Aug 18, 2007 10:11 PM
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Logan - when I first heard the name, I knew that it is a Renault (Reno) product, since I was for sometime in Paris and Avegnon. This car is popular in France with the features that are provided in the French version. However, when I first went to check it out in the Chennai showroom.
I found a lot of features missing in the Indian version...that was dissappointment, because I was really thrilled to hear the price and (against hopes) hoped to find all the French features within that price. Nonetheless - the features for the price were OK.
Then I started checking the (Diesel) engine and the fuel system - the 4 cylinder - 8 valve engine is not very top of the order to say, but the fuel injection system is surprisingly good for the engine - this should give high milage per litre and a long haul at low speeds with virtually no extra load on the engine. Incidentally, the engine used in the Indian version is a Dacia engine which is quite hardy, by reputation and is known to take rough terrains. The engine does very well in the mountains of Bavaria.
At this point, I was not very impressed, but considering the price I was in two minds as to whether to change to this from my existing Accent .
After the intial checking in the showroom, I took a test drive - this turned the table. I was amazed at the way this machine handles Indian roads, traffic jams and open highways. The suspension stands sturdy over the numerous potholes and speed breakers, the torque aptly supports the low gear drives in perpetual traffic hold ups and the power steering makes you feel like you are in an Maruti Alto.
The size - is bigger than the biggest in this segment, the space inside - too much, the Boot - wow, but it doesn't open automatically, the AC - Avante Grade, The fittings - mmmmm OK for the price, the Dash board - copied from Original Logan - but the placement can be improved with the right hand drive.
The negatives of the car - OK, nothing that one can really crib for except some left handed elements in controls and switches (this didn't bother me much, since I was used to them while driving in EU). However, I found the gear - clutch combination a bit hard. My current car gives me problems at times when I start in reverse gear - so I am used to them, however, I am using the Logan since I bought and the gear shift has eased with use. This is a common man's car and not for racing - the pick up is not like a higher cyclinder car and the stress on fuel efficiency - does not permit to generate speeds above 130 / 140
I have owned and driven different Indian cars starting from my college days, with Standard Herald, Amby Mark III, Premier President, Wagon R, Esteem and Accent, my experience is that no matter what you try to find in a car, the first hand life of a car is over by the end of 5th year (in case you drive regularly). In that case, the price I pay - minus the second hand value - is what I pay for 5 / 6 years. Considering the second hand value of all cars in a particular segment varies around the same benchmark figure, I don't think that if so much is available in Logan, it makes much sense in buying another high value car in the same segment.
My verdict - if you are putting your money in a mid-size car - go for this, you won't find a better value in India .... If you have already bought a mid size car other than this - don't look at Logan - you will sleep well : ))
