Rugged, practical and well equipped, the Dacia Logan MCV Stepway has many talents.
Pros Looks suitably tough Lots of equipment Very practical
Cons Only two engines No four-wheel-drive option Not as good value as regular Logan
The Dacia Logan MCV (standing for Maximum Capacity Vehicle) isn’t just the cheapest estate car on sale in the UK – it’s one of the cheapest cars, period, beaten out only by its closely-related sibling, the Dacia Sandero.
Pros Cavernous load area Cheap to buy Efficient engines Should prove dependable
Cons Cost-cutting touches are very annoying Driving dynamics below par Not worth the extra money over standard Logan MCV No Dacia is truly desirable
Pros Striking exterior design Lots of standard kit and space Very low PCP monthly payments Plenty of personalisation Good to drive
Cons Plain interior design Ride just okay on rough roads Boot smaller than some rivals Entry-level 95hp petrol a little underpowered No Cupra planned (yet)
The five-door All-New Arona, a front-wheel-drive only SUV, is well placed in this highly popular sector of the car market.It’s available with a choice of six engines, with both the diesel and petrol variants offered in either 95PS or 115 PS form, and the sporty FR 1.5 TSI EVO leaping up to 150 PS.
Pros Very smart looking inside and out Good choice of engines Well equipped and overall good value
Cons No SatNav on basic model
The Seat Arona is quite possibly the best compact SUV of the moment. Good practicality, economy and solid driving manners are all Arona staples.It lacks the visual creativity of a Hyundai Kona or the customisation of a Citroen C3 Aircross, but its real-world strengths far outweigh having orange door mirrors. It’s a level-headed car for level-headed people.
Pros Refined 1.0-litre petrol Ergonomic infotainment system Good ride
Cons Humdrum looks Narrow middle seat Trim levels that dictate engine choice
