Renault Logan Play launched

Mahindra Renault has launched a ‘new’ version of the Logan. New, in its strictest sense, of course.

Recent slight refreshes included the Ford Fiesta limited Edition, the Cedia Sports, the Estillo, as well as the refreshed Honda Civic. The Renault Logan follows faithfully in their path.

Photo: Mahindra Renault Logan Play

What exactly is new? Let’s see.

One, the Renault Logan Play will only be available in two colours – black and white. Take a look, and the first thing you notice are the new red wheels. Sure, it looks like a quick job done by the local painter, but some part of me likes it. Perhaps the part of me that grew up seeing Premier Padminis and HM Ambassadors, and a Maruti 800 with a loud exhaust was extreme sportiness. I am not saying the read wheels are bad – I am saying they are not very classy – but class is a very subjective idea ayway!

It seems there are silver alloy wheels too for the Logan Play. I have no idea what they look like, but they should be less controversial for sure.

Secondly, you have some huge stickers on the flanks of the Logan Play. Are the good-looking? Hmm, so-so, I think. What is not so good-looking is the little sticker on the front bumper. Why there? Why not some on the roof too? How about a sticker inside the car, Mahindra?

Pricing for the Logan Play is as follows: Rs 5,49,664 for the 1.4 GLX Petrol and Rs 6,79,464 for the DLX diesel, ex-showroom, Delhi.

Anyway. Inside, things are slightly better than the standard Logan now. The Logan Play gets USB connectivity, always a good thing. The seats are now leather, and the Renault Logan gets black floor mats with red borders. I have to say the idea is right – black with red is a standard sports combo. Whether it works on the Logan PLay, I will leave that your judgement.

What I like are the four parking sensors on the Logan Play. They don’t come standard on even many luxury cars.

The new Driver Information System in the Logan Play now offers your fuel consumption figure, (mileage aren’t they the same thing?) and average speed. That IS good. Many top end cars in India do not offer your fuel consumption figures, so good to see it in the Logan Play.

What else? Renault Logan Play has a chrome-tipped gearshift, black center console, chrome tipped rear muffler, and a lip spoiler on the boot. Not earth-shattering stuff, but good additions overall.

Most of us city-types look down on the Logan. But in many b-towns and villages, people look at it as a car that offer big car space and size and somewhat value for money. But even that is reducing, considering the steadily dipping Logan sales.

It is quite likely that a Logan face-lift or entirely new version would make its appearance towards the end of 2009. Let’s see if Mahindra Renault has learned any lessons from its Logan experience in India.