Renault, the French automaker is set to step its foot in the MPV segment in India for the first time ever with the launch of Lodgy. Renault has started taking pre-launch bookings for Lodgy in India for the token amount for Rs. 50,000. Renault Lodgy slated to launch in the country sometime next month most probably in the first week of April 2015 though the carmaker has not declared any official date yet.
Renault to be powered by tried and tested acclaimed 1.5L K9K diesel mill with two states of tunes- 85PS and 105PS, just like Duster. Lodgy will be available only in diesel avatar and with 7 and 8 seat configurations. The low end variants will come paired with a 5 speed manual gearbox while top end variants receive a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Renault is confident about the Lodgy that it will create another success story for them like Duster and company claims that it performs like sedan and provides space as a MPV. Renault Lodgy offers enormous spacious cabin which is its advantage over the competitors thanks to longest wheelbase of 2810mm.
Renault Lodgy is 4498mm long, 1751mm wide and 1697mm tall which slightly less than segment leader Innova but the longest wheelbase resulting in a roomy cabin than Innova. Many parts of the spacious interiors have been brought from Duster like instrument cluster, steering mounted controls, A/C vents, infotainment system integrated with USB but the overall quality of material and plastic is slightly better than Duster.
The Boxy MPV flaunts chrome grille with Renault logo at front, large swept back headlamps, new bumper. At rear Lodgy gets new tail lights and revised bumper. In terms of equipments Indian Spec model is loaded with more features than international one like touchscreen infotainment system with media navigation, reverse parking sensor, chrome strip at front, ABS, EBD, captain seats, etc.
Renault Lodgy could give a run for their money to Honda Mobilio, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova and Renault India will place it the price segment of Rs. 8 to 12 lakhs. Lodgy looks much more practical, well equipped and spacious cabin which could be hit in the market if Renault priced it wisely.
