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The guys from McCarthy dropped another Renault off today. After enjoying the Twingo so much I was quite excited. My connection at McCarthy, a lovely man named Deon warned me that the Logan isn't the coolest of cars, but that it's great value for money and that I should give it a try.
I must admit that I was a little prejudiced when I first saw the car. It's not exactly sex-on-wheels. And that is putting it mildly. In fact, I think it might just possibly be the uncoolest car I've ever seen. It practically screams "retirement vehicle". Also, for some or other reason the car looks... beige. Even though this particular model was white.
I can only imagine the derision I'll get on the streets.
But, being a firm believer in not judging books by their covers I'll try to suppress my concern over the severe lack of aesthetics and just drive the bloody car.
Wednesday:
Have bizarre feelings of fondness for hideous Logan. It's such a comfortable and somehow... comforting car. And, did some research regarding price etc. Although it has all the luxury trappings – power steering, aircon, automatic windows, MP3 compatible radio, central locking, it sells for just under R100 000!
And did I mention it was a 16 hundred? With a boot big enough to hide a few corpses in?
Thursday:
Am very ashamed of myself. Even though I know the Logan is a fantastic deal, and a steady old trooper I look around every time I get in the car to make sure no-one sees me.
Never knew I was that shallow. Have not experienced open ridicule yet, so maybe I'm full of shit.
Love the velour seats, though. They do so remind me of my late gran's VW Fox. And I had a look at the safety features. The Logan comes out with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), and a rigid passenger cell. It scored 3 out of 5 stars for adult and child safety when it was tested, so while it's no Volvo, it's not a death trap like so many other reasonably priced cars.
Saturday:
Charles just told me that the Logan is created by Renault for its Romanian subsidiary, Dacia. How cool is that? A Romanian car. And guess what? Its green credentials are also looking good.
Monday:
Aargh! Just crashed the darling Logan! Not entirely sure how I managed to do it! Shite, shite, shite! Just drove down Prestwich after work, got stuck in traffic (at 17:05 – what is this city coming to?) and the next thing I know: "bang". Okay, maybe more like "ping".
So not crashed, but definitely scraped. Why, why, why? Had bad dreams all night long. Dreamt of causing major accidents left, right and centre. Was like something out of Grand Theft Auto. But the Logan kept me safe. Fondness for old person's car is getting bizarre.
Tuesday:
Have just gotten off the phone with Deon. He took it very well and was very kind. Can't help feeling like a total bloody idiot. Now I have to go to the police station and get a case number. Deon said it happens to everyone.
And then he gave me a Suzuki Swift! So keep your fingers crossed for me and watch this space...
Wilmer Muller, editor of Wheels24 says:
The Renault Logan might not win design awards but one has to praise Renault for its commitment to affordable motoring. If you need a car just to get from A to B, and not worry about what it looks like, then the Logan might just be the car for you. And you get a lot of car for your money too... Though it is an entry-level car, it is spacious, comfortable, safe and even not too bad to drive. For about R100k, you’re not going to get anything better!
So, Renault deserves thumbs up for trying its "value for money”" offering. Let's just hope that Renault’s after-sales experience doesn't disappoint Logan buyers – but the French carmaker says that they have boosted their overall customer service... guess time will tell!
Have you driven, or do you own, a Renault Logan? Share your thoughts in the box below.
