Dacia 1310
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Mioveni , Romania |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
The Dacia 1310 was manufactured by Dacia from 1979 until early 1999, and then in collaboration with the French company Renault from 1999 through 2006. It debuted at the Bucharest Auto Show as the successor to the Dacia 1300. Combined production of both models reached a total of 2,278,691 units. The last sedan was produced in July 2004, with the final pick-up model completed in December 2006. The Dacia Logan, introduced in the same year, succeeded this series.
Primarily offered in sedan and estate variants, the lineup also included hatchbacks such as the Dacia 1320 and 1325 Liberta (manufactured between 1988 and 1996), pick-up trucks (produced from 1975 to 2006), and a limited number of hand-built coupés (Sport version) made from 1981 to 1992.
History
Following the termination of its partnership with Renault in 1978, Dacia presented an updated version of the 1300 at the 1979 Bucharest Auto Show. The model was rebranded as Dacia 1310 in 1982, which included variants such as the "1210" and "1410".
The lineup underwent a facelift for the 1984 model year. In 1983, Dacia introduced the two-door 1410 Sport coupé featuring a lowered roofline. The Dacia 1320 liftback was launched later in 1987.
A redesigned generation of the 1310 appeared in 1989, available as both estate and sedan models, incorporating updated headlight designs. The following year saw the release of the liftback Dacia 1325 Liberta along with the 1310 van variant. A complete facelift of the Dacia 13xx series was unveiled in 1993.
During the 1980s, the outdated chassis no longer complied with evolving safety regulations, leading to efforts to develop a replacement model. However, political and financial difficulties postponed the launch of the Dacia Nova until 1994, by which point it was already considered somewhat obsolete. Although Nova and its successors (Dacia SupeRNova, Dacia Solenza) offered improved handling and modern amenities, they never fully supplanted the well-liked yet aging 1310 due to higher prices, reduced interior space, and fewer body style options.
As a result, Dacia implemented another facelift for the 1310 in 1999. The last iteration, marketed as "Berlina" (sedan) or "Break" (estate), incorporated fuel injection and catalytic converters to satisfy Euro2 emission standards.
Over its production span beginning in 1969, shifts in vehicle dimensions reclassified this model from a mid-size car to a Compact car. By 2004, Dacia briefly marketed three small sedans simultaneously.
Robust sales continued until production ceased, supported by competitive pricing, good value, and low maintenance costs. In that year, prices were approximately €4,100 for the Berlina sedan and €4,250 for the Break estate. Production of the Liberta liftback ended in 1996; sedan and estate manufacturing concluded in 2004. The "Pick-Up" version remained available until December 2006. The Dacia Logan took over from the 1300/1310 lineup starting in 2004.
Engines
| Model | Engine Name | Power system: | Bore × stroke: | Compression ratio: | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h: | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol: | ||||||||
| 1210 | 1.2 L (1,185 cc) OHV I4 | carburetor | 70.00 mm × 77.00 mm | 8.5:1 | 48 hp (35 kW) at 5300 rpm | 80 N⋅m at 3000 rpm | n/a | 135 km/h |
| 1310p | 1.3 L (1,289 cc) OHV Renault 810 I4 | carburetor | 73.00 mm × 77.00 mm | 8.5:1 | 54 hp (40 kW) at 5250 rpm | 89 N⋅m at 3000 rpm | 18.0 s | 140 km/h |
| 1310 | carburetor | 8.5:1 | 56 hp (41 kW) at 5300 rpm | 92 N⋅m at 3000 rpm | 17.1 s | 140 km/h | ||
| 1310 1.4 | 1.4 L (1,397 cc) OHV Dacia 102 I4 | carburetor | 76.00 mm × 77.00 mm | 9.0:1 | 63 hp (46 kW) at 5250 rpm | 100 N⋅m at 3000 rpm | n/a | 142 km/h |
| 1310 1.4i | fuel injection | 9.2:1 | 60 hp (44 kW) at 5000 rpm | 97 N⋅m at 3500 rpm | n/a | 143 km/h | ||
| 1310 1.6 | 1.6 L (1,557 cc) OHV Renault Cléon-Fonte engine I4 | carburetor | 77.00 mm × 83.60 mm | 9.25:1 | 72 hp (53 kW) at 5250 rpm | 123 N⋅m at 3000 rpm |
n/a |
150 km/h |
1979 Update
Following the expiration of the manufacturing license for the Dacia 1300 in 1978, the vehicle underwent a significant redesign and was rebranded as the Dacia 1310. This revamped model was unveiled in autumn 1979 at the National Exhibition of Economic Achievements held in Bucharest, presented as the "1980 model."
The redesign introduced a new front fascia featuring four circular headlights, raised bumpers with built-in turn indicators, and revised rear lights that combined taillights, indicators, brake lights, and reverse lamps into a unified assembly. Interior enhancements included the addition of a radio, rearview mirror, electric windshield washer system, dual-circuit braking (with power brakes on selected trims), exterior side mirrors along with right-side mirrors on certain variants, and seats equipped with headrests. Passenger legroom in the rear increased by 8 centimeters.
From a technical standpoint, improvements encompassed an electric cooling fan managed by a thermal relay, an economizer device, an outlet for hot air filtration, and an increased engine compression ratio from 8.5:1 to 9:1. These modifications elevated the output of the 1,289 cc engine to 56 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and torque to 94 Nm at 3,500 rpm while enhancing fuel efficiency. The model incorporated more than 56 upgrades overall and was positioned as a transitional step towards a fully domestically engineered urban vehicle scheduled for launch three years later.
In early 1983, production began on the sportier 1410 Sport coupe at the Brașov service facility. Initially displayed under the name Brașovia, this version featured a wheelbase and overall length reduced by roughly 200 millimeters compared to the sedan, and it stood approximately 135 millimeters lower; however, trunk capacity remained unchanged. It was powered by a larger 1,397 cc engine delivering increased performance through a wider bore (76 mm), an elevated compression ratio of 9.8:1, and a newly designed carburetor. The rear suspension was lowered to decrease the center of gravity but reportedly compromised handling stability.
Fuel consumption for the 1410 Sport was around 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers at a steady speed of 80 km/h. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 16.2 seconds and could reach a top speed close to 152–154 km/h.
Between 1980 and 1984, diesel-powered variants were developed and exhibited but never entered full-scale production.
Dacia Sport
The Dacia Sport entered series production in 1983 following the earlier 1979 Sport-Brașovia prototype. It was offered in two versions: the 1310 equipped with a 1,289 cc engine generating 54 hp and the 1410 featuring a larger 1,397 cc unit producing 65 hp. From 1981 until 1985, the Sport had shorter doors which were extended in length between 1986 and 1992. Starting in 1983, only the more powerful 1397 cc engine producing 65 hp remained available, and in 1985 a five-speed transmission was introduced. Prototype engines of 1,580 cc delivering 84 hp as well as approximately 100 hp variants were developed but never reached commercial production.
The vehicle became popular among young drivers and Romanian rally competitors, securing nearly one-fifth of national rally championship victories. Despite manufacturing approximately 5,500 units over ten years, sales volumes remained modest due to high retail prices, quality control issues during production, and design limitations such as cramped interior space and an impractical trunk layout. Production ended in the early 1990s as competition from imported used sports cars rendered the Dacia Sport less competitive in its market segment.
1984 Facelift
The "1984 model" was introduced at the Bucharest International Fair in October 1983, equipped with a 1,397 cc engine producing 64 hp at 5,000 rpm and 103 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, derived from the Dacia Sport. A less powerful version delivering 57 hp was also offered. Fuel efficiency ranged from 6.1 to 6.4 liters per 100 km when maintaining a constant speed of 90 km/h. Although occasionally referred to as the Dacia 1410, the model retained the "1310" designation across its 1200, 1400, and 1600 cc variants. A five-speed transmission was introduced in 1985.
Exterior modifications included a trunk spoiler, a redesigned front grille, updated headlight surrounds, and other cosmetic enhancements. Two trim levels were available: TL, featuring a four-speed gearbox, and TLE, equipped with a five-speed gearbox primarily targeting export markets. The TL trim came with a radio, while the TLE added a radio/cassette player along with dashboard gauges indicating water temperature and oil pressure.
A diesel prototype powered by a 1.6-liter engine generating 54 hp and 101 Nm of torque was also showcased, capable of reaching speeds up to 140 km/h.
For the 1985 model year, a new overhead camshaft engine with a displacement of 1,575 cc delivering 80 hp at 5,000 rpm and 133 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm was introduced alongside the five-speed gearbox; however, this engine did not enter mass production. The dashboard underwent redesign featuring additions like a trip odometer, headlight adjustment controls, wiper interval settings, brake fluid level warning light, radio cassette player, integrated door speakers, new seats with headrests, and rear seat belts.
From 1985 onward, private customers gained access to the station wagon version. The lineup expanded to eight trims: MS, MLS, S, TL, TX, TLX, and TLE. Standard sedan specifications included a 1,289 cc engine paired with a four-speed gearbox; specific wheel sizes and tires; vertical grille and headlights; chrome door handles with locks; a single left-side exterior mirror; basic air conditioning fan; two-spoke steering wheel; grab handles; electrically operated windshield washers; parking brake warning light; and round headlights.
Upgraded trims offered progressive enhancements such as an inclined grille and headlights (MS), dual braking circuits and redesigned wheels (MLS), three-point fixed radiator and interior lighting improvements (S), superior tires and improved air conditioning fan (TL), as well as power-assisted brakes plus additional locking mechanisms (TLE).
The Dacia 1210 variant featured a smaller 1,185 cc engine outputting 48 hp at 5,300 rpm with torque of 80 Nm at 3,000 rpm and an 8.5:1 compression ratio.
Dacia 1320
Introduced in 1987, the Dacia 1320 was a hatchback model influenced by the locally assembled Dacia 2000 and based on the existing 1310 platform. It was powered by either a 1300 cc or a 1400 cc engine paired with manual transmissions offering four or five speeds. The front end received an updated grille design that replaced the dual round headlights with single rectangular units. The dashboard was enhanced and later adopted in the third-generation Dacia 1310. Exterior door handles were redesigned to be flush-mounted while interior handles operated by pulling inward to open doors. Locking and unlocking from inside were managed via buttons positioned below these handles. The rear retained the same taillights as the 1310 but lacked a rear windshield wiper—a feature later added to its successor model, the Dacia 1325.
The front styling known as "CN1" (Concepția Noastră 1 or "our creation one") was succeeded by the Dacia 1325 Liberta in the early '90s. With production totaling only 2,567 units due to weak sales performance, most of these vehicles were utilized as taxis while Dacia aimed to recover profitability.
1991 facelift (CN1)
The third-generation Dacia 1310 was introduced in 1991 featuring subtle design enhancements: a revised front grille equipped with two rectangular headlights borrowed from the Dacia 1320, a boot lid spoiler created by engineer Ion Romică Sandu in 1990 and retained until the end of production, a dark gray dashboard with dual air vents positioned at each end, plastic bumpers, and the debut of metallic paint finishes.
In 1992, the smaller 1289 cc engine delivering and the 4-speed manual transmission were phased out. By late 1994, a more robust 1557 cc engine producing was launched. The Break, hatchback, and pick-up models incorporated comparable updates, except for the omission of the boot lid spoiler. The Canadian market version was discontinued following the cessation of sales there. The 4-speed gearbox continued to be available until 1997 on the 1.4-liter pick-up model.
Dacia 1325
During this timeframe, the Dacia 1325, also referred to as the 1325 Liberta or simply Liberta, was introduced as a successor to the Dacia 1320, featuring an updated rear design.
1994 facelift (CN2/CN3)
Production of the CN1 variant lasted until mid-1994 when it was succeeded by the CN2 facelift. This update presented a redesigned bonnet, new headlights, grille, and plastic bumpers—offered optionally with fog lights depending on the trim level. The highest trim included metallic paint, tinted windows, a sunroof, and alloy wheels.
The CN2 versions of the 1310 and 1410 remained in production until June 1995 before being replaced by the slightly refreshed CN3 series, coinciding with the introduction of the Dacia Nova. The CN3 came equipped with 5.5Jx13 wheels fitted with standard 165/70R13 tires, although certain 1557 cc variants featured wider tires. In late 1998, a fuel-injected 1557 cc engine producing was adopted from the Nova, followed in 1999 by a fuel-injected 1.4-liter engine with output. Trim levels included L (1400 cc sedan), T (1600 cc sedan), CL and CT for estate models; fuel-injected versions were designated as Li, Ti, CLi, and CTi.
In 1997, both pick-up and estate versions powered by a Peugeot-sourced 1905 cm³ engine generating 71 hp were launched. A four-wheel-drive variant of the pick-up arrived in 1999. Due to weak sales figures, production of the Dacia 1325 Liberta ceased in 1996.
Manufacturing of the CN3 series ended in early 1999 and was succeeded by the CN4 model.
1999 facelift (CN4)
The final redesign of the Dacia 1310 occurred in 1999 under the CN4 designation. This revision included redesigned exterior headlights that maintained the original rectangular reflector shape, an updated grille, and door handles taken from the Dacia Nova. That same year marked the release of the Dedicație limited edition commemorating forty years since the launch of the original 1300 model; it was available as both sedan and estate featuring two-tone gray paintwork, aluminum wheels, and distinctive side decals.
By 2002, the model was rebranded as Dacia Berlină for sedans and Dacia Break for estates, discontinuing use of the 1310 name. The introduction of the SuperNova—especially its Europa trim—resulted in a notable decline in sedan sales due to competitive pricing and trade-in incentives provided through Romania’s Rabla program initiated by Dacia in 2000 to modernize vehicle fleets. Consequently, sedan production and sales diminished from 2001 onward; however, demand remained stable among taxi operators and driving schools. The estate variant continued to enjoy strong sales until its discontinuation in 2004.
After more than thirty years of production, manufacturing concluded in July 2004 with the final unit—numbered 1,959,730—rolling off the Colibași assembly line.
Continued production (2004–2006)
From 2004 until 2006, production was limited exclusively to the pick-up versions due to ongoing market demand. On December 8, 2006, manufacturing of all Dacia pick-up models ceased entirely.
Israel
Between 1978 and 1989, Dacia vehicles were distributed in Israel under the "Delta" brand name, with various companies handling imports at different times:
- The vehicles first appeared in 1978 but were withdrawn after one year following negative television reports concerning quality.
- In 1982, the importer Triumph relaunched the model under the new name "Galidi".
- A promotional effort in 1988 revived sales using the slogan "You can do it too '88". During this period, the subsidiary "Capris" of "Kaiser Illin" sold approximately 6,000 units before the company declared bankruptcy in August 1988, leaving customers unpaid.
- The last distribution phase was managed by importer "Mutcars," who marketed station wagon and pick-up variants under the Shifter badge.
United Kingdom
The Dacia 1310 made its UK debut in 1982 as the Dacia Denem, available as a four-door saloon and a five-door estate. Positioned as an economical alternative competing against brands like Lada, FSO, and Škoda, the Denem faced challenges due to its aging Renault-based design and a comparatively steep price of £3,190. Production ended around 1984. By 2013, no Dacia Denem vehicles remained registered within the United Kingdom.