On 30 September 2008 Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. launched the 'New Collection Logan', an all new line-up of one of India's most popular C segement passenger cars.
The New Collection Logan retains all the core strengths of the Logan while incorporating number of exciting new features and greater luxury. The fully loaded 'New Collection Logan' is available for Rs.5.08 lakhs (Petrol - Ex-showroom Delhi) and replaces the existing Logan range in showrooms throughout the country.
"We are delighted to introduce the 'New Collection Logan' which is based on extensive customer feedback and further builds on the image and appeal of the Logan without compromising on its existing features and attributes. The New Collection offers an unparalleled level of features, luxury and comfort at a value for money price, thus fulfilling the aspirations of auto enthusiasts everywhere," said Mr.Nalin Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Renault Pvt Ltd.
For now the 'New Collection Logan' is available in two exciting new colours - Rocky Beige and Java Brown.
The top end GLSx and DLSx variants incorporate Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) for a safer ride. The variants also feature enhanced interiors, adding that extra touch of exclusivity and refinement. A wooden centre console and end rack is complemented by velvet seat covers and side door trims which add a premium feel. The all beige dashboard merges with the car's new interiors further enhancing its appeal while rear head rests ensure a comfortable journey for passengers at the back.
The mid-level GLX and DLX variants feature new, luxurious interiors, significantly enhancing the car's strong value for money proposition. A stylish silver centre console and air vents - previously only found in top-end variants - perfectly complement the beige and carbon fonce twin coloured dashboard. Diamond tweed seat covers and a new carpet add a plush feel to the interiors.
The mid-level variants also incorporate a sophisticated Driver Information System earlier available only in the top-end versions of the Logan. The system provides the driver with detailed information including average speed, mileage, fuel consumption and distance the car can travel with existing level of fuel. A special 'tripmeter' also gives the driver an idea of the distance he has travelled since the car's last refuelling.
To coincide with the launch of the 'New Collection Logan', Mahindra Renault also announced 'Chaabi mein Gaadi', a unique contest which gives 8,00,000 prospective customers across the country the opportunity to win a Logan from the New Collection. Select prospects will receive a car key with an invitation to visit a Logan showroom and try their luck. If the key starts the engine of any of the New Collection cars on display, the lucky contestant gets to drive away with the car. The contest is on from October 1 to October 31st at all Logan dealerships with a total of 8 cars up for grabs.
There are few drawbacks when you buy a Diesel car and one of that is noise and vibration. Since day one I was trying to figure out some solution to reduce the in cabin noise, which is already lesser if I compare to some other cars but cant compare to petrol ones.
So after researching a lot I finally decided to go for sound proofing (damping) stage 1 i.e. damping hood. For damping material I had no choice except "Dynamat" which was easily available at accessory shops (a bit expensive I would say).
I removed the stock cotton made covering sheet and damped the "Dynamat all over hood, it took 3 sheets of 24" x 48" Dynamat Xtreme.
Result was not very impressive it only reduced noise by 3-6%. Again I am looking for some other things which can reduce noise futher. Few are:
Use Dynamat on central tunnel and under dashboard
Use Hoodliner over Dynamat under hood
Pasting damping material under dashboard is critical because it requires removing dashboard, steering etc., looking for dealer to assist.
In coming days I will use Dynamat on central tunnel around gear, break and doors but not sure when will do that. I will definitely update once I finish.
One more in the list of inherited problems from its EU versions is the glove box light remains lit all the time when any headlight is on. Actually its a problem on glove box door which is not able to press the switch completely. I complained to service center but they unable to solve it and said just stick some double side tape or something to the switch so that gap between door and switch can be reduced.
It works but for some time only, they should come out with proper solution to this problem.
After driving around 12000 KM's I tried various settings and combinations for optimum performance of my Logan DCi and I feel that I have found settings which perfectly match to my conditions (may be change in hill area etc), which is as given below:
Gear Shifting & RPM:
1st Gear - 1500 RPM - Speed 15 kmph
2nd Gear - 2000 RPM - Speed 30 kmph
3rd Gear - 2000 RPM - Speed 45 kmph
4rth Gear - 2200 RPM - Speed 65 kmph
5th Gear - 2200 RPM - Speed 80 kmph
Fuel Consumption (Average):
In City condition 4th Gear - 2500 RPM - Speed 60 kmph - 15 kmpl
In City + Highway 4th & 5th Gear - 2500 RPM - Speed 80 kmph - 17 kmpl
Over 80 Logan owners participated in a unique test of vehicle and driver performance, the Logan Drivathon. Held across the country, the event saw Logan owners go head to head for the distinction of having achieved the best fuel efficiency. The idea for the event came from the fact that the Logan recently entered the "Limca Book of World Records" for the longest distance run on a topped-up fuel tank. This first-of-its-kind event saw participants drive their cars along a predetermined route and had to face normal city traffic conditions.
The fuel was filled in the presence of neutral marshals to prevent any misreporting of mileage figures. The winners were decided based on the best mileage figures recorded on this drive. But it wasn't all just serious record setting, there was also a fun and entertainment programme organized by Mahindra after the mileage rally. Participants were kept satisfied with breakfast, tea and even cookies! Lunch and a prize distribution ceremony followed. The event was supported by the PCRA, due to the environmental and petroleum conservation benefits of using highly fuel efficient vehicles.
Mahindra chose the occasion to unveil a special referral scheme, where customers referring a Logan, as well as the referred individuals would be given a whole additional one year extended warranty.
About couple of days back I had received a SMS from Bhasin Motors about Boot Opener offer, which was "Get a push button boot opener for your Logan in just Rs.500 only - limited period offer". I contacted dealer he gave me booking for next week, so I went to dealer traveled about 45 km's (Gurgaon to Mathura Road) but what rubbish - they said your model (E II) needs a different one so come around a week later.
As per new booking date now today I got the boot opener fitted in my car, for which they took around 4 - 5 hours - which surprised me a lot.
Finally it's a push button boot opener with an actuator attached to it and connection given from stereo wiring (again surprised). But it's working, though they could make a matching switch to the existing rear window power lock (see picture).
Total I had to pay Rs.500 only (444.44 + 55.56 tax), which I find quite justified. I also heard that some dealers are taking benefit out of this offer by charging labour and tax extra.
I would suggest to others - It's worth getting a boot opener in Rs.500.
I was not very much impressed with the average fuel consumption when I bought my car and it was between 12 to 14 kmpl with branded diesel (normally HP - Hi Speed), but later I come to know through some of my EU country friends that it will improve after around 5000 to 6000 KM's run.
And I tell you all after second service at 6500, now I am very much impressed and satisfied with my decision of buying "Logan Diesel". In any circumstances I get around 18 kmpl in city condition like in Gurgaon and around 22 kmpl in highway conditions.
The best combination I observed for optimum fuel consumption is driving on 5th gear at the speed of 80 to 90 kmph.
Attached image shows computer reading of average fuel consumption.
After driving on highway and city conditions both I felt that stock bulbs should be more powerful, especially on highway conditions. So today I decided to go for a cheap upgrade option and bought a pair of Philips Rally 100/90 (cost is only Rs. 200).
Few other options were also available like Philips Rally 100/90 Blue Vision, Diamond Vision & Osram Nightbreaker but after considering cost and usage I preferred to go with simple Rally 100/90.
Now its over one week since I am using these new pair of bulbs and I tell you I am feeling a lot comfortable that stock bulbs. Also I used to drive on low beam only, using high beam for pass and any special use.
PS: Please do not drive on high beam having 100/90 on, this creates almost blindness to incoming traffic and may harm you as well.
So after considering high beam problems I decided to keep both pair of bulbs and change them as per use, it hardly takes couple of minutes to change them.
Also there is no problem using 100/90 with your stock fittings, some people suggest using cut-outs but I feel that there is no use of such cut-outs in Logan.
Today I purchased a spoiler for my Logan to modify its rear boxy look, and I tell you its looking nice to see a Logan with spoiler.
Its a clip based spoiler fitted in just 15 mins. Connected from break light and yes it has a 1 year paint warranty as well. Cost is Rs. 2400, seems good deal if I compare what is available at dealer in Rs. 5000.
You can spot a muffler in exhaust pipe as well, thats a steel made exhaust pipe muffler costed me only Rs. 400.
So in total Rs. 2900 I can say that I have got a lot to hide its boxy shape.
I bought Mahindra Renault Logan 1.5 DCi (T. Red) in May 2007 from Bhasin Motors, New Delhi and after driving for more than 6500 KMs I am feeling 100% satisfied with my decision of buying a car which is newly launched and has much hype in European market.
Ex-Showrrom: 6.53 L On-Road: 6.89 L
Report is basically based on City driving in Gurgaon & Delhi and highway driving on some expressways like Delhi - Jaipur (NH8), Gurgaon - Palwal - Agra - Kanpur - Lucknow - Faizabad (NH2 & NH28). Traveled "Gurgaon - Faizabad" trip of 725 KMs in 11 hours with just Rs. 1200 premium diesel one-way.
Interiors
For me a true value for money (TVFM) has everything as per your needs. Plastic quality is not as bad as it is being discussed here. It has tough plastic material (after all has to be tough for a diesel car), vibration less feeling, parcel shelf, cup holders etc. etc. but my advice to all not to compare with Civic, Octavia or Merc. I feel interiors are as fashionable as it is in Verna & Fiesta.
Final version of Logan is yet to come, so you should compare features with Fiesta 1.4 ZXi, Verna VGT CRDi & Indigo XL Classic Dicor. And you will be more than happy having more features than others (may check on Car Wale).
Head restraints, comfortable bed like back seat gives you more space to relax or to sleep your baby without looking here and there.
Ride & Handling
I absolutely had no problems while driving alone for 725 KMs in just 11 hours, lumber support and my genuine leather seats provided me much support to overcome back problems.
Cars was firm, steady & nicely balanced even at the speed of 150 and trust me on highways you will get amazed when you will see your speedometer at 100 with no real efforts.
Its 172mm ground clearance makes it very comfortable at bumpy Indian roads and poorly visible humps with its strong shock absorbers.
Engine, Gear & Steering Wheel
As per study and survey it has an smooth and silent engine which you can trust, Its 1.5 DCi is slightly upgraded from the European version and gives you ample of power to pull you at speed of 160 with having 200 KGs on board (as I had). What I feel is that there is little pickup problem at low speeds in second gear only but it will get better once you cross 6000 - 9000 KMs. It was advised to me to follow some basic rules of driving a brand new vehicle & not to go beyond 2500 RPM for first 2000 KMs for better performance in future and I did that.
Gear shifting is also smooth and gets better and better the more you drive, Steering wheel is firm and steady and feather touch power steering can be operated with a finger touch as well.
Currently 1900 RPM at 4th gear gives 80 KMPH and 2000 RPM at 5th gear gives 100 KMPH. Don't go by max speed written in specs I bet you can easily achieve 160 with no great efforts but beware of Indian roads which has unpredictable speed breakers, so I managed max speed between 110 to 120 only.
NVH
Characteristics of diesel cars of making noise are now changing day by day, so your decision of not buying a Diesel car due to noise could be proven wrong, although still the silence can't be compared with Petrol cars but if you look at economy aspect I am sure you will love that. Logan has good silent engine and you will have comfort silent feeling till the speed of 110 but after that it become slightly harsh which can be managed by increasing volume of ICE. It's never advised to open windows while driving at high speeds especially when you can save around 4% fuel. Open vents to get fresh air. There is no vibration in the car as it was in earlier in non CRD engines. No gear vibration, no steering vibration and nothing from interiors vibrate but you should be careful with all fitments are tightened firmly.
I have heard that noise isolation can also be done on your own if you apply a little hard work and logic behind. One Romanian friend has given a very good example online about DIY noise isolation.
ICE
I changed my company fitted Blaupunkt CD player to Blaupunkt London model, gives me good sound experience. It has company fitted 4 Blaupunkt speaker system which works perfect for people like me who is not a music enthusiast.
AC
Someone asked me "Does Logan have rear AC vents?" I said why, it's not a SUV which require such vents. Its AC is powerful and chills you even at 45 degree temperature like we have in Delhi in summer days. Park in shades let the hot air go outside and use sun visors, films etc to protect heat coming inside.
Visibility & Ease of Use
Visibility in Logan is excellent, slightly vertically straight windshield than others give you perfect view of what's happening in front of you, especially for ladies who are not taller. You will have full view of your front, left & right. Rear mirrors gives you perfect picture of rear side. There is no obstacle looking here and there.
There are some problem with switches and rear power window switches but within a week you will get used to it. Wrong side indicator and wiper leavers should not be a problem as it comes in same way with almost all European imported cars, easily manageable after one or two mistakes.
Misc.
We have already talked much about Legroom, Headroom, Boot & space inside. Only I can feel the ease of driving with having suitcases of 1 large size, 2 mid size, 2 bags and lots of other things easily adjusted in boot.
Comments on Comments by Others
Boxy look:
- Yes it has a boxy look and that's where all the space comes from.
Not good looking old fashion car:
- Well my advice to all is, if you would like to buy a car like you neighbor has then please do not buy Logan, its not meant for you. But if you need a car that has good VFM and stands out a bit then surely Logan is a choice.
Ground Clearance of 155mm:
- I don't know who told you people that it has 155mm GC, please check again in specs it has 172mm GC highest among all mentioned above.
No power at 65 BHP:
- I don't know how much extra power one needs to drive on Indian roads, whereas I managed to drive my Logan at 160 KMPH with lot of load on board, as I mentioned earlier. But surely Logan is not a choice for who don't care for their lives and rally drivers.
No push button boot release:
- Its available as extra fitment at nominal cost of Rs. 500 from company with 2 year warranty, also will come as standard in coming up versions.
No ABS, EBD:
- An option which will be available in coming up model, but trust me "The Road is full of idiot drivers" and 90% of accidents happen due to negligence in driving. I would love to keep my life and safety lines in my hands than a high-tech device like ABS and EBD.
Poorly finished plastic material:
- Closely compare with others, don't go by just comparing door handle or glove box, consider everything replacement cost, cleaning and have a look after one or two years then compare with others.
Power window switches are wrongly placed:
- Has advantage in some manner and debatable in other countries for locking and power window. Also I don't know why so often one require opening window while AC going.
Cheap sedan with no purpose:
May be you make an impression just by having a look from outside or reading others comments who are driving Octavia, Optra or other luxury cars and start comparing Logan with such cars. Logan is made for a purpose and not for showing your wealth & style. Compare logically and I am sure you will end up in buying one for you. Although for those who want Logan to be like other luxury cars, then my advise for them to please wait till Laguna launch.
I hope you will find this review useful while going for your next TD.
My Current Performance (as per its computer readings): - Average City: 18.5 kmpl - Average Highway: 20 kmpl (between 70 to 90 kmph) - Premium diesel only
Nothing is perfect in this world, so it's same with Mahindra Logan as well. Yes it has some drawbacks, manufacturing defects and problems, which I would like to share with you all.
Engine & Transmission
Little more power needed for 48kw, 1.5 DCi Diesel engine for hill areas, although as per Mahindra it can be done but they have tuned ECU for maximum mileage.
1.4 Petrol engine is a bit noisy sometimes but it has enough power to cruise.
Gearbox is good but creates problems sometime engaging reverse gear.
Clutch seems to be the biggest problem for all. It's a wire based clutch and quite hard as well and gets harder when you drive around 40 - 60 kms. No solution is available till now from Mahindra.
Body
Doors are poorly adjusted and one of the biggest problems these days, tend to make noise when gets older.
Window glass (driver side) creates "kat kat" sound when half open, seems to be the trademark problem inherited from EU versions.
Driver also inherits a problem of getting loose and makes noise.
Ride & Comfort
Wrong side indicator and wiper controls creates little problem but one gets used too after one or two mistakes
AC controls are not placed ergonomically
No boot opener, although now a days it's available at extra cost but looks like an additional fitment and do not match with existing switches.
Rear power window switches are hard to notice and operate
Some other wrongly placed switches like boot release lever etc.
Diesel version is a bit noisy when you go beyond 90 kmph.
I bet every car has flaws and defects and by looking at plus points Logan gives, one can easily compromise with these few problems. Mahindra is already in the process of coming up with solutions to some of the problems mentioned here but can't say when they will become available.
The biggest drawback (not actually drawback) is its looks, yes it has a boxy old style looks but this is where all the space comes from. In starting days of swift people strongly commented about its body and European design but what's happening now is in front of you.
I would suggest you to buy this car only if you feel you need and please don't buy if you want to impress your neighbor or want a car like your friend.
Some times I strongly feel that Mahindra Renault guys did blunders while deciding for features and accessories for Logan - One such blunder is the stock Audio system supplied with DLS & GLS models.
It was a Blaupunkt audio system / CD player but it did not have MP3 playing feature..... YES no mp3 support. Which is common most feature in all audio players these days.
Although I come to know this fact when I inserted a MP3 CD in it and it gave error. I confirmed from dealer and he said yes it does not have MP3 support.
So now the only option left was to get a new audio system, I went to a accessory shop in Sec 14, Gurgaon and they were ready to do the exchange but Blaupunkt toBlaupunkt only and suggested me for Blaupunkt London model.
Total I had to pay - Rs. 6000 (with bill) which includes 1000 less for exchange for old one.
Although now I can enjoy MP3 music and some other features with a remote, sound quality is good (for me) and one good thing is fitting a Blaupunkt unit did not require wiring harness change. They pulled out the old one and inserted new one .... thats it!
First service at 2000 Km's was nothing but just a check only for everything is in right place, so as expected my service bill was Rs. 0.00 but I got Pain Protection so I have paid Rs. 3700, which seems at higher side, although the coating & cleaning job was not done properly but they have given a one year paint protection warranty, so I was not worried very much.
Now today I went for second service, which you can say a paid one because only labour charges are free nothing else. So again as expected they have changed filters, oil etc etc. and the total cost came to Rs. 2189 only (breakup given below):
There were no major complaints except rear loose bumper, hard clutch only and they fixed everything. Now will post performance after this service in few days.
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On July 27th Mahindra Renault Ltd CEO Mr. Nalin Mehta announced the launch of a limited edition variant of their sedan Logan in the Indian market.
