‘Dil ko dekho, chhehra na dekho’

There is an Urdu shairi that goes like this: ‘Dil ko dekho, chhehra na dekho’ which loosely translated says, ‘look at the heart (or soul) not the face.’
The newly launched Mahindra Renault Logan slips easily in to this verse. Perhaps it is not as chic as the Maruti Zen Estilo, as contemporary as the Getz Prime or as curvy as the Fiat Palio, but it has an USP that spells performance, economy and value for money and interiors as big as its heart. No one can say that it is not good looking; it’s just that it may not be mirror cracking material. Put succinctly it is ‘modern and attractive in line with international standards spacious and highly competitive in price.’
One of its USP is unrivalled roominess in its price segment. Besides it possesses all the fundamental safety specifications to meet both European and international standards. The wide bodied car has comfortable seating for three persons in the rear, with individual headrests. It has a boot capacity of 510 litres, which is the best in its category. Mahindra & Mahindra will use its extensive dealer network to distribute this car in India.
Almost 450,000 Logan are being sold in 51 countries on 5 continents. The price of the vehicle ex-New Mumbai for the Petrol 1400 and 1600cc versions ranges from Rs.4.28 lakhs to Rs.5.69 lakhs. The diesel 1500cc version varies from Rs.5.47 lakhs to Rs.6.44 lakhs. In Phase I it will be launched in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Nasik, Chandigarh and Ludhiana-deliveries will start in May; In Phase II the car will open for bookings in another 15 cities with deliveries commencing in June.
Logan’s exterior design is accentuated by wheel arches, sleek body sides and bonnet. The rear lamp clusters are off set at an angle to smoothen the structured edges. The Renault badge is prominent on the grille, accentuated with headlamps that provide a sharp visual in front. The air-conditioning and heating system is designed to suit India’s extreme climatic conditions. Low running and maintenance costs were major priorities.
The heart of the Logan is its state-of-the-art engines offered in 3 options – 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel. The 1.4 petrol delivers 75hp, the 1.6 up to 84hp; the diesel offers 65hp. Transmission is a 5-speed manual gearbox common for both. The power steering offers superior handling with reduced turning radius of 5.25 metres. An alphanumeric display in the centre of the dashboard brings together warning lights and data supplied by the onboard computer.
The second-generation 1.5 dCi CRD engine gives a performance yet to be surpassed in this segment and is a product of the Renault group. It delivers an astounding fuel economy of 14-18 km/litre is delivered. Emission levels 125g/km of CO2 – is best among diesel cars.