Dacia 1320
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Dacia 1300 |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Successor | Dacia Logan |
Area served | Romania, Europe |
| Products | Family automobiles (sedan, estate, hatchback, pick-up, coupé) |
The Dacia 1310 represents a family automobile manufactured by Dacia from 1979 until early 1999, after which production continued in partnership with the French company Renault until 2006. Debuting at the Bucharest Auto Show as the direct successor to the Dacia 1300, this model series achieved a combined production volume of 2,278,691 units alongside the 1300. The final sedan was produced in July 2004, while pick-up versions remained in production until December 2006. The Dacia Logan, introduced in the same year, served as its replacement.
Initially available mainly as sedan and estate variants like its predecessor, the lineup later grew to incorporate hatchback models (such as the Dacia 1320 and Dacia 1325 Liberta between 1988 and 1996), pick-up trucks (produced from 1975 to 2006), and a limited-run coupé Sport edition (1981–1992). These diversified body styles enabled Dacia to broaden its market reach while continuing to utilize proven mechanical platforms.
History
Following the termination of its collaboration with Renault in 1978, Dacia presented an updated version of the 1300 at the 1979 Bucharest Auto Show. The vehicle was rebranded as the Dacia 1310 in 1982, with the model range expanding to include variants like the "1210," "1410," among others.
In 1983, the series underwent a facelift for the upcoming 1984 model year. That year also marked the introduction of the 1410 Sport, a two-door coupé characterized by a lowered roofline. Subsequently, in 1987, Dacia launched the Dacia 1320 liftback.
A new generation of the 1310 appeared in 1989 featuring both estate and sedan versions equipped with redesigned headlights. The following year brought forth the liftback Dacia 1325 Liberta along with a van variant. By 1993, a thorough facelift covered the entire Dacia 13xx range.
During the 1980s, the aging chassis no longer complied with emerging safety regulations, prompting development of a successor. However, financial constraints and political factors delayed introduction of the Dacia Nova until 1994, at which point it was already behind contemporary standards. Although offering improved handling and modern amenities, models within the Nova lineup—including Dacia SupeRNova and Dacia Solenza—failed to replace the 1310 due to higher costs, reduced interior space, and fewer body style options.
As a result, Dacia implemented another update to the 1310 in 1999. The final editions were marketed under "Berlina" for sedans and "Break" for estates, now featuring fuel injection systems and catalytic converters to comply with Euro2 emission requirements.
Throughout its production run starting in 1969, evolving vehicle dimensions shifted its classification from a mid-size car to a Compact car. For a short interval in 2004, Dacia simultaneously sold three small sedan models.
The model retained strong market demand until production ceased, largely due to its affordability, cost-effectiveness, and inexpensive upkeep. In that year, prices for sedan ("Berlina") and estate ("Break") versions were approximately €4,100 and €4,250 respectively. Production of the Liberta liftback ended in 1996; sedan and estate manufacturing concluded in 2004; while "Pick-Up" variants continued through December 2006. The Dacia Logan took over from the 1300/1310 series starting in 2004.
Engines
| Model | Engine Type | Fuel Delivery | Bore × Stroke | Compression Ratio | Output | Torque | Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | Maximum Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol: | ||||||||
| 1210 | 1.2 L (1,185 cc) OHV inline-four engine | 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 Cléon-Fonte engine inline-four | 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 inline-four (Renault Cléon-Fonte) | carburetor | 76.00 mm ×77.00 mm | 9.0:1 | 63 hp (46 kW) at5250 rpm | 100 N⋅m at3000 rpm | n/a | 142 km/h |
| 13101.4i | fuel injection | 9.2:1 | 60 hp (44 kW) at5000 rpm | 97 N⋅m at3500 rpm | n/a | 143 km/h | ||
| 13101.6 | 1.6 L (1,557 cc) OHV Renault Cléon-Fonte engine inline-four | carburetor | 77.00 mm ×83.60 mm | 9.25:1 | 72 hp (53 kW) at5250 rpm | 123 N⋅m at3000 rpm | n/a | 150 km/h |
1979 Update
After the manufacturing license for the Dacia 1300, which was derived from the Renault 12, expired in 1978, Dacia launched a major redesign, renaming the vehicle as the Dacia 1310. This updated model made its first appearance in autumn 1979 at Bucharest’s National Exhibition of Economic Achievements, presented as the "1980 model."
The redesign introduced new front and rear styling elements: the front end featured four circular headlights, taller bumpers with integrated turn signals, while the rear lights were combined into clusters housing taillights, indicators, brake lights, and reverse lamps. Enhancements to the interior included a radio, rear-view mirror, electric windshield washer system, dual-circuit braking (with power-assisted brakes on certain trims), exterior and passenger-side mirrors on selected versions, and seats equipped with headrests. Additionally, rear legroom was expanded by 8 cm.
From a technical standpoint, upgrades involved an electric fan regulated by a thermal relay, an economizer system, and an outlet for hot air filtration. The engine's compression ratio increased from 8.5:1 to 9:1, resulting in improved power output alongside better fuel efficiency. The 1,289 cc powerplant generated 56 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and delivered 94 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. In total, this iteration incorporated more than 56 modifications and represented a transitional phase toward developing a fully Romanian-designed urban vehicle planned for launch three years later.
In early 1983, Dacia introduced the sportier 1410 Sport coupe. Initially revealed as Brașovia in 1979 and manufactured starting in 1981 at the Brașov service facility, this model featured a wheelbase and overall length approximately 200 mm shorter than the standard sedan and stood about 135 mm lower while retaining similar trunk capacity. Its upgraded engine had a displacement of 1,397 cc (bore x stroke: 76x77 mm), producing power at 5,250 rpm thanks to an enlarged bore diameter, a higher compression ratio of 9.8:1, and a redesigned carburetor. The rear suspension was lowered to decrease the center of gravity; however, this adjustment reportedly affected handling stability.
Fuel consumption for the Dacia 1410 Sport was rated at 7.0 liters per 100 km when cruising at 80 km/h. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 16.2 seconds and achieved top speeds between approximately 152 and 154 km/h.
From 1980 through 1984, diesel-powered variants were developed and displayed but never progressed to full-scale production.
Dacia Sport
The Dacia Sport entered production in 1983 following the earlier prototype known as the Dacia Sport-Brașovia from 1979. It was offered in two versions: a 1310 model equipped with a 1,289 cc engine delivering 54 hp and a 1410 version powered by a 1,397 cc unit producing 65 hp. Between 1981 and 1985, these cars featured shorter doors which were extended from 1986 until production ended in 1992. Starting in 1983, only the larger engine option with 65 hp remained available; a five-speed manual transmission was introduced in 1985. Although prototypes with a more powerful overhead camshaft engine of 1,580 cc producing up to 100 hp were developed, these never reached commercial production.
This model gained traction among young Romanian drivers and motorsport enthusiasts alike, securing close to one-fifth of national rally championship victories during its active years. Approximately 5,500 units were produced over roughly ten years. Despite this niche popularity, overall sales were limited due to high costs, manufacturing quality issues, and design drawbacks such as cramped interiors and impractical trunk space. Production was discontinued in the early 1990s as imported used sports cars rendered the Dacia Sport less competitive in the market.
1984 facelift
Presented at the Bucharest International Fair in October 1983, the "model 1984" featured a 1,397 cc engine producing 64 hp at 5,000 rpm and 103 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, based on the Dacia Sport. A less powerful version delivering 57 hp was also offered. Fuel efficiency was recorded between 6.1 and 6.4 liters per 100 km when maintaining a constant speed of 90 km/h. Although occasionally called the Dacia 1410, all versions—including those with 1200, 1400, and 1600 cc engines—continued under the "Dacia 1310" designation. In 1985, a five-speed manual transmission became available.
Visual enhancements encompassed a rear spoiler on the trunk, an updated front grille, redesigned headlight surrounds, among other modifications. Two trim levels were introduced: the TL equipped with a four-speed gearbox and the TLE featuring a five-speed gearbox primarily aimed at export markets. The TL trim included a radio, while the TLE added a radio/cassette player along with dashboard indicators for water temperature and oil pressure.
A prototype diesel engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters, outputting 54 hp and 101 Nm of torque and capable of reaching speeds up to 140 km/h, was developed but never entered mass production.
In 1985, a new overhead camshaft engine of 1,575 cc delivering 80 hp at 5,000 rpm and torque of 133 Nm at 3,000 rpm was introduced alongside a five-speed gearbox; however, this configuration did not proceed to series production. The interior received updates including a redesigned dashboard featuring a trip odometer, headlight adjustment controls, brake fluid warning light, radio cassette player, integrated door speakers, new seats with headrests, and rear seat belts.
Starting in 1985, the station wagon variant became available for private buyers. The lineup expanded to eight trim options: MS, MLS, S, TL, TX, TLX, and TLE. Standard sedan specifications included a 1,289 cc engine paired with a four-speed transmission; vertical grille and headlights; chrome door handles with integrated locks; left-side exterior mirror; basic air conditioning fan; two-spoke steering wheel; grab handles; electric windshield washer system; parking brake warning light; and round headlights.
Higher trims introduced features such as inclined grille and headlights (MS), rear deck spoiler (MS), dual braking circuits (MLS), oil pressure and water temperature gauges (MLS), three-point radiator (S), enhanced tires and improved air conditioning fans (TL/TLE), power-assisted brakes (TLE), black chrome door handles with separate locking mechanisms (TLE), carpeted trunk area (TLE), along with additional interior comforts.
Moreover, the Dacia 1210 variant was equipped with a smaller 1,185 cc engine generating 48 hp at 5,300 rpm and torque of 80 Nm at 3,000 rpm with an 8.5:1 compression ratio.
Dacia 1320
Introduced in 1987, the Dacia 1320 hatchback drew inspiration from the locally assembled Dacia 2000 and was based on the existing 1310 model. It came with either a 1300 cc or a 1400 cc engine coupled to a manual transmission offering four or five speeds. The front fascia was redesigned by replacing the dual round headlights with single rectangular units. The dashboard saw significant improvements that were later incorporated into the third generation Dacia 1310. Exterior door handles were substituted with flush-mounted designs while interior handles were reconfigured for inward pulling operation. Inside door locking/unlocking was facilitated by buttons positioned beneath the handles. Although the taillights from the Dacia 1310 were retained on the 1320, it lacked a rear windshield wiper—a feature present on its successor model, the Dacia 1325.
The front styling known as "CN1" (short for Concepția Noastră 1 or "our creation 1") was replaced in the early 1990s by that of the Dacia 1325 Liberta. Overall production totaled approximately 2,567 units, most of which were sold as taxis due to limited consumer demand as Dacia pursued profitability goals.
1991 Refresh (CN1)
The third-generation Dacia 1310 was unveiled in 1991 featuring a refreshed design that incorporated a new grille equipped with two rectangular headlights borrowed from the Dacia 1320. A boot lid spoiler, crafted in 1990 by engineer Ion Romică Sandu, was added along with a dark gray dashboard featuring dual air vents, plastic bumpers, and metallic paint finishes. By 1992, the 1289 cc engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission was phased out. Towards the end of 1994, a more robust 1557 cc engine delivering increased power was introduced. The Break, hatchback, and pick-up models underwent similar aesthetic upgrades, excluding the spoilered boot lid. Due to declining sales, the Canadian market version was discontinued. The 4-speed transmission remained available until 1997 exclusively on the 1.4-liter pick-up variant.
Dacia 1325
In this timeframe, the Dacia 1325, also known as the 1325 Liberta, made its debut as a successor to the Dacia 1320, showcasing a redesigned rear end.
1994 Refresh (CN2/CN3)
Production of the CN1 continued until mid-1994 when it was succeeded by the CN2 facelift. This update brought a redesigned bonnet, fresh headlights, a new grille, and plastic bumpers that could be equipped with or without fog lights depending on the trim level. The highest trim included features such as metallic paintwork, tinted windows, a sunroof, and alloy wheels.
Models from the CN2 series—1310 and 1410—were produced until June 1995 before being replaced by the slightly revised CN3 coinciding with the introduction of the Dacia Nova. The CN3 featured 5.5Jx13 wheels fitted with standard 165/70R13 tires; some variants with the 1557 cc engine were equipped with wider tires. By late 1998, fuel injection technology was applied to the 1557 cc engine sourced from the Nova. In 1999, a fuel-injected 1.4-liter engine producing enhanced output was added to the lineup.
Trim options comprised L (1400 cc sedan), T (1600 cc sedan), CL and CT (estate versions), while Li, Ti, CLi, and CTi denoted their fuel-injected counterparts.
In 1997, both a pick-up and an estate version powered by a Peugeot-derived 1905 cm³ engine delivering 71 hp were introduced. A four-wheel-drive pick-up variant followed in 1999. The Dacia 1325 Liberta ceased production in 1996 due to unsatisfactory sales figures.
Manufacturing of the CN3 concluded in early 1999 and was succeeded by the CN4 model.
1999 Refresh (CN4)
The final facelift for the Dacia 1310 arrived in 1999 under the CN4 designation. It showcased redesigned external headlights while retaining rectangular reflectors similar to those found on previous CN2 and CN3 models but now shielded by an updated bonnet and grille design. Door handles were replaced with units taken from the Dacia Nova. That same year saw the release of a limited edition named Dacia Dedicație to honor the 40th anniversary of the Dacia 1300. This special edition was available as both sedan and estate in two shades of gray complemented by aluminum wheels and distinctive side decals.
In 2002, the model underwent rebranding: sedans became known as Dacia Berlină while estates were named Dacia Break, dropping the numeric "1310" badge. The launch of the SuperNova—especially its Europa trim—negatively impacted sales of regular sedans due to competitive pricing; for example, a SuperNova Europa trim was offered at a price comparable to that of a standard 1310 sedan under Romania’s Rabla program launched in 2000 to rejuvenate aging vehicles nationwide. As a result, sedan production and sales declined starting in 2001, although demand remained steady among taxi operators and driving schools. The estate version maintained strong sales until its discontinuation in 2004.
After more than thirty years in production, manufacturing of both sedan and estate models ended in July 2004 with the final unit—numbered 1,959,730—rolling off the Colibași assembly line on July 21.
Production continuation (2004–2006)
From 2004 until 2006, production was limited exclusively to the pick-up versions due to ongoing market demand. However, on December 8, 2006, the manufacturing of all Dacia pick-up models ceased entirely.
Israel
Dacia automobiles were marketed in Israel from 1978 through 1989 under the "Delta" name, with imports occurring intermittently through different distributors.
- The initial launch occurred in 1978 but was discontinued after one year following negative television coverage concerning quality problems.
- In 1982, the importer Triumph reintroduced the model under the "Galidi" name.
- A promotional campaign in 1988, featuring the slogan "You can do it too '88," helped revive sales. During this period, "Kaiser Illin," through its subsidiary "Capris," sold approximately 6,000 units before declaring bankruptcy in August 1988, which left many customers unpaid.
- The last distribution effort was managed by "Mutcars," which reverted to using the original Dacia branding and labeled the station wagon and pick-up models as "Shifter."
United Kingdom
The Dacia 1310 entered the UK market in 1982 under the name Dacia Denem, available as a four-door saloon and a five-door estate. Marketed as an affordable alternative to competitors such as Lada, FSO, and Škoda, it faced challenges due to its outdated Renault platform combined with a relatively steep price of £3,190. These factors contributed to its withdrawal around 1984. By 2013, there were no registered Dacia Denem vehicles remaining on UK roads.