Photo: Andrei Tutu
The Dacia Logan is one of those models that are more than just cars. When your goal is to bring power, albeit modest, to the people, your name will eventually remain in the history books, along with the million life stories you’ve sustained. Did I say “million”? I meant 1.5 million, since earlier today I witnessed Dacia delivering the one-and-a-half-millionth Logan.
After eleven years and two generations on the market, I’ve experienced the Logan in so many situations, from taxis to rally cars, that I wasn’t sure what to expect about the lucky milestone customer. Now I’m glad I didn’t make any bets, since I wouldn’t have guessed the match between the vehicle and its buyer could be so good.
Meet Diana Ileana Serban, who’s proud of her Logan. Why do I see her as fit for the job? Well, for one thing, she’s a mechanical engineer, which explains the practicality of her configuration. Oh and did I mention she wasn’t shy about speccing the Logan?
We’re talking about a range-topping Laureate model, with the Euro 6-capable 0.9 TCe three-cylinder turbo engine. Just like the one we tested. As for the optional extras, the car ticks all the boxes, sans a few fancy features such as alloy wheels and cruise control.
Over one month ago when she ordered the car, Diana didn’t know she’d take delivery of it with an audience. She received the news last week and is now more convinced than ever that she’s made the right choice.
autoevolution: Why a Logan?
Diana: I used to drive a Renault Clio Symbol, so I’m basically staying on the familiar side. Besides I’m happy to support the Romanian economy.
ae: Had you driven a Logan before?
D: I went on a long trip with a friend in one of these. I didn’t get to drive it, but I was pleased, so I went ahead and ordered one after an accident forced me to give up my Symbol.
ae: we want to know more about your driving habits. What engine did the Renault have and what’s your annual mileage?
D: It was a 65 hp dCi and I do around 10,000 km (6,000 miles) per year [an average figure for a Romanian motorist].
ae: In what conditions will you use the Dacia?
D: I don’t drive to work every day, so it will be more for the open road trips.
Diana paid EUR10,800 for her well-gifted car. Sure, that’s about double compared to the EUR5,000 dream that kickstarted the Logan back in the early 2000s when we all called it the X90 project. But with features such as a touch-screen infotainment system and a hood strut, the car has come a long way too.
Her bonus for landing on the 1.5M mark? An EUR500 voucher she can spend on servicing or accessories and a bouquet. Jan Ptacek, Renault Commercial Roumanie General Manager handed her the flowers, together with the key.
Jan isn’t the kind of exuberant exec who likes to bait journalists into writing speculative stories, but he does have his business well timed. For instance, he was in Romania when the Logan project began, so it was only normal for him to attend the special delivery ceremony.
In fact, the Logan story is greater than this. You see, the 1.5 million units only refer to the Dacia brand, being split between Romania (513,700), Algeria (211,784), France (182,788), Turkey (130,048) and Germany (120,600). Nevertheless, the Logan is also sold as a Renault (outside France) and a Lada, so the overall number is even higher.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - we’re used to women making emotional choices and men going for the rational path, but on many automotive occasions such as this one, we guys have to admit things go the other way around.
Meet Diana Ileana Serban, who’s proud of her Logan. Why do I see her as fit for the job? Well, for one thing, she’s a mechanical engineer, which explains the practicality of her configuration. Oh and did I mention she wasn’t shy about speccing the Logan?
We’re talking about a range-topping Laureate model, with the Euro 6-capable 0.9 TCe three-cylinder turbo engine. Just like the one we tested. As for the optional extras, the car ticks all the boxes, sans a few fancy features such as alloy wheels and cruise control.
Over one month ago when she ordered the car, Diana didn’t know she’d take delivery of it with an audience. She received the news last week and is now more convinced than ever that she’s made the right choice.
autoevolution: Why a Logan?
Diana: I used to drive a Renault Clio Symbol, so I’m basically staying on the familiar side. Besides I’m happy to support the Romanian economy.
ae: Had you driven a Logan before?
D: I went on a long trip with a friend in one of these. I didn’t get to drive it, but I was pleased, so I went ahead and ordered one after an accident forced me to give up my Symbol.
ae: we want to know more about your driving habits. What engine did the Renault have and what’s your annual mileage?
D: It was a 65 hp dCi and I do around 10,000 km (6,000 miles) per year [an average figure for a Romanian motorist].
ae: In what conditions will you use the Dacia?
D: I don’t drive to work every day, so it will be more for the open road trips.
Diana paid EUR10,800 for her well-gifted car. Sure, that’s about double compared to the EUR5,000 dream that kickstarted the Logan back in the early 2000s when we all called it the X90 project. But with features such as a touch-screen infotainment system and a hood strut, the car has come a long way too.
Her bonus for landing on the 1.5M mark? An EUR500 voucher she can spend on servicing or accessories and a bouquet. Jan Ptacek, Renault Commercial Roumanie General Manager handed her the flowers, together with the key.
Jan isn’t the kind of exuberant exec who likes to bait journalists into writing speculative stories, but he does have his business well timed. For instance, he was in Romania when the Logan project began, so it was only normal for him to attend the special delivery ceremony.
In fact, the Logan story is greater than this. You see, the 1.5 million units only refer to the Dacia brand, being split between Romania (513,700), Algeria (211,784), France (182,788), Turkey (130,048) and Germany (120,600). Nevertheless, the Logan is also sold as a Renault (outside France) and a Lada, so the overall number is even higher.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - we’re used to women making emotional choices and men going for the rational path, but on many automotive occasions such as this one, we guys have to admit things go the other way around.
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