Dacia Logan "in the UK by 2008"

Renault is bringing the second generation of its cut-price Dacia Logan to the UK, and will have the first cars in Renault showrooms by the end of next year.

The Logan, to be sold in the UK under the Dacia brand, is to get a more stylish hatchback body. Renault is still deciding which models and specification to take, so price and marketing strategy are still under review.

Renault wants to avoid damaging sales of its other low-priced models — the Renault Clio and (soon) Renault Twingo — so the ultra-cheap versions sold in Eastern Europe may not be sold here.

Renault UK managing director Roland Bouchara expects the Logan to be offered throughout the 200-strong UK dealer network, and while dealers won’t need to have separate Dacia showrooms, they will be encouraged to have a special Logan area.

“I have no doubt the car can work here,” said Bouchara. “The new look is very appealing. It doesn’t move the car upmarket, but makes it look both more modern and more practical. I think British buyers are going to like it.”