In 2010-11 the MPV segment used to be dominated by Mahindra and Toyota but as the time went this segment gets new players like Ertiga from Maruti Suzuki, Mobilio from Honda and now Renault joins the bandwagon with Lodgy. Renault is first car maker to introduce first ever vehicle in this segment around three decades ago but in international markets, Lodgy is first MPV for Renault in India. Toyota Innova has been the blockbuster car in India and very few vehicles have had such successful run like Innova. Most of the Innova’s rivals like Xylo, Mobilio struggled to give competition to Toyota Innova, so let’s find out if Lodgy has enough punch to stand against Toyota Innova.
Also See: Visit Our Renault Lodgy FAQ section containing all small-yet-useful info altogether for your convenience
Price:
When there are two vehicles of same dimensions, features, space etc then Price becomes the deciding factor between the two. In this segment Lodgy seems to hit the right button and it is much more affordable than overpriced Innova.
Renault Lodgy starts at the price of Rs. 8.19 lakh for the base variant and goes up to 11.79 lakh for the top. Toyota Innova, on the other hand is steeply priced, its entry level variant costs at Rs. 10.51 lakh while the top variant of Innova comes at Rs. 15.80 lakh.
Engine and Performance:
Both the cars are offered only in diesel engine, Toyota Innova carries the largest engine among the two whereas Lodgy delivers the better power. Toyota Innova is powered by a 2.5L 2KD diesel engine that produces 100.6bhp power@3600rpm and 200Nm of peak torque@1200-3600rpm.
Powering the Lodgy is a 1.5L K9K diesel engine that comes with two states of tunes- 84bhp and 108.5bhp. Renault Lodgy is available with a 5 speed and a 6-speed manual transmission whereas Innova is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox only. Renault Lodgy certainly better than Innova at least on paper with better power delivery and 6-speed MT as advantage over Innova.
Lodgy is effortless to drive and clutch is also isn’t heavy as Innova’s, on the other hand Innova delivers fantastic city drivability but on open road Innova isn’t good as Lodgy. The accelerator response is harp at lower rpms and you can use the 3rd gear as automatic in Innova it’s that responsive.
Innova is a like regular car with balanced ride and handling and grip levels are safe and predictable too. Innova is still best suited for calm style of driving on highways with short gear ratios as its disadvantage.
Renault Lodgy on the other hand is slow starter, city driving requires frequent downshifts but on open road the engine shines through unlike Innova with class leading performance. Renault Lodgy is quicker to reach 100km mark around 5 seconds faster than Innova.
Apart from Price Renault has also hit the sweet spot in suspension segment, If Innova offers good handling then Lodgy isn’t far behind. A Person seating in the third row will find the ride bumpier in Lodgy than Innova.
In fuel efficiency department Lodgy stands tall with 19.98 KMPL mileage against 13.31 of Innova and 85 PS variants of Lodgy delivers 21.04 KMPL of mileage.
Space and Dimensions:
One of the most important thing that matter the most in MPV is space and in this segment Renault has done well. With dimensions of 4498mm length, 1751mm width and 1697mm height is slightly less than Innova but it’s the wheelbase of 2810mm that connect to the space inside the cabin.
Both the cars are available in 7 and 8 seating configurations and both offers comfortable front row seating with high view of outdoor, when it comes to 2nd row space Innova have an advantage with more legroom space than Lodgy especially when Lodgy got captain seats.
Access to third row is slightly easier in Lodgy as the second row seats easily folds as compared to Innova’s partial tumble. Third row seats of both the cars are wide suitable for medium sized three adults but both have low seating position resulting in less under thigh support.
Exterior:
Both the cars follow simple and typical MPV styling footsteps the boxy and MPV’ish look. Toyota Innova has been there since decade and receiving frequent cosmetic changes to keep look fresh especially the front and rear end but overall layout of design remains more or less same.
Renault Lodgy on the other hand is a new kid hence looks fresh and much more appealing than Innova. Despite of the boxy design Lodgy is quite likeable thanks to balanced chrome treatment at the front unlike Innova.
Coming to the side and you will realize how long Lodgy is, though both cars have flat side profile like a typical MPV with chrome side moldings and no nonsense design. Lodgy carries quite unusual kind of tail lamps which is the only good point about the simple rear end while Innova has same tail lamps units with large thick chrome line and a rear spoiler. Overall Lodgy looks better among the two as it is much newer than aging Innova.
Interior:
The basic design of Innova hasn’t change since decade but it is quite bright thanks to beige-grey interiors. In terms of feature it gets new steering wheel with control buttons, central console with 2DIN touchscreen audio with reversing camera assistance, USB, Aux-in and 12V power socket in front of gear stick, climate control feature. Seats of Innova get dual shade leather upholstery while lower variant gets the fabric one. Overall quality of materials, fit and finish in Innova is commendable.
Renault Lodgy has refreshing interiors though some of the components have been taken from Duster but it is better than Innova. Lodgy Boasts features such as 7” touchscreen MEDIANAV infotainment system with rear view camera assistance, A/C vents and power sockets for all three rows, dual shade leather seats, and piano black finish looks up market while quality of materials is as good as Innova. Overall the cabin of Lodgy has fresh feel, carries more equipments and hence is more appealing than Innova.
Safety:
The top variants of both the cars are loaded with various features such as ABS, dual airbags, while Renault also offers EBD and impact sensing door lock-unlock feature. Toyota Innova boats safety features such as central locking, keyless entry, crash sensor, rear camera and many more. Renault Lodgy on the hand gets EBD with brake assist, cruise control with speed limiter, rear view camera and rear parking sensors. The robust and boxy design of both cars compliments the feature list.
Verdict:
Many MPV came but none of them able to dethrone the Innova from the top spot but Lodgy has all the right elements to give stiff competition to Innova but it won’t be an easy task considering its reliability and after sales service. Renault offers overall a good package with enhanced looks, fuel efficiency and more powerful engines being its stronger point over Innova but that doesn’t mean Innova is weaker. Over the years cars like Logan and Duster have proven the worth of Renault in India on the other hand Lodgy undercuts Innova by quite a healthy margin in pricing. So Lodgy has the serious potential to rule the MPV segment in India but its u to buyers what they think of it.
