- Logan 3 is built on the CMF-B platform shared with Sandero and Stepway
- It remains popular in Romania for value-for-money and reliability, despite higher prices
- The article analyzes Logan 3 features, engine options, and competitive rivals in Romania
Dacia Logan remains a popular choice for Romanian drivers thanks to its value-for-money and proven reliability. However, current prices for new models at dealerships have risen compared to previous generations, raising a legitimate question: how much does the most affordable Logan actually cost and what features does it offer?
This article provides a historical context of Dacia and its evolution, then focuses on the Logan 3 generation, detailing standard equipment, engine options, and a competitive comparison with rivals in the Romanian market.
Dacia Automobiles - Historical Context and Evolution
Dacia Automobile is recognized as the largest vehicle manufacturer in Romania, a group that, since 1999, has been part of the French Renault group. The company is involved in the manufacture and sale of vehicles, spare parts, tools, machines and installations dedicated to the automotive industry.
Subsequently, in 2009, the Dacia group acquired Auto Chassis International Romania in exchange for 50.8 million euros, thus strengthening its position on the local market.
The First Romanian Car Under a French License
Although not the first Romanian car, Dacia is certainly the most popular of them. It appeared in 1966, at the Colibași plant (now Mioveni), in the Pitești area. The car was the result of agreements at the time between Romanian Communist officials and the French group Renault.
According to evz.ro, “Romanian authorities wanted a license for a mid-size car with engine displacement between 1,000 and 1,300 cm³. Renault, Peugeot, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Austin took part in the bidding. In the end the Renault license was selected which initially proposed the Renault 12 model. For technical and economic reasons, the offer was withdrawn. The model was in the testing phase, and production was to begin in France in the second half of 1969.
Renault allowed the Romanian side to begin assembling an intermediate model until Renault 12 was ready for production, and the choice fell on Renault 8. On August 20, 1968, serial production began for the Dacia 1100, a model under Renault R8 license.
After the Dacia 1100, followed the Dacia 1300, which entered production in August 1969, the model being under the R 12 license, a four-door sedan with front-wheel drive“.
Dacia Logan 3 - The Current Generation
The history continued, under the Renault umbrella, with several variants of the Dacia 1300 model. We also remember the Dacia 1302, Dacia 500, Dacia 1310, Dacia Nova, Dacia SupeRNova, Dacia Solenza, Dacia Logan, Dacia Sandero, Dacia Duster, and Dacia Spring.
Dacia Logan reached the Logan 3 model, a city car, versatile, developed by the Renault group, which also markets it under the Renault brand in various markets. The new generation is based on the CMF-B platform, the same one underpinning the Sandero and Stepway models.
Technical Features of the Logan 3
The Dacia Logan 3 is a reference model for the Dacia group, one of the most searched cars on the domestic market. Known for its popularity, the car leads the list of passenger cars desired by future owners.
However, the Logan 3, though widely used for taxi services, is no longer as affordable as many drivers think, at least when considering current prices and Romanian purchasing power.
The Price of the Most Affordable Dacia Logan Model
According to playtech.ro, in December 2022, the most affordable Logan starts at €13,600. “At this price, you get a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with 90 horsepower and a maximum torque of 160 Nm. We are talking about a five-speed manual gearbox, with the note that the turbocharged engine is significantly more economical than in the past. Additionally, thanks to the timing chain, you can achieve further savings on your daily maintenance budget.”
Standard Equipment for the Expression Variant
Regarding features, the cheapest Dacia Logan comes with the Expression package. This includes:
- Power-adjustable exterior mirrors
- Cruise control
- ABS
- Automatic emergency braking system
- Emergency braking assist
- Hill-start assist
- Acoustic parking sensors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Front fog lights
- 8-inch infotainment display
Advantages of the TCe 90 Engine
The 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine offers a good balance between performance and efficiency. With 90 HP and a maximum torque of 160 Nm available from 1,750 rpm, this powerplant provides a pleasant drive both in the city and on national roads. The timing chain eliminates belt replacement costs, an economic advantage in the long run.
The Most Expensive Dacia Logan Model
On the opposite end, the same source notes that the most expensive Logan starts at €15,600, in the luxury variant. “It still has 90 horsepower, also a three-cylinder engine, and the maximum torque is 142 Nm. It features a CVT automatic transmission with a smooth start from rest, elasticity in acceleration, and uninterrupted gear changes in power delivery.”
Premium Equipment for the Prestige Variant
As for the equipment, the top-end Prestige variant adds to the Expression package:
- Rear-view camera
- Mirror defogging system
- Hands-free key card for starting the engine
- Trunk lighting
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind-spot sensors
- Color TFT instrument cluster
- Integrated navigation system
- Upgraded upholstery
- Lightweight alloy wheels
The CVT Transmission - Pros and Cons
The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) provides a smoother driving experience by eliminating gear-shift shocks. However, some drivers prefer the traditional feel of a manual or a fixed-gear automatic. The CVT is efficient in fuel consumption but can feel less dynamic during brisk accelerations.
Comparison with the Competition
At a price range of €13,600–€15,600, the Logan 3 competes closely with models such as:
- Skoda Scala (from €16,000)
- Volkswagen Polo (from €15,500)
- Ford Fiesta (from €14,500)
- Hyundai i20 (from €15,200)
Although it is no longer the cheapest in the segment, the Logan retains the advantage of generous interior space and low maintenance costs, elements that keep it competitive in the Romanian market.
Conclusion
The Dacia Logan 3 remains a solid option for those seeking a practical and reliable car, but current prices reflect investments in technology and safety. With a starting price of €13,600 for the Expression and €15,600 for Prestige, the Logan is no longer the car for everyone, yet it still offers a competitive value-for-money ratio in its segment.