Tehran-based Pars Khodro has begun mass production of the Pars Nova, a rehashed “Iranianised” Dacia Logan (L90), local magazine Asbe Bohkar reported on August 11.

The so-called P90 production project was previously planned as "Kadila". However, according to the long-standing tradition of state automakers, Pars Khodro ultimately chose Pars Nova for the much-needed low-cost domestically produced sedan.

In recent months, images of road and technical tests of Pars Nova were leaked to the press, but no news about its mass production had emerged until now, originating on the same day that Pars Khodro’s biggest local rival Iran Khodro relaunched the decade-old Peugeot 207 sedan model.

Unlike the original, the Pars Khodro Nova powertrain has a 1.6-litre displacement and is produced with a four-cylinder, 16-valve configuration, featuring variable valve timing technology for intake valves. A new generation of alternators and oil pumps has been used for the ME16, ultimately producing 111 horsepower with 150 Newton-metres of torque.

A five-speed manual gearbox delivers power to the front wheels, while in the automatic version, a six-speed automatic AT gearbox by DAE handles power transmission.

The Nova sedan features equipment including a monitor, a combined analogue and digital cluster, a stability and traction control system, electric windows, an anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and other amenities.

Pars Khodro has not yet announced official pricing or delivery timelines for the new sedan, though market introduction is expected in the coming months.

The same model is touted to be produced in conjunction with Russian state automaker AvtoVAZ.

Prior to 2019, Renault had agreements with three Iranian manufacturers to produce the Logan in Iran but pulled out of the Islamic Republic as the US applied renewed sanctions pressure on Tehran.

The L90, a rehashed version of the Logan, also referred to as the “L90”, was developed partly thanks to help from Russia’s Lada maker, AvtoVAZ, which produces the engine block.  

According to a February 2024, report by Tejarat Online, SAIPA has signed an agreement for the export of 45,000 vehicles to Russia over the current Persian year (started March 21), marking the company's entry onto the Russian market.

Iran's automotive sector is dominated by two major manufacturers, Iran Khodro (IKCO) and SAIPA, which together control 85% of Iran's domestic market. 

IKCO's previous attempt to establish a presence in Russia between 2007 and 2009 encountered significant challenges, including complaints about vehicles' performance in cold weather and concerns about parts quality.