► Tougher-looking version of cheap estate
► Big-booted budget wannbe-lifestyle choice
► But costs £1k more than regular Logan
Stop the presses: there’s a new Dacia incoming! Unveiled at the 2017 Geneva motor show, the new Stepway is a predictable extrapolation of the Logan MCV line-up, adding ground clearance and plastic cladding in a similar vein to Skoda’s Octavia Scout.
Basically, it’s been SUVed.
But while the Skoda features off-roading tech, the Stepway simply gets a 50mm ride height increase, skids plates at both ends, protective mouldings on its flanks and a grille styled just like the Duster’s. Be still our beating hearts.
It’s still practical, right?
Yep. What doesn’t change is the MCV’s gigantic boot, which at 573 litres is bigger than any car of this size footprint.
And that’s basically what this car is all about: it’s very much a study in utilitarianism over emotional appeal, which leaves us questioning whether the ‘upgrade’ to the Stepway model is actually worthy of anyone’s time.
So the Stepway is expensive?
If you look at the Sandero’s price structure, it’s likely the Stepway version of the Loggan MCV will cost at least £1000 more than the regular one, which would remove one of the primary reasons this Dacia is so worthy of consideration. It’s a value option that few carmakers can match.
Until proved otherwise, we’d say plump for the base-spec Logan with steel wheels – that’s where it’s most likeable.
More specs and pricing will be available in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for an early drive.
Just the one eye, mind. The other one can carry on napping.
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