It is likely to be priced between Rs 8 and Rs 12 lakh
Renault is finally ready to foray into the Indian multi-purpose vehicle segment with its upcoming Lodgy.
MPV, however, is not a new concept in India with Innova and Ertiga already on the roads for so many years. But recently, the segment is getting flooded with the arrival of new MPVs in the market.
One such is Honda Mobilio which was launched in mid-2014 and has been critically appreciated all over while recently Datsun also released a similar vehicle GO Plus to highten competition.
Looking at the growing potential of the segment, Renault has also formulated its weapon in the name of Lodgy to cast a spell on the customers.
So, what’s so different about Renault’s Lodgy and why it is currently hyped in India?
Well to answer all such questions, we are ready with a list of unmatched attributes that this upcoming vehicle is adorned with. All you need to do is to go through the five points and you will be able to differentiate why to choose Lodgy over others.
Exterior - Renault is not a new player in offering MPVs, infact it is the inventor of MPV. Renault Espace was launched in European market 3 decades ago.
All set to redefine the segment in the country, Lodgy is very stylishly and sophistically built.
It is big in size and carries a large wheelbase, even more than Toyota Innova and the MPV with 1350 kg weight is lighter than Innova which is 1675 kg.
Few of the outer features in Lodgy include a new chrome bar grille with a massive Renault logo and upgraded tail lights.
Akin to its sibling Duster, the Lodgy also began its life as Dacia and will transform itself as per the Indian market needs.
Interior - Most of the interior parts in Lodgy have been borrowed from Duster SUV. The car comes with ample space to accommodate 7 passengers quite comfortably.
The first and second rows are undoubtedly big and cosy and if you are worried about third row of seats, do note that the third row in Lodgy is reportedly said to offer 144mm of legroom and 866mm headroom space, which means that the rear bench won’t be restricted only to kids in the family.
Moreover, the comfort and convenience features comprise premium upholstery, touchscreen infotainment system, newer instrument cluster, control stalks, power steering wheel, advance AC, etc.
Engine specifications – Mechanically, the upcoming Renault MPV will be powered by the same Duster’s 1.5-liter K9K turbo diesel engine in both 85PS and 110PS forms.
The engine is mated to 5-speed (85PS) and 6-speed (110PS) manual transmissions.
The 110 PS version of Lodgy MPV is likely to be the most powerful MPV in its space with a peak power of 108 bhp and a max torque of 248 Nm.
There are still doubts on petrol engine getting placed in the car but it is expected that the MPV will get the same 1.6-litre petrol engine of the Duster or can be powered by the 1.2-litre TCE turbocharged petrol engine at a later stage.
Safety – There is no news regarding safety features loaded in India-bound Lodgy MPV, but there is a possibility that the car follows its Dacia counterpart on safety parameters.
The Dacia Lodgy got 3 stars on the safety tests, so it can be expected that Renault will not compromise on safety for the Indian market also.
Lodgy is supposed to come loaded with ABS, EBD, airbags and other such relevant features.
Price - As far as pricing of this vehicle is concerned; it is likely to get a price tag in the range of Rs 800,000 - Rs 12 lakh.
If such estimations are to be believed, this competitive price tag of Lodgy MPV will make it a feasible competitor against segment rivals Honda Mobilio, Maruti Ertiga and also to Toyota Innova.
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