Dacia Logan MCV (2007)

The 1.4-litre engine delivers a power output of 55kW (75hp) at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 112Nm at 3,000rpm, while the 1.6 engine boasts maximum power of 64kW (90hp) at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 128Nm at 3,000rpm. Both are coupled to the manual five-speed gearbox that equips Laguna II and Mégane II.

In the case of both engines, the first three gear ratios are short to ensure good pull-away and acceleration response from low revs and to facilitate the carrying of heavy loads. Meanwhile, the longer two final gears favour fuel consumption and acoustic performance and help position Logan MCV amongst the best in its class when it comes to fuel efficiency, as testified by the 1.4 75hp version's combined cycle fuel consumption of 7.6 litres/100km.

1.6 16V: unmatched dynamic performance

Recently introduced for the saloon version, the 1.6 16V engine ensures unrivalled performance. With top power of 105hp (77kW) at 5,750rpm and maximum torque of 148Nm at 3,750rpm, Logan MCV 1.6 16V accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 11.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 174kph. Price for price, estate cars offering such a high level of dynamic performance are few and far between.

However, it is notably for its flexibility and driving pleasure that the 1.6 16V was chosen to power Logan MCV. With 90 per cent of maximum torque available from as low as 2,000rpm, this engine offers smooth acceleration response with no flat spots at either low or medium revs. This hasn't been achieved to the detriment of fuel efficiency however, since the combined cycle fuel consumption of this 16-valve version of the 1.6-litre engine is just 7.5 litres/100km.

The 1.6 16V is coupled to a Type JR five-speed gearbox with enhanced synchronization and cable-controlled gear shift which combine to ensure reduced travel, extra gearshift precision and therefore greater driving pleasure. Oil change intervals for all the petrol engines that power Logan MCV are just 30,000km.

1.5 dCi 70hp: a benchmark diesel engine

A true benchmark in the world of diesel engines, the 1.5 dCi also comes from the Renault powerplant range. It is situated at the leading edge of powertrain technology and its secondgeneration common rail direct injection guarantees both high performance and very low fuel consumption which, at just 5.3 litres/100km (equivalent to 140g of CO2/km), puts Logan MCV 1.5 dCi in a very strong position compared with the other diesel-powered estates available on the market.

In running order, the compact 1.5 dCi tips the scales at a low 127kg and combines comfort and flexibility thanks to its low inertia, low lag turbocharger. Its maximum power output is 50kW (70hp) at 4,000rpm, while its peak torque of 160Nm is available at 1,700rpm and 85 per cent is available between 1,500 and 3,500rpm. The manual five-speed gearbox is lubricated for life and benefits from the use of longer gear ratios in order to make the very most of the 1.5 dCi's torque, as well as further enhance fuel consumption and acoustic performance without sacrificing dynamic performance. Even when the vehicle is carrying heavy loads, getaways and re-acceleration response are particularly punchy.

The combination of this engine's low fuel consumption and 50-litre fuel tank gives Logan MCV a benchmark range of almost 1,000km. Inexpensive to run, Logan MCV 1.5 dCi contributes to facilitating the life of its users thanks its low maintenance costs.

Safety, a fundamental concern

Logan MCV benefits from Renault's acclaimed expertise when it comes to safety. Like Logan, Logan MCV is built on the Alliance's B platform, the active safety features of which have naturally been carried over to the new car. The front suspension is based on the MacPherson-type layout featured on Clio II, while the reinforced rear suspension uses the same principle of a programmed deflection H-beam as the other models built on the same platform. The rear suspension is combined with spiral springs and extendedtravel, vertically-positioned dampers which allow Logan MCV to take even the worst conditions in its stride. Meanwhile extensive research has gone into the stiffness of the front and rear springs with a view to minimizing body movement, notably roll. The overall package ensures sound, balanced handling in all situations. As is the case with the saloon version, a front antiroll bar is fitted as standard equipment.

The brake system employs discs at the front and drums at the rear, while versions equipped with ABS come with the same latest-generation Bosch 8.0 system complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as that used for Mégane II. This system fully exploits the potential of the rear brakes. On the passive safety front, Logan MCV is in keeping with European standards and comes with up to four airbags. The two controlled-deflation front airbags that are standard equipment across the range incorporate a system which controls the amount of pressure inside the cushion to restrict the load exerted on occupants in case of impact. Two lateral font seat airbags will also become available as options at a later date. The airbags combine with programmed structural deformation for enhanced protection in case of impact from the side. The restraint system comprises three-point seatbelts with headrests for all seats, including the third row seats of sevenseater versions.

Logan MCV also benefits from Renault's recognized engineering expertise in the domain of resistance to impact and absorption of kinetic energy. In front impacts, the layout of the engine compartment favours the stacking up of mechanical parts. Inside the car, the single-piece dashboard is a key safety feature in itself. Its honeycomb structure made from polypropylene, an extremely absorbent material, reduces injury to the knees in case of impact. Meanwhile, the rounded forms of the lower part of the dashboard and cubby-hole lid marry the shape of the tibia to spread out the forces resulting from an impact across the legs and ankles. The structure of the seats holds the occupants' groins in the ideal position, while padding beneath the driver's and front passenger's feet protects the lower limbs. In case of impact from the side, the structure of the B-pillar protects the occupant's groin in addition to the work that has gone into the optimizing the seats' lateral strength and the positioning of padding inside the door panel. Careful attention has also been paid to protecting occupants from the consequences of rear impact: the fuel tank is located away from the rear underneath the floor with a view to limiting intrusion of the substructure and running gear.

Finally, Logan MCV comes with Isofix child seat anchorage points which can be mounted with the child's back facing the direction of travel in the case of the outer second-row seats. A switch at the side of the dashboard allows the airbag to be deactivated and a warning light serves as a reminder that the function has been disabled. All these systems would enable Logan MCV to easily obtain a three-star EuroNCAP crash-test rating.