Dacia Logan MCV: space, versatility and value for money
Topic: Auto, Economy (Nov 2, 2006)
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.
Comments (12)
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Dacia Logan MCV: space, versatility and value for money
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Yes, I want one. Looks perfect for our 2-adults and 4-kids family, not to mention our tight budget.
Comment by Tim Black — October 12, 2006 @ 9:44 pm
Totally agree with Tim Black’s comment – having a family of six as well. Looks like an excellent VFM car, particularly if the starting price will be under 6K as suggested by some websites. The sooner it comes to the UK (Renault Logan?) the better !
Comment by Charles Thomas — October 13, 2006 @ 10:12 pm
The Logan (saloon) has been on sale here in Spain, where I live, for nearly two years. It is sold through Renault dealers but badged as Dacia. Price from about 5.25K to 7.25K (Pounds) before adding air conditioning, metallic paint or a CD player. My guess is 7K to 9K for the MCV, maybe 0.8K more with the air-con, etc. So cheap but not under 6K. Strangely, I have seen very few on the roads here. Possibly because the Korean brands price very aggressively here too, and the air-con comes as standard!
You should see the brilliant Logan TV adverts. They are at http://www.dacia-logan.com.es/es/DaciaSITe/news/videos/index.html
Comment by Tim Black — October 21, 2006 @ 8:07 am
DACIA LOGAN MCV IS THE BEST CAR ON THE WHOLE WORLD.
I love it…
Comment by Dino — October 25, 2006 @ 6:13 pm
I`m a woman, so you cannot even imagine how hard it is for me to wait until April 2007 when Logan MPV is coming in Croatia !
Why cannot it be sooner ?
And I must add that it is pity that Logan Stepe is just a concept not a reality !
Comment by Oli — November 4, 2006 @ 9:01 pm
A great car for a good price, can’t wait till it comes to Holland……….
Comment by Arie — December 29, 2006 @ 11:57 am
what will approximately cost the auto alarm unit for MCV? and is these available
by ordering new car?
Comment by Pils — January 9, 2007 @ 9:40 am
Hope it’s as good as it looks on the net and the price is good to, will wait and see on this one when it comes to GB late 2007, I hope.
Comment by Ian — January 14, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Hey, Oli, I’m from Bosnia, and do you know when is MCV coming to Bosnia???
Comment by Dino — January 18, 2007 @ 8:18 pm
Please tell me dealeships in France selling the Logan Dacia MCV
Comment by Bruno — March 3, 2007 @ 3:19 pm
You can buy the MCV any place you can by Renault cars. I’ve got one already
Comment by Ilan — March 9, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
Dacia coming to Finland on this year.
GREAT!!!
Comment by Make — February 7, 2008 @ 5:48 pm