DACIA has become a force to be reckoned with at the bargain basement end of the UK car market with models that don't cost a lot to buy or run - and the Logan MCV does nothing to blot that copybook.
The top of the range 1.5-litre diesel estate Laureate I drove costs less than £11,000 with the range opening up with a 1.2-litre petrol version priced at under £7,000.
So, you wonder, where have the corners been cut to achieve these barely believable price-tags?
Well, it's not on the power units - the oil burner gets a claimed 70-plus miles per gallon thanks to the addition of a stop/start system with tax-busting emissions of 99g/km.
There's 90bhp on tap, accessed through a five-speed gearbox, allowing this Logan to boast a 0-62mph time of just over 12 seconds. It is also a surprisingly refined beast although the cabin is infiltrated by some wind noise as speed increases.
Two other engines are available - 1.2-litre and 0.9-litre petrols - all sourced from parent company Renault.
And herein lies Dacia's strength as it leans heavily on expertise gleaned from its French parent.
Yes, some of the technology is hardly cutting edge and the Logan won't be winning any beauty contests - but it is far from ugly and delivers a practical, reliable motor for a fraction of the cost you'll pay for more illustrious rivals.
Indeed the top of the range Laureate model looks anything but a pauper thanks to colour-coded door handles, mirrors and bumpers as well as natty satin roof bars.
The interior is surprisingly spacious with plenty of leg and head room as well as three rear headrests allowing the Logan to cater for five adults with ease. There's is also plenty of room for their luggage as the boot boasts a capacity of 573 litres - expanding to more than 1,500-litres with the rear seats folded.
The top of the range Laureate model I drove also gets a load bay light and luggage cover to hide your shopping from prying eyes.
Cubby holes for a family's bits and bobs are dotted about with a glovebox featuring a helpful holder for your keys and phone. There are also good-sized door pockets and fit-for-purpose cup holders.
Air conditioning ensures a pleasant atmosphere and the two-tone dashboard is well set out with everything easy to see and use thanks again to Renault's considerable influence.
There are electric windows front and rear, chrome air vent surrounds and Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile.
Take the Logan MCV - the initials stand for maximum capacity vehicle - out for a spin and a decent ride plus sure-footed handling make driving it a relaxing experience.
Peace of mind is given by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which can be extended to seven years/100,000 miles for £850. Three years' breakdown recovery is also thrown in while Laureate motors get a good level of safety equipment including four airbags, Isofix and stability control.
Dacia is counting on the Logan MCV writing the next chapter of a British success story that has so far been led by the Sandero hatch and Duster SUV models. There is every chance this will be the case.