Renault’s subsidiary budget brand Dacia has been making waves since it splashed onto the UK automotive scene in 2013, with the Duster 4×4 and Sandero supermini. So-much-so-that it can claim to be the fastest growing automotive brand in Europe.

Tested here is the fourth model to join Dacia’s burgeoning range – the Logan MCV (Maximum Capacity Vehicle), which despite being based on the Sandero hatchback, boasts a boot almost as large as a Volvo V70 estate.

As with all Dacia products, value for money is order of the day. Prices start from around £7000 for the entry level Access specification to just over £11,000 for this top-of-the-range Lauréate Prime trim, with Ambiance sitting in between.

Given the budget nature of the brand, Logan is actually pretty well equipped, with even the base Access model getting body coloured bumpers and 60/40 split rear folding seats, if not much else in the way of luxury. However, mid range Ambiance offers better value, adding a radio CD player with fingertip remote controls, USB/AUX input/ Bluetooth™, remote central locking, electric front windows, 15” ‘Colorado’ wheel trims and black roof bars. There are also some plusher interior touches, such as chrome surrounds for the air vents, instrument dials and steering wheel logo. Range-topping Lauréate Prime models are identified by chrome front grille, front fog lights, body-coloured door handles and door mirrors and satin chrome roof bars.

Dacia hasn’t skimped on safety kit either, with ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ASR traction control, ISOFIX points in both outer rear seats and four airbags all fitted as standard.

The Logan MCV is offered with a choice of three engines: a 1.2-litre four-cylinder, a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel – tested here.

Delivering an impressive 74.3mpg and 99g/km of CO2, this small diesel motor produces 90 hp @ 3,750 rpm and 220 Nm @ 1,750 rpm, so feels adequate rather than strong, although a comfortable pace can be maintained by changing up relatively early (about 3000rpm) rather than over revving.

The Logan’s ride quality and handling have been set up for comfort and this is apparent on most roads where lumps, bump and road imperfections are soaked up with ease. The flip side to this though is a lack of dynamic sparkle that you’d expect to find on more expensive rivals, meaning that the Logan will feel flustered if you start hustling it along a twisty B-road. At least the 5-speed gearbox feels direct and responsive to use, however.

Interior cabin space is where the Logan really scores. Not only is there stacks of head and legroom for all passengers, but the cabin feels open and airy, too. However, it’s the boot size which really impresses for this class of car – with seats up you get 573 litres (only 32 litres less than a VW Golf Estate), and with rear seats folded the total rear load area expands to 1,518 litres – although it’s worth noting that the seats don’t fold completely flat.

Step into the Logan Lauréate Prime and you have to remind yourself that this is a budget car, as the whole interior feels considerably more upmarket, thanks to a leather steering wheel and gearknob and graphite look finish for the centre console surround and front door handles. Okay, the fit and finish isn’t up to Skoda Fabia levels, but it’s far from cheap and nasty either. Kit wise this Logan impress too. There’s air conditioning, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, cruise control , electric rear windows , CD player, Bluetooth and a seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system with sat-nav, all as standard.

Verdict:
The Dacia Logan MCV excels at delivering maximum space for minimum cash.

Tech spec:
Dacia Logan MCV Lauréate Prime
OTR Price £11,295
Engine 1.5-litre diesel
Power 90 hp DIN @ 3,750 rpm
Torque 220 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
0-62mph 12.1 seconds
Top speed 107mph
Fuel economy 74.3mpg
CO2 emissions 99g/km VED band A