Mahindra Renault Logan is first car from Mahindra and Renault in India. 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 power train felt indestructible too 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 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. 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.

It is powered by common-rail diesel engine which displaces 1461cc to develop 65 bhp at 4000 rpm and 16 kgm of torque at 2000 rpm. The Logan cruises well, but needs to be whipped to get moving at appreciable velocities. The diesel variant takes around 6.7 seconds for a 60 kph and 18.7 seconds for 100 kph.

The engine is 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 16kpl in city.

Logan offers airbag for driver as a standard fitment in top models and with honeycomb dashboard it protects you in case of front impact and cross member at the rear protects you in case of rear impact. The top models of Logan come with all the bells and whistles like power steering, power windows, remote central locking and remote fuel lid opener. But the absence of an internal boot release is extremely impractical and annoying too.

The ergonomics too seem to have been compromised. The side mirrors are too small and the left-side one is partially obstructed by the A-pillar cladding. The low-placed switches on the centre console, which taper away from the driver, are not within easy line of sight.

It is available in six colors, namely Toreador Red, Fiery Black, Sahara Beige, Mist Silver, Turf Green and Diamond White. Overall 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 and Hyundai Verna.

Update: Mahindra Renault has recently launched the Logan Edge, a special edition version of its mid-size sedan Logan priced between 5 Lakh to 7.15 Lakh rupees. The car sports a lot of new features along with a special Mystique Purple shade and comes in both petrol and diesel variants.

New Features in Logan Edge:

1) ABS (Antilock Braking System) + EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution).
2) Special Edition Mystique Purple Color and Racy Body Graphics.
3) New Chrome Muffler Cutter.
4) Parking Sensors.
5) Wood finish central Console with Beige Leather Upholstery.
6) Rear Centre Arm Rest.
7) Kenvood Music system with USB input and iPOD compatibility.

The new Logan Edge is available in Mystique Purple, a sophisticated shade, adorned with stylish body graphics that add a touch of refinement, making the vehicle a delight to watch on the roads. It also features beige leather seat covers, a wood-finish centre console and a high-end Kenwood music system with remote control and USB / iPod connectivity.

The Logan Edge is also equipped with 'intelligent features' such as reverse parking sensors and a sensitive and safe anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution system (ABS & EBD).

TV commercial of Mahindra Renault Logan: