Dacia Logan

There's a Dacia coming to the UK that promises to offer a cut price alternative to Ford's Focus.

Replacing the existing Logan – which reaches our shores in the form of the supermini-sized Sandero hatch­back next year – it’s bigger and much better-looking, and has enough space inside for a family of five. Buyers can also expect a far more modern cabin, with a step up in quality and plenty of equip­ment as standard.

The engine range will comprise a 1.6-litre petrol, while there are plans for a turbodiesel, too. All models get stability control as standard.

Crucially, though, it will still carry a budget price. The range, due here in 2010, is likely to start at around £8,000. And as well as the hatchback in our main picture, our spies have seen a prototype version of a saloon being put through its paces in Roma­nia, where the current Logan is built. An estate will be offered, too.

While the new Logan hatchback won’t be arriving here for a couple of years, Renault’s first UK-bound Dacia, the Sandero, will reach showrooms in less than 12 months’ time.

Unveiled at last autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the budget supermini is based on the current Logan. It’s similar in size to a Fiesta, yet will carry a price tag in the region of £6,000.

While saloon and seven-seat est­ate variants are offered in Europe, the hatch is the only Logan-based model destined for the UK. It will be sold in selected Renault main dealers.