New Mahindra-Renault Logan

Renault, the French vehicle manufacturer received its stardom brand name due to its numerous revolutionary designs, security technologies, and motor racing. Renault joined hands with Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) in 2005 to share technology and create a platform for Renault in India. Their first product launch, as a joint venture, is the state-of-the-art spacious luxury sedan 'Logan'. This venture gives M&M the stronghold it was seeking in the automobile industry in India and also provides Renault with a platform to tap the ever growing Indian market.

Logan is India's widest car; however it is categorized as a mid-sized sedan. Logan is based on Renault's famous space optimization design. The car is said to redefine space and luxury. Logan brings with it not only time tested foreign technology, but also introduces itself to the budget minded Indian car buyer at a competitive price tag.

The Logan is currently available in ten variants: 1.4 GL, 1.4 GLE, 1.4 GLX, 1.6 GLS, 1.6 GLS ABS, 1.6 GLX, 1.5 DLE, 1.5 DLS, 1.5 DLS ABS and 1.5 DLX. It is available with three types of engines: a 1.4L and a 1.6L petrol engine as well as a 1.5 dCi (diesel) common rail engine.

Logan has tough competition in the market in the form of Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Ikon, Indigo and many more that have a large impact on the Indian automobile industry. However, Logan is riding on the Renault brand name which is well known for its impressive and high performing technology.

The Logan comes with 1.4L and 1.6L petrol and 1.5L diesel engine. Logan's impressive 1.5 common rail diesel engine offers a mediocre 65 bhp @ 4000 rpm, but has a marvelous 160 Nm of torque @ 2000 rpm that gives it a smooth pick-up and power on the highway. This low-revving engine is easy to handle on city roads even though it produces a lot of power. The 1.4 liter and 1.6 liter petrol engines offer 75 bhp and 84.5 bhp respectively @ 5500 rpm. However, the 1.4 liter produces 110 Nm of torque @ 3000 rpm and the 1.6 liter makes 128 Nm of torque at the same rpm giving it the acceleration and speed worthy of the Renault name.

The car comes equipped with the JH gearbox that has already proved its reliability in the Renault range. Logan's torque at low speeds has improved considerably due to redesigning of the cams' profile. In spite of its spacious dimensions, the car does not feel very heavy.

Logan's emission levels have also been radically reduced. This improves the prospects for the Logan as against other diesel cars currently available in the market. The second-generation common rail injection system developed for the 1.5 dCi supplies just the required amount of pressurized fuel in a series of injections, thereby improving the efficiency of combustion and thus, saving fuel. The system also comes equipped with dedicated injector calibration, which enables the injection timing and flow to be controlled for each injector separately.

The car has a top-speed of 155-160 km/h and reaches 0-100 km in 14 seconds. The 1.5L diesel engine has a top-speed of 150-155 km/h and attains a speed of 0-100 km in 17 seconds. It offers a fuel efficiency of 14/18 km/l (city/highway) with the Common Rail Diesel engine and 10/13 km/l (city/highway) with the petrol engine.

The Logan is not a head turner instead it goes for a practical look. The Logan measures 4,250 mm in length, 1,975 mm in width and 1,525 mm in height and weighs 925 kgs. With a wheelbase of 2,630 mm, its wide body offers comfortable seating, with enough headroom and legroom, in the front as well as the rear seat.

Logan's exterior is highlighted by prominent wheel arches, and smooth body sides and bonnet. The rear lamp clusters, placed at an angle, make the car's structured edges look even while the headlamps give a sharp look to it. The Renault badge is placed prominently on the grille.

The Logan is the only car in its segment that has three head-rests in the rear seat; one for the middle occupant as well. The car's beige interiors lend a bright and plush feel to it.

With a boot capacity of 510 litres, the Logan can carry luggage of all sizes. The boot provides a low loading platform and is protected by the boot lining from the upper part of the rear bumper.

The compartment layout of the car guarantees safety for all passengers in case of a frontal collision. In the event of a side impact, the car's central pillar protects the occupants. Its fuel tank has been meticulously placed under the floor-pan, to avoid its bursting in case of a collision from the rear. A cross-member in the back of the rear seat prevents the entry of objects placed in the boot into the cabin.

The Logan has been modified to suit the Indian driving conditions. Its air-conditioning and heating system are designed to suit extreme climatic conditions found in the country. The Logan's ground clearance of 155 mm makes driving on potholed and bumpy roads easier.

The Logan's top-end variant comes with features like Anti-lock Braking System, airbags, power assisted steering, remote-controlled central locking, electric windows and CD player.