New Logan for Russia: what does it look like? And the engines?

Logan of the first generation “broke” the Russian market. The sedanchik bribed with a spacious interior and reliability, and cost almost like Russian cars. There were simply no worthy competitors for the same money.

But soon they appeared. And the second-generation Logan, remaining the same spacious but simple, could no longer withstand the competition – in Russian sales it slipped to the second ten.

In mid-2022, we are waiting for the third generation Logan – on the CMF-B platform.

We know the current Logan inside out: we tested him in every possible way, kept him in the editorial park… So we know all the bottlenecks.

The interior of the former Logan is dull and gloomy. Budget finish, poor soundproofing, modest equipment, lack of basic amenities such as a central armrest or a place for a telephone. Each time we scolded Logan for the lack of handlebar adjustment for reach.

The interior of the new European Logan is more interesting – and unlikely to change much for Russia. We expect rich versions to come with keyless entry, push-button engine start, blind spot monitoring and an 8-inch multimedia screen. And those who are more modest – the Media Control system with the connection of a smartphone as a media system. The steering wheel is adjustable in two planes and there are six airbags (the “second” Logan has a maximum of four).

How does it look?

Judging by the versions for other markets, the devices will be exclusively analog. I would like to get rid of the second arc on the scales: it is useless here, it only confuses.

Appearance will be original – not like the Romanian version of Dacia Logan, but closer to the Turkish version, sold under the name Renault Taliant. It has a sweeping head optic and no X-shaped outriggers on the sidewalls.

The base of the Turkish sedan is 2649 mm (an increase of 14 mm), body length is 4396 mm (+ 38 mm), width is 1848 mm (+ 115 mm!). But the height was reduced: 1501 mm instead of 1523.

Which engines?

An important advantage of all Russian Renaults is the regular metal protection of the engine compartment. Do not deviate from a good tradition. I’d like to keep the ground clearance – for the current Logan it’s 172mm. Only Vesta (175mm with metal guard) has more, and the Polo/Rapid (150mm with composite) and Rio/Solaris (155mm without guard) pairs are catching up. However, judging by Tolyatti’s leaks, Logan will also have an elevated cross version. Not to mention the Sandero Stepway hatchback, which will be released as a separate model.

In the beginning, the engines will be theirs only, but not the European three-cylinder “litres” – that’s not how we honor them.

Atmospheric 16-valve engine 1.6 (113 hp) will remain for our market. It will be offered with both manual and CVT options. And instead of outdated French engines with a power of 82 and 102 horsepower. there will be VAZ for 90 and 106 “horses”.

European Logans switched to 6-speed mechanics. It would be nice to take over – all major competitors have been working with six steps for a long time.

The main intrigue: do the top versions get a punchy 1.33 turbo engine from Renault crossovers?

The most serious problems

The “second” Logan clearly loses out to competitors in handling: it is inert and clumsy when cornering. Adds no points and the handlebars vibrate when bumping into bumps. The last problem at Renault is finally solved: the switch from power steering to EUR eliminates shocks almost completely (we were convinced of that with the new Duster). What I’d like to keep is the comfort and enviable energy intensity of the suspension – Logan is one of the best in the segment here. According to our data, the rear brakes will remain drum brakes, but if that helps keep the price reasonable, we don’t mind.

There is little to see in small wing mirrors – larger “tangles” are needed.

Vision issues also include a small cleaning area and the famous “tear”: they battled with smudges during upgrades, but never completely defeated them.

Poor comfortable front seats – the biggest pain. Unclear profile and lateral support, a short cushion and a small number of vertical adjustments … All this must be eliminated.

In terms of space for three riders, the second row was good. But no extra amenities. I would like a central armrest and heated seats – at least with expensive adjustments. It doesn’t hurt to widen the opening when folding the back.

The expert of “Behind the Wheel” – the oldest and most popular car publication in Russia – recalled Logan’s shortcomings, so that it would be easier for Renault specialists to “work on the mistakes”. And that means – to solve problems for the benefit of buyers.

A test comparison and video of the most affordable foreign car sedans can be found at this link.
How to save on repair and maintenance of cars of different models is described and presented here.
Car accessories are cheap and offer real benefits. We recommend looking at the windshield drain, hood and trunk stoppers, and radiator guards.
A novelty of the Russian market from Turkey – suitcases on Turtle Air roof rails – ideal for cars with standard and integrated roof rails.
“Driving” can also be read on Viber.

New Logan for Russia: what does it look like? And the engines?