Review of the Renault Lodgy
Launch Date : 9th April, 2015
Competition :
Toyota Innova
Honda Mobilio
Chevrolet Enjoy
Maruti Ertiga
Price : Rs. 8.19 lacs to 11.79 lacs
French car maker Renault , has just launched the Lodgy MPV in the Indian market. The car was originally launched by Romanian car maker Dacia in 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Lodgy has been pitched against the blockbuster Toyota Innova, Honda’s Mobilio and the Chevrolet Enjoy. Let’s take a look at whether this latest entrant in the MPV market is strong enough to create a buzz !!
.jpg)
Looks and Style :
From the very acronym, we realize that the car is a multi-utility vehicle. Its main purpose is to be functional and utility driven. It will not make you fall in love , like when you see a sedan or a sports car. However, inspite of that basic drawback, the designers have made the best of the situation. The car has neat and sleek lines. The chrome finish two-toned bumper, body coloured handles and side mirrors, arrow style tail lights , all give a good upmarket look to the car. The roofrails adds to the MPV feel.
Overall the car fares well on the looks and styling front.
The car is available in 6 colours , namely, Royal Orchid, Planet Grey, Absolute Steel, Pearl White, Moonlight Silver and Indigo Breeze.
Inside the cabin
What could be a main draw as far as the sales are concerned is the 7 and 8 seat configuration options available on the car. The second row has 2 independent seats if you opt for 7 seats and a bench like second row if you opt for a 8 seat configuration. The car has a lot of cubby holes to store bottles and other stuff which accumulates when a large family is travelling. A smartly positioned central upper storage on the dashboard comes with a lid to store items which need to be accessible. In addition to that there is also an open storage area above the glove box. The car also comes with a flight tray which gives an aircraft like feel.
Read Renault Lodgy vs. Toyota Innova vs. Maruti Ertiga vs. Honda Mobilio
The dashboard has a very premium feel to it. The steering is leather wrapped and so is the gear knob. The seat is upholstered in cream and a dark colour leather or a single colour leather , depending on the variant that you choose. The 7-inch multi functional screen is well placed. A good add on is the 12 volt charging socket for all 3 rows. The AC is roof mounted for the 2nd and 3rd row which helps in maintaining desired temperature for all passengers.
The main thing in an MPV is the legroom and space for the third row passengers. The third row can easily accommodate 2 adults and a child but 3 adults would be difficult to fit. The back angle of the seat is good. Though knee room is adequate the thigh support leaves you asking for more.
With the 3rd row in use, boot space is very limited and cannot fit in luggage for 7 people. In case only 2 rows are being used , boot space is 759 litres.
Engine and drive
The Lodgy is fitted with the same engine as that on Renault’s super successful car, Duster. The car is currently available only in Diesel option. The two engine options, are Lodgy 85 PS, which is fitted with a dCi Diesel with Fixed Geometry Turbo and Lodgy 110 PS, which is fitted with dCi Diesel with VGT. Both have a displacement of 1461 cc.
The 85 PS is mated with a 5 speed manual gearbox whereas the 110 PS is mated with 6 speed Manual gearbox. The Duster is a dream to drive , but the question in everyone’s mind was that would the same engine work for a MPV too. The answer- Yes it does !! The car has good power output , which makes it a good drive on highways. In the city, the size makes it a bit difficult to drive this car and finding parking space would be a hassle too.
However, from the inside, just like the Duster, you do not feel like you are driving a heavy duty car.
Verdict
On the whole, this latest offering from Renault will give a stiff competition to the newbies like the Ertiga and Mobilio , but it might also pinch away some sales from the old warhorse Innova. The price and the size of the car just make it a very attractive buy.