Dacia line-up in the driving report
12 years of continuous rise
Already 1967 has been expanded the first Dacia truck component plant in Pitesti (Romania) with the support of the French manufacturer Renault for automotive production. A year later, Frenchmen try on the license and produce the Renault 8 and the name Dacia 1100. The idea is born to market vehicles much cheaper through know-how from France. Development and distribution costs can be left out of the sales of Dacia models and so remained only the pure production costs. After taking over the Dacia shares of 1999 51 percent and two years later even by 92,72 percent Renault now had a free hand in marketing throughout Europe. Quoting: "It seemed impossible to many to offer a modern and reliable car at a base price of 5.000 Euro. The Logan proves that Renault has mastered the challenge. "Renault's President Louis Schweitzer (2004) began the continuous rise of the Dacia brand in Germany as well. Since this year, Dacia presents the fourth model as Stepway, the combination variant of the Logan MCV at the starting price of 12.200 Euro.
Starting in 2005, the Renault offshoot was able to increase its sales up to 463.018 units in 2016. In the current year the 500.000 mark should be reached. The sales figures for the first quarter of 2017 at least give courage for this. Registrations rose by 34,7 percent to 14.578 for passenger cars and for light commercial vehicles in the first quarter of 2016 to 10.824 units. The Dacia market share grew by 0,33 percentage points to 1,6 percent (previous year: 1,27 percent). In order to underline these figures, the entire model range has been “completely renewed” or the station wagon version has been given a new model by Dacia. The Logan MCV presented itself at the 87th Geneva Motor Show in the “Stepway” guise. In order to give the Dacia brand a uniform face, the entire portfolio was given a cosmetic finish. The focus is on the honeycomb radiator grille, which prominently surrounds the brand logo. In addition, the segments for turn signals, high beam and low beam are supported by four horizontal LED light bars for the daytime running lights. From this year the rear of the Dacia range will also appear in a uniform look with the distinctive rear lights and bumpers. In order to give us an impression of the technical details of the individual models, Dacia Germany invited to the Bergisches Land around Engelskirchen near Bergisch Gladbach.
Sandero as the cheapest small car
It starts with the "smallest" in the Dacia portfolio, the Sandero, now the "cheapest" small car in Germany with an entry of 6.990 Euro. Joining the already mentioned optical innovations are five reworked engines, which are to shine with new efficiency and a new base engine. The 1.0 three-cylinder SCe 75 delivers a rated power of 54 kW (73 PS) and replaces the 1.2 liter 16V. The consumption values of 5.2 liters (117 gr. CO2/ KM) we unfortunately do not find out about the specified test routes. These are winding and with small, faster passages, which is otherwise no challenge for the Sandero. With a total length of 4,06 m, the "little one" can comfortably accommodate five adults. The luggage compartment volume of 320 liters can be expanded to 1.200 liters by folding down the rear seat backrest. The standard hill start aid is not the only comfort feature. There is also an optional cruise control with speed limiter as well as acoustic rear parking aids and a reversing camera. For a relatively low surcharge of 250 euros, the French are offering the multimedia navigation system “Media-Nav Evolution”. The device is easy to operate using the 7-inch (18-centimeter) touchscreen monitor. In addition to the audio system, the Bluetooth interface for the hands-free system and the playback of files from external music carriers (audio streaming) as well as a USB and jack connection, the "Media-Nav Evolution" offers an integrated navigation system with dynamic route guidance via TMC (Traffic Message Channel).
New in the StepWay line-up - the Lodgy
The hallmark of the second vehicle from the Dacia range, the mini-van Lodgy, is a high capacity of people and luggage. The length of 4,50 meters together with the generous wheelbase of 2,81 meters and the height of 1,71 meters form the basis for a sense of space in all places. If the Lodgy is used as a five-seater, 827 liters of cargo capacity are available. When the second row of seats is folded forward, the trunk volume increases to 2.617 liters. In a seven-seater version, the remaining luggage compartment still holds 207 liters. The capacity of all storage compartments comes with a total of 30 liters to book. Our journey takes us on the same route with the Dacia Lodgy through the mountainous country. This time, the Dacia can not quite so sovereign maneuver through the curves of our "home stretch". Slight understeer creeps in. Nevertheless, we experience the turbo gasoline engine we tested TCe 115 with 85 kW (116 PS) and direct injection as a revving and agile. The manufacturer's average consumption of 5,5 liters per 100 kilometer (124 g CO2/ km) is outbid by us for 0,4 liter. The standard front and side airbags for driver and front passenger as well as three-point seat belts on all five seats of the two front rows of seats provide a high level of passive safety in the Lodgy. The three seats in the second row are equipped with the ISOFIX fastening system for child seats. The standard electronic stability program ESP with understeer control and traction control (ASR) is responsible for the good cornering performance. The anti-lock braking system also contributes to the support.
Duster - as the SUV the flagship with DCT transmission
For the last trip on the same circuit, we use Dacia's “flagship”, the Duster, which, according to a survey by Bild am Sonntag (BamS), is the most popular SUV model among Germany's women. Its compact dimensions make it easy to navigate both through heavy city traffic and on unpaved roads. Its ground clearance of up to 21 cm makes it possible. Thanks to the slope angle of 29 degrees at the front and 35 degrees at the rear, the ramp angle of 23 degrees and the tight overhangs of 82,2 centimeters at the front and 82,0 centimeters at the rear, the Dacia SUV can even climb steep climbs. At 4,31 meters long and 1,82 meters wide, it offers plenty of space for up to five people. The trunk volume of the Duster is 475 to 1.636 liters, depending on the seat configuration. The four-wheel drive 4 × 4 variants have a load capacity of 443 to 1.604 liters. The highlight of the model update for this year, however, is the six-speed dual clutch transmission combined with the dCi 110 diesel unit, which is very quiet when driving. The diesel has an output of 80 kW (109 hp) and yet a thin 250 Newton meters at 1.750 revolutions per minute. In addition to the optionally available "Media-Nav Evolution" multimedia system, acoustic rear parking aids as well as the cruise control with speed limiter and a reversing camera are available as with the Sandero.
And finally ... But with an unbeatable price / performance ratio, Dacia / Renault is well equipped for this and the future years.
Dacia modifies the entire line-up at the right time to continue its success story. As in previous years, the brand stands out particularly well over the unbeatable price / performance ratio due to the lack of development and distribution costs.
Text: Stefan Beckmann, Beitragsbild: Manufacturer Picture: Stefan Beckmann