The new logan 1.5 DCI DLS - test driven

[deepakhon]

Just happened to read BS Motoring's review on Logan. Some points the reviewer made looked pretty interesting:
1. The front power window control is on the dash because Renault wanted to save the door costs by not having electricals included there.
2. The dials do not have redline marked because they wanted to use the same ones for petrol and diesel cars.

So much for cost cutting!

Source:
Top Story - A no-nonsense car, anyone? - Business Standard Motoring

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by deepakhon

Just happened to read BS Motoring's review on Logan. Some points the reviewer made looked pretty interesting:

I read that too, but I had some questions on those observations:

1. The front power window control is on the dash because Renault wanted to save the door costs by not having electricals included there.

If no electricals are included on the front doors, how do the power windows move? Obviously the motor and the wiring for it has to be in the door panels. So that observation by BSM is pretty stupid.

2. The dials do not have redline marked because they wanted to use the same ones for petrol and diesel cars.

Originally Posted by deepakhon

So much for cost cutting!

Amen! And to think that our journos bought that logic and actually published it in all seriousness !!!!!!!!

Source:

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

They can't do that GTO, they have to buy 8Lac version. In india all taxis have to be white. Logan does not come in white in low end versions to prevent taxi owners buying it. thats what I meant by alienating that segment.

I think you got that point incorrect there.
You do find cabs in various dark shades too... just that white is the sort of accepted norm.

Take a look at the Ambys in Kerala for instance. They have taxi licence plates, and can be seen in various colours besides white. I dont think there is a specific rule as such.

[deepakhon]

Originally Posted by Steeroid

If no electricals are included on the front doors, how do the power windows move? Obviously the motor and the wiring for it has to be in the door panels. So that observation by BSM is pretty stupid.

Hmmm... I never thought of that too. Looks like I am as stupid as those journos

[suman]

E_T, this has to be one of the best reviews that I've read. So what do we have here? A pretty plain & boring car which has a few pluses but they don't stand out at all, certainly not when compared to the competition.

Disappointing really, I'd expected much more from this car

[extreme_torque]

Thanks guys for the appreciation.... makes the effort worthwhile.
The problem with the logan is that everything just works, the engine the suspension... there's nothing that stands out, there's nothing that would make you want to drive it, the X-factor as they say.

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by deepakhon

Hmmm... I never thought of that too. Looks like I am as stupid as those journos

Nope there is another explanation for cost-cutting. They probably wanted to use the same interior door panels for the power window and non-power window models. All they need to do for the manual windows is to drill a hole for the winder and put an ambassador-like metal cap on it.

Heights of cost-cutting. I think Carlos Ghosn is taking his reputation too seriously. They're cutting costs like nobody else and are yet not the most economical option - there's something wrong with this approach.

[arif_t01]

And i can't understand the logic behind introducing Aluminium/Steel inserts in Dash, centre console, around A/C vents and even in the Gear knob, if they were trying to keep cost-cutting to the max. maybe

I mean, all the other car manufacturers introduced them for increasing the snob value, right?

[Dippy]

Originally Posted by Steeroid

Nope there is another explanation for cost-cutting. They probably wanted to use the same interior door panels for the power window and non-power window models. All they need to do for the manual windows is to drill a hole for the winder and put an ambassador-like metal cap on it.

Heights of cost-cutting. I think Carlos Ghosn is taking his reputation too seriously. They're cutting costs like nobody else and are yet not the most economical option - there's something wrong with this approach.

Steeroid, carrying forward your point and after reading E Ts review on the car, I came to a conclusion that there is a lot of cost cutting in the Logan. But inspite of this the Logan really isnt low priced. I'm sure the Mumbai price for a diesel Logan will exceed 7 lakhs.

Got a call from the Renault showroom yesterday offering a test drive. Might add mytwo bits after a TD on Sunday

[benbsb29]

Awaiting results from your TD, Dippy.
Somehow, as of the standings so far, the Logan doesnt seem to have any particular reason why a customer should bother with it, and not go with the competition.

[rajneeesh]

The logan may be a priced a bit on the higher side . It should have been priced about 75 k lowerr for the DLS. However, at that price it does offer an Airbag, a trip computer and a music system whereas the Verna does not offer any thing. Renault would do well to look at features like climate control on the top end along with a tilt steering.

[DriverR]

[quote=raajks;414727]Clarification
========
Ground clearance is 172 mm and 155 (Laden)

One doubt.... When other cars mention gc of 160mm, 170mm etc, do they also mean the un-laden gc? If yes, then why oh why did the brilliant minds at Mahindra say gc of 155mm, and create a -ve impression! Frankly, I was extremely put off by that figure sitting in the specs data.
Anyways, does not matter to me. All the best to the people who buy the car. I would not buy it at the current prices, but I'm sure there will be takers for it. So wishing them the very best.

[Ricky_63]

I appreciate them for the effort, but they should have been careful with the pricing. To me, having just one reverse light at the rear is hideous !!


As far as I remember, the 1.3 Ikon used to have ONE reverse light in 2000 model, correct me if I am wrong. Not that I am for it, it definately looks weird. maybe M&M thought, if Ford can do it so can we !!!!

Cheers

[Ricky_63]

From the looks of this thread I don't see many BHPians buying this car !!

[w 12]

Originally Posted by Ricky_63

As far as I remember, the 1.3 Ikon used to have ONE reverse light in 2000 model, correct me if I am wrong.
Cheers

you are right..even today many cars come with only one reverse light..including Indica / xeta. not sure about the indigo though..