Photo: Stefan Baldauf/Guido ten Brink
50 years ago, the Dacia brand started life as an eager automaker due to the ambitions of a madman. But after Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was ousted from power by firing squad and Romania embraced democracy, Dacia’s fate was as gloomy as a rainy day. However, the advent of the 21st century turned things around by 180 degrees for the low-cost brand from Romania.
It was Renault’s idea to turn Dacia into a cheapo brand. With the advent of the Logan subcompact sedan in 2004, it was rather clear that Renault made a good bet by reusing old parts from the Clio to make new products under the Dacia marque. Still, the Romanian manufacturer had it rough trying to shake off the stigma inflicted upon it by its French overlord. Not anymore, though.
At this year’s edition of the Paris Motor Show, James May’s most-liked car brand brought forward four facelifts: the Logan sedan, Logan MCV wagon, Sandero hatchback, and the Sandero Stepway crossover-ish thing. Compared to the pre-facelifted models, the model year 2017 brings features Dacia had ignored for too long. By features, what I actually mean is creature comforts.
Here’s a perfect example of what I’m trying to say. Until now, the horn was not to be found on the steering wheel, but on the outboard side of the signal stalk. Here’s another case in point: the controls for the front and rear power windows have been finally moved from center console to the door armrests.
Moving on, the Renault-Nissan B platform-based models now boast LED running lights, funky-looking taillight clusters, front grilles inspired by the Duster facelift, and optional goodies such as a parking camera. Inside, the Logan, Logan MCV, Sandero, and Sandero Stepway in facelift form add a new steering wheel that appears to be inspired by that of an old Ford Focus, a 12-volt power socket for the rear passengers and better storage solutions.
Last, but certainly not least, the old 1.2 16-valve engine was phased out for a Renault-developed 1.0 SCe with 75 PS and a stop-start system on tap. For what it’s worth, it’s just about the same three-pot as in the Renault Twingo. Higher up the food chain, the Duster sport utility vehicle now holds the title of first Dacia to be offered with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The cog swapper in question is a 6-speed EDC, which is exclusively available with the 110 PS version of the 1.5-liter dCi turbo diesel engine and only in FWD form.
The real revolution for Dacia, however, will begin in 2017, with the advent of the second-generation Duster, slated to be based on the CMF B platform.
At this year’s edition of the Paris Motor Show, James May’s most-liked car brand brought forward four facelifts: the Logan sedan, Logan MCV wagon, Sandero hatchback, and the Sandero Stepway crossover-ish thing. Compared to the pre-facelifted models, the model year 2017 brings features Dacia had ignored for too long. By features, what I actually mean is creature comforts.
Here’s a perfect example of what I’m trying to say. Until now, the horn was not to be found on the steering wheel, but on the outboard side of the signal stalk. Here’s another case in point: the controls for the front and rear power windows have been finally moved from center console to the door armrests.
Moving on, the Renault-Nissan B platform-based models now boast LED running lights, funky-looking taillight clusters, front grilles inspired by the Duster facelift, and optional goodies such as a parking camera. Inside, the Logan, Logan MCV, Sandero, and Sandero Stepway in facelift form add a new steering wheel that appears to be inspired by that of an old Ford Focus, a 12-volt power socket for the rear passengers and better storage solutions.
Last, but certainly not least, the old 1.2 16-valve engine was phased out for a Renault-developed 1.0 SCe with 75 PS and a stop-start system on tap. For what it’s worth, it’s just about the same three-pot as in the Renault Twingo. Higher up the food chain, the Duster sport utility vehicle now holds the title of first Dacia to be offered with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The cog swapper in question is a 6-speed EDC, which is exclusively available with the 110 PS version of the 1.5-liter dCi turbo diesel engine and only in FWD form.
The real revolution for Dacia, however, will begin in 2017, with the advent of the second-generation Duster, slated to be based on the CMF B platform.
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