Since the Renault takeover two decades ago, Dacia has become a major player in the budget segment. Its cars cost less than many B-segment hatchbacks and are way more spacious. But something’s got to give – right?

AutoTrader took a Logan MCV Stepway for a long-term test, and after looking beyond some of the least fun parts, they were ultimately satisfied with it.

The major advantage to getting a Dacia instead of something else is, of course, the price tag. The estate version of the Logan starts from £8,500 ($10,651/€9,456) in the UK, whereas the Stepway, with its increased ground clearance and plastic cladding, goes up to £12,695 ($15,908/€14,123).

Also Watch: Is A £90k Mercedes-AMG E63 S Really 10 Times Better Than A £9k Dacia?

So, which one is the best buy? According to the reviewer, you should steer clear from the base model, as the 74 HP petrol engine is noisy and slow, as well as the Stepway, because it’s too expensive. The mid-range Essential, with its 89 H{ engine, is the pick of the lot.

Sure, the Logan MCV is a bit noisy on the motorway, real world fuel economy is not that good, the handling needs more refinement, and you’ll have to learn to live with cheap plastics and look at some exposed screws. On the plus side, it offers a pretty comfy ride, very decent cabin space, good storage solutions, folding rear seats, an infotainment system and decent reliability record. Also, the boot space is bigger than the BMW 5-Series Touring!

All in all, the Logan MCV is a great value for money car that delivers on all its promises. You’ll never mistake it for anything even remotely premium, but that’s missing the point; it’s raison d’ etre is to provide an affordable, and very practical, alternative to those looking for an estate on a budget. And on that front, it definitely delivers without cutting too many corners.