The market for cheap sedans in Spain is touched to death. The cessation of the sale of the FIAT Type Sedan and the Dacia Logan is a serious blow that shows how the supply of affordable cars is being reduced at a rapid rate.
The sedan-style cars have seen their market share in Spain significantly reduced in recent years. The main cause of this loss of ground has been nothing other than the so-called “SUV fever” that plagues Spanish territory. The popularity of SUVs continues to grow throughout the Old Continent and, to date, there are no symptoms that show a possible change in trend.
If we go a step further and focus specifically on the cheap sedans
we will realize that this situation is even more dramatic. Barely a handful of car brands have chosen to keep this type of vehicle in their portfolio. A decision that basically means going against the current. However, and very unfortunately, the dismissal of two models of this nature shows that the death of cheap sedans in Spain is already a reality.
The cessation of the commercialization of the FIAT Type Sedan and the Dacia Logan is a heavy blow that shows how the supply of affordable cars is shrinking at a fast pace. Are cheap cars over? What is clear is that new cars are becoming more expensive. The rise in prices does not seem to reach a ceiling and this is even having negative effects on the second-hand market.
The Farewell to FIAT and Dacia sedans It is a fact that we cannot ignore. Now, in the case of the Logan, all is not lost. And it is that, as we will see later, the brand itself opens the door to its reintroduction in the Spanish market.
Among the few options that remain available we have the Hyundai IONIQ and the Toyota Corolla. In addition, and as is well known, both models are only available with electrified mechanics. If we go up a step and enter the D segment, the range of models is broader. Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 508 and Skoda Octavia are some of those that remain alive. Let’s go into a detail and review what was the proposal of the Dacia and FIAT models.
dacia logan
The Logan has been boasting throughout these years of being the quintessential cheap sedan. Unfortunately, times have changed and with the arrival on the scene of the third generation, the change in the marketing strategy of Dacia. A strategy that involved stopping this model from being offered in Western Europe. However, and to our surprise, the company chose to sell it in Spain. It contrasts that the new Logan has been sold in Spain and not in France or Germany.
Dacia does not rule out reintroducing the Logan later. Moreover, in its list of rates it indicates the following: “Temporarily closing the model to orders”. At this time the Romanian manufacturer is focused on its new model, the Jogger. A model that has recently started its landing in our dealerships. The global shortage of microchips is another reason behind Dacia’s decision. In Spain, hardly any units of the new Logan were registered, so it was expected that the order book would be closed to allocate those possible units to other Eastern European markets where this model continues to reap very acceptable sales figures.
The last measure taken by Dacia regarding the Logan range was to reduce the offer to a single level of finish, the Comfort version (the most equipped). Regarding the mechanical section, it is important to remember that from the outset the third generation of the Logan has been offered exclusively with a 100 hp ECO-G engine. A block with bifuel technology prepared to work with gasoline and with LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). Its price was around €15,000.
FIAT Type Sedan
The fiat sedan has left our market through the back door. The dismissal of this model is equally relevant. Even more so if we take into account that it has stopped offering shortly after being renewed. At the end of the convulsive year 2020, the long-awaited facelift of the type range. A mid-cycle update that would allow this generation to face the rest of its commercial life. Logically, the review affected all three body variants (Hatchback, Station Wagon and Sedan). In addition, it incorporated a new member to the family, the FIAT Tipo Cross.
It premiered novelties in terms of exterior design and, above all, at the level of technological equipment. The Sedan type was updated on all issues that are relevant to the consumer. If we return to the present, the Tipo range has once again been in the news. The reason? The Italian compact has succumbed to electrification. However, 48-volt light-hybrid (MHEV) technology hasn’t made its way to sedan-style bodywork. Had FIAT already decided to withdraw this model from the European Union? The deadlines fit and seeing the current times, if it is not electrified, it seems complicated that it will return.
In the past year, the order book for the Type Sedan was opened. The offer was made up of the Type, City Life and Life trim levels. As for the range of engines, you could choose between a 100 hp 1.0 T3 petrol block and two diesel engines, a 95 hp 1.3 Multijet engine and a 130 hp 1.6 Multijet. All associated with a manual gearbox. The starting price was set at just under €18,000.
