2012 Renault Logan

The Logan has been around in Europe since 2004 under the Dacia brand name, with the distinction of being the cheapest car in Europe, but has recently spread its wings and is now built in at least five developing countries. For the GCC, there is only one trim level for now that comes with a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Also standard are front power windows, rear wind-up windows, power steering, cloth seats, 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, a Blaupunkt CD stereo, a manual a/c and one airbag. The Logan aims for the lowest end of the new car market without actually being too small, offering a reasonably spacious 5-seater cabin and a hard-plastic interior that goes for durability and simplicity rather than outright cushiness and aesthetics. Being a front-wheel-drive European car, it also comes with a well-tuned suspension setup that favours handling while also retaining a fair degree of ride comfort. Models with more optional features are expected later.