The Renault Logan 1.6 i 16V, produced between 2008 and 2009, represents a significant entry in Renault’s commitment to providing affordable and practical transportation, particularly within emerging markets. While not officially sold in the United States, the Logan played a crucial role in establishing Renault as a major player in Eastern Europe, Russia, and parts of South America. Designed as a no-frills, robust sedan, the Logan prioritized functionality and cost-effectiveness over luxury or cutting-edge technology. It quickly gained popularity as a reliable workhorse for families and businesses alike, offering a spacious interior and a relatively efficient powertrain for its time.
Renault Logan 1.6 i 16V: A Practical Sedan
The Renault Logan, in its initial generation, was conceived as a direct response to the demand for a simple, durable, and inexpensive vehicle. Unlike many contemporary cars focused on style and features, the Logan’s design was deliberately utilitarian. This approach allowed Renault to significantly reduce production costs, making the car accessible to a wider range of buyers. The 1.6 i 16V variant, equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, was a popular choice, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy. The Logan’s success stemmed from its ability to meet the basic transportation needs of its target demographic without unnecessary complications.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Renault Logan 1.6 i 16V is a 1.598-liter (97.52 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the K4M. This naturally aspirated engine produces 102 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 145 Newton-meters (106.95 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3750 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provides adequate power for everyday driving conditions. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l), making it reasonably economical for a vehicle of its size and class. The engine’s simplicity and robust construction contribute to its reliability and ease of maintenance.
Design & Features
The Renault Logan is a four-door sedan with a traditional body style. Its design prioritizes interior space and practicality. The Logan offers seating for five passengers and boasts a generous trunk capacity of 510 liters (18.01 cubic feet). The interior is functional and straightforward, with durable materials used throughout. While not lavishly equipped, the Logan includes essential features such as a steering rack and pinion system, disc brakes on the front wheels, and drum brakes on the rear. Suspension duties are handled by a spring strut setup at the front and a coil spring arrangement at the rear. Safety features, while basic by modern standards, were adequate for the vehicle’s target market and included a robust chassis design. The Logan’s overall design philosophy centered on providing a reliable and affordable mode of transportation, rather than offering a luxurious or technologically advanced experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Logan |
| Generation | Logan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 i 16V (102 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 33.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 39.8 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 14.1 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Power | 102 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 63.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 145 Nm @ 3750 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 106.95 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4M |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 97.52 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.13 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.17 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 5.07 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 4.22 UK qt |
| Coolant | 4.5 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 4.76 US qt |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 3.96 UK qt |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 510 l |
| Trunk (boot) space (cu. ft.) | 18.01 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 13.21 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 11 UK gal |
| Length | 4250 mm |
| Length (in.) | 167.32 in. |
| Width | 1735 mm |
| Width (in.) | 68.31 in. |
| Height | 1525 mm |
| Height (in.) | 60.04 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 103.54 in. |
| Front track | 1466 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 57.72 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1456 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 57.32 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15 |
In conclusion, the Renault Logan 1.6 i 16V was a successful vehicle due to its simplicity, affordability, and practicality. While not a technological marvel, it provided a reliable and spacious transportation solution for a wide range of customers, particularly in markets where value for money was paramount. Its impact lies in demonstrating that a functional and durable car could be produced at a low cost, making personal transportation accessible to a larger segment of the population.
