Dacia has published the first images and technical information about the new generations of Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway, which offer a modern design, an improved interior, support systems and a CVT automatic transmission. None of the models has diesel engines in the range.
Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway are the first Dacia models developed on the Renault Group’s CMF modular platform. The new models have a slightly bigger length and a smaller height.
Sandero, Stepway and Logan dimensions
Thus, the Logan has a length of 4,396 mm (+50 mm), a width of 1,848 mm (+115 mm) and a height of 1,501 mm (+16 mm), while the ground clearance is 135 mm.
Meanwhile, Sandero has a length of 4,088 mm (+19 mm), a width of 1,848 mm (+115 mm) and a height of 1,499 mm (-31 mm), while the ground clearance remained unchanged: 133 mm.
The Stepway version raises primarily by the ground clearance of 174 mm, 41 mm larger than in the case of Sandero and one millimeter larger than the previous generation. The exterior dimensions have also increased, as Stepway has a length of 4,099 mm (+10 mm), a width of 1,848 mm (+87 mm) and a height of 1,535 mm (-80 mm).
External design with modern lines
15 years after the initial launch on the European market, Logan is radically modernizing with the new generation. The general line of the body is more “fluid”, the roofline is closer to the trunk area, and the side windows are smaller, which ensure a more dynamic design. The new models now offer more rounded general lines, a restyled hood which, and the front grille has chrome elements.
Regardless of the level of equipment, Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway have automatic LED headlights that improve the visibility at night by 37% (110 meters) in length and 9% (24 meters) in width compared to halogen headlights previously available on Sandero. The optical blocks have Y-shaped daytime running lights, a feature also available for the LED taillights.
At the rear, Sandero and Sandero Stepway received new spoilers, but also flared wings with lines that are connected to the taillights and continue on the tailgate. As a novelty, the Stepway version has the name written immediately under the logo. Logan is available with 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, while Sandero relies only on 16-inch wheels.
Interior design: 8-inch multimedia system and increased comfort
Inside, the new Dacia models offer increased driver comfort, which can adjust the seat (+/- 35 mm), steering wheel height (+/- 2.1 °) or steering wheel depth (+/- 25 mm), while the lever for the gearbox is shorter. Sandero and Sandero Stepway also offer a panoramic glass ceiling for the first time, an option that will become available in 2021.
Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway are available with Media Control, Media Display and Media Nav multimedia systems. Media Control proposes a 3.5-inch TFT screen with physical support for the smartphone positioned in front of the driver, which can be connected to the car via USB or bluetooth to the new Dacia Media Control application.
The system provides quick access to radio, music, calls, messages, navigation applications or voice recognition systems such as Siri or Android. The Media Control system also includes two speakers, Bluetooth and USB connection. The Media Display system offers an 8-inch diagonal touch screen aimed at the driver with an intuitive interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is also a new menu tab called “car”, where the driver can access specific settings for assistance systems.
Last but not least, the Media Nav system includes in addition to the Media Display navigation system and wireless compatibility with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, and the number of speakers increases to six.
Other features included on the new Dacia models are the automatic air conditioning system with a digital screen or heated front seats (starting in April 2021), which will be standard or optional, depending on the market.
Logan and Sandero offer 42 mm more space for the rear passenger’s knees, while the storage capacity can reach 21 liters, 2.5 liters more than before. The Logan has a 528-litre trunk, 18 litres more than before, while Sandero’s has a volume of 328 litres.
In the case of the new Logan, the trunk is equipped with a unique storage system consisting of four panels. They allow the trunk to be divided into four different size areas and provide more safety when carrying sensitive items, such as laptops.
Engines: three petrol units and automatic gearbox
The range of engines available on the new Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway has been reduced to only three units, but major innovations appear in the case of the transmission. Thus, customers can choose between:
● SCe 65 one-litre and three-cylinder petrol engine with 65 HP coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This unit is not available on the Sandero Stepway;
● TCe 90 one-litre petrol engine with three cylinders and 90 HP available with 6-speed manual gearbox or CVT automatic transmission;
● TCe 100 ECO-G one-litre diesel turbo engine with three-cylinder and 6-speed manual gearbox.
This unit can also be powered by LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) thanks to a 50 litre tank installed in place of the spare wheel and that allows a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 11% compared to a similar diesel engine. All three engines benefit from Stop & Start technology.
The new CVT automatic transmission replaces the Easy’R robotic gearbox and offers an 11% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions (Logan and Sandero) and 4% (Sandero Stepway), respectively.
Assist systems and 6 airbags
Last but not least, Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway are equipped with several of active assistance systems, including:
● Emergency Brake Assist: active between 7 and 170 km / h, the system brakes automatically to avoid an imminent impact with a stationary or moving car in front. The system uses a radar sensor;
● Blind Spot Warning: the system is active at speeds between 30-140 km / h and warns the driver of the risk of a collision with another vehicle near or behind when changing lanes. The detection system consists of four sensors (two front, two rear) that detect moving objects, including cars and motorcycles;
● Park Assist: this system provides audio and visual warnings during parking manoeuvers;
● Hill Start Assist prevents inadvertent starting with the back of the ramp for more than two seconds when the driver retracts the foot from the brake pedal to depress the accelerator when starting.
Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway are equipped on the standard version with 6 airbags, to which is added the superior rigidity of the body in case of accidents.
Door-mounted pressure sensors allow quick deployment of new curtain airbags and side airbags, which protect the stomach, chest and head of the passengers.
For now, Dacia has not provided details about the availability and prices at which the new Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway will be sold, but mentions that they will continue to be “competitive”.