The Renault Lodgy offers impressive space and a neatly done exterior along with a host of flexibility inside the cabin at a competitive price.
Having created the MPV segment globally, Renault has officially launched its first MPV for the Indian market the ‘Lodgy’ with prices ranging from Rs. 8.19 lakhs to Rs. 11.79 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Sold under the Dacia brand across Europe, the Lodgy is the French automaker’s answer to the Toyota Innova, Honda Mobilio, Maruti Ertiga and the likes and promises to offer a lot more space and creature comforts at a compelling price tag. Regarded as the next volume puller for Renault India, here is everything you need to know about the 2015 Lodgy.
Design – The Renault Lodgy manages to keep things simple on the design front with the front fascia getting a chrome induced grille extending to the bumper and is flanked by daytime running lights (not LEDs) equipped in bulky headlamp clusters. At the sides, the large profile is evident with the wide glass area, tall body stance and the long wheelbase, while the chrome embellishments and 5-spoke alloy wheels lend a premium appearance.
At the rear, the MPV comes with a quirky tail light cluster while the ‘Lodgy’ moniker has been embossed on a chrome bar resting on the tailgate. Renault is also offering 47 categories of accessories with 4 accessory packs including chrome pack, essential pack, sport pack and techno pack to enhance the exterior appeal.
Interiors – The Lodgy is based on the same platform as the Duster and a host of the equipment has been carried over from the compact SUV which makes the MPV’s cabin a familiar place. Nonetheless, the Lodgy looks a lot more premium and gets a dual-tone finished dashboard done up in a brown and beige colour theme that extends to the leather/fabric upholstery finished with cross-diamond stitching. The centre console gets a piano black finish and the multi-function steering wheel is leather wrapped.
Being a people mover, the Lodgy is available in 7 or 8-seater configurations and can be ordered with captain seats or bench-type seat for the middle row. The MPV gets tray tables for captain seats, whereas the bench gets an integrated centre armrest with cupholders. Maximising interior space, the second and third row can be tumble folded while the third row can be completely removed as well.
Features – In terms of features, the 2015 Renault Lodgy gets driver-seat height adjust, keyless entry, cruise control, touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, USB, Bluetooth and AUX connectivity; manual AC with roof mounted air-con vents for the second and third row, anti-pinch power windows and power sockets for all three rows.
Engine – Available only with a diesel heart, the Lodgy is powered by the 1.5-litre k9k four-cylinder diesel engine that is available in two states of tune. On the base variants, the engine offers 85 PS of power at 3750 RPM and 200 Nm of torque at 1900 RPM, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox; whereas the top-end variants are offered with 110 PS of power at 4000 RPM and 245 Nm of torque at 1750 RPM, paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Renault is not offering an automatic or a petrol on the MPV at present.
Mechanicals – The Lodgy is quite large compared to its competitors and the dimensions justify the same. The MPV measures 4498 mm in length, 1751 mm in width and 1697 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2810 mm while boasting a ground clearance of 174 mm and a kerb weight of 1368 kgs. Suspension duties are performed by McPherson struts at the front and a Torsion beam at the rear with an anti-roll bar added at the front and rear for improved stability.
Safety – Packed with all the essentials, the Renault Lodgy is equipped with safety tech including dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, impact sensing door lock and engine immobilizer among other basics.
Fuel Efficiency – The MPV boasts of an ARAI certified fuel economy figure of 21.04 km/l on the 85 PS version while the range-topping 110 PS models return 19.98 km/l.
Renault’s newest offering does emerge as impressive offering a host of features along with an extremely spacious cabin on offer and manages to slot in right between the segment leader Innova and the newer Mobilio in the segment. The automaker has been smart with its pricing and owing to the economies of scale, the Lodgy comes with a competitive price tag that will surely appeal to private buyers as well as cab operators alike.
Renault aims to achieve 5 percent market share in India by the end of this fiscal year and are targeting 280 sales and 305 service outlets in the near future across the country. The carmaker claims that the Lodgy has the lowest maintenance cost in its segment for the period of 5 years/1 lakh kms.
Make sure to read our comprehensive review of the 2015 Renault Lodgy HERE.
2015 Renault Lodgy 85 PS Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Lodgy Std – Rs. 8.19 Lakhs
* Lodgy RxE – Rs. 8.99 Lakhs
* Lodgy RxL – Rs. 9.59 Lakhs
* Lodgy RxZ – Rs. 10.89 Lakhs
2015 Renault Lodgy 110 PS Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Lodgy RxL – Rs. 10.09 Lakhs
* Lodgy RxZ 8 Seater – Rs. 11.49 Lakhs
* Lodgy RxZ 7 Seater – Rs. 11.79 Lakhs
