display(remember dealers boasting extra clock as a big feature)
Another feature not much talked about is light focus adjuster. In two cars I owned so far I felt lights are looking up at other cars rather than road. This feature will be useful to adjust the focus.
It is definitely much safer vehicle to drive considering wide body design(better roll over control, vehicle dynamics), it is run in many European countries who have best safety regulations, airbags and overall design.
The left hand steering wheel design may be bit awkward initially but all vehicles of Ford and Skoda also have similar design, how no one is commenting on that.
The interiors are not as shabby as some comments suggests, they may not be best but they are decent I felt.
Exterior looks are pretty ordinary.
The CD player is awful and Mahindra could have avoided this and reduced cost.
Few things I don’t like or need answers from Mahindra.
1. Why only 2 colors for 3 out of 5(may be 7) models? Are they not promoting these models?
2. Why 1.4 GLE costs Rs 45000 more just for power steering?
3. Why dealers are charging Rs 5000 handling charges, Rs 11000 accessories when other dealers are offering discounts. It is as good as paying 15000~20000 extra for this vehicle.
My fnal words are any vehicle quality depends on its suppliers. Mmaruti had tons of quality problems when it launched Swift in India. This vehicle has good reliability and quality atleast for now as major components are still imported.
Go for this vehicle if you are planning to buy hatchbacks, Ford Ikon, Maruti Esteem, Hyundai Accent etc.,
