Renault Logan PLAY 1.5 DLX
Maxabout Review
Another Try By Renault To Boost Logan Sales
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Colors
Renault Logan PLAY 1.5 DLX
Dashboard
Renault Logan PLAY 1.5 DLX
Exterior
Renault Logan PLAY 1.5 DLX
Interior
Renault Logan PLAY 1.5 DLX
Overview
Mahindra Renault Logan was first car from Mahindra and Renault in India. Though the sales of Logan is diping day by day but Mahindra has been constantly working on the Logan. Recently, they introduced Logan Collection edition and Logan Edge. Now, they have come up with Logan 'PLAY'.
Following comfort and safety features are available in Logan 'PLAY':
- High End USB Enabled Music System
- Black Contrast Coloured Centre Console
- New Floor Mats
- Sporty decals
- Leather Seat Covers
- Leather Upholstered Steering Wheel
- Driver Information System (DIS)
- Chromed Muffler Cutter
- Reverse Parking Sensors
- Sporty Boot Spoiler
- Alloy Wheels
- ABS & EBD
Logan 'PLAY' is available in 2 models - one diesel and one petrol. It has been priced at Rs 5,50,000 for the GLX Petrol and Rs 6,80,000 for the DLX diesel. These prices are Ex-Showroom, New Delhi.
Design & Interiors
Logan has never been a looker and this one no exception, new decals and cosmetic changes can't hide the boxy looks of Logan. Though Fit and finish of the car is very good and it is the widest car in its segment. It's wider than a Toyota Corolla and headroom is massive as well. All three rear passengers also get headrests, to prove the point that three are comfortable at the back but it's good from a standpoint of safety as well.
The front seats are wide and seat travel is good, but the seats are a touch flat. The Logan is contemporary when it comes to crashworthiness. And the company has offered driver-side airbags as standard fitment for the top-end models.
The glove box isn't as big as it looks but there's a very useful cubbyhole above it in place of the front passenger airbag. The switchgear and circular air-con vents feel quite solid and operate well but the quality of plastics is not up to the mark.
Engine, Gearbox & Handling
The power train feels indestructible in a way traditional engines did. The gear ratios are suited for commuting and getting in and out of the car is easy and seats are good for three-hour stints. The body structure is extremely stiff for good ride and handling and the use of a current platform also means crash survivability is of the highest order. It has single-piece; square-shaped dashboard is functional at best. The five-speed gearbox fitted contributes to driving pleasure a fair bit. The action is light, it slots into gear easily and it is almost impossible to miss a shift.
Logan 'PLAY' is available with two engine options:
- 1.4 litre Petrol - 65 Bhp/ 160 Nm
- 1.5 litre Diesel - 75 Bhp/110 Nm
All the engines are good for economy and the gearbox for ratios but in terms of refinement and power delivery the power train does not excel. Mahindra Renault claims 26 kpl on the highway and around 18kpl in city for the diesel version.
Logan Edge Connect is available in two variants:
- Logan 'PLAY' 1.4 GLX
- Logan 'PLAY' 1.5 DLX
Overall, Logan it is a good car which is technically sound and has a solid built quality but when it comes to design, styling and features; it is far behind than its rivals like Ford Fiesta, Swift Dzire, Fiat Linea and Hyundai Verna. It doesn't even stand close to them. Mahindra Renault needs to launch the all new 2010 model of Logan in India with all the latest features if they want to grab some market share in lower mid segment car market.