The Lodgy is a premium MUV (multi utility vehicle) from the French car manufacturer Renault. The Renault Lodgy is based around the same platform as of the company’s own compact SUV- the Duster. In fact, the Renault Lodgy has been already on sale in global markets. Although, in those markets it is sold under Renault-owned Dacia brand.
The MUV is an interesting looking car and comes with conventional and plain design. The Renault Lodgy comes in a choice of two seating options- 7-seater and 8-seater and is loaded with several comfort enhancing features and offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. The Renault Lodgy is available in total 7 model trims to choose from and comes only in the diesel guise.
The price of the Renault Lodgy ranges between Rs 8.55 Lakh to Rs 12.68 Lakh. The prices are Ex-showroom, New Delhi. The Renault Lodgy competes with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Toyota Innova, Cheverolet Enjoy, Honda Mobilio and Nissan Evalia.
ENGINE AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Renault Lodgy is powered by a 1.5-litre K9K, 1461 cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine. The engine comes with two power outputs- 84 bhp at 3,750 rpm with 200 Nm of maximum torque at 1,750 rpm and 109 bhp at 4,000 rpm with 245 Nm at 2,250 rpm. The 84 bhp-tuned variant is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission whereas the 109 bhp-tuned variant is paired to a 6 speed manual transmission.
In terms of fuel economy, the Renault Lodgy has an ARAI fuel efficiency of 21.04 km/ l for the 84 bhp version and 19.98 km/ l for the 109 bhp version. The Renault Lodgy achieves the 0 -100 kmph mark in just 12 seconds with a top speed of around 170 kmph. Besides, the Renault Lodgy gets a 50 litre of fuel tank capacity.
EXTERIOR
On the exterior front, the Renault Lodgy features a jewel studded front grille, large swept back headlamps, a sporty two-tone bumper and bonnet, sporty anthracite finish alloy wheels with stylish and muscular wheel arch cladding, day time running lights, body coloured ORVMs and door handles, integrated fog lamps and attractive side molding which is both striking and protective. While, the rear profile of the car has tailgate, thick chrome strip, chrome embellishments and tall angular tail lamps.
The Renault Lodgy has about 4498 mm length, 1751 mm width and 1697 mm height of dimensions. Besides, the Renault Lodgy has a wheelbase of 2810 mm and a ground clearance of 174 mm. Its turning radius is of 5.55 metre. The Renault Lodgy is available with a choice of 6 colours- Indigo Breeze, Royal Orchid, Planet Grey, Absolute Steel, Pearl White and Moonlight Silver.
INTERIOR
The Renault Lodgy comes with a very roomy and comfortable cabin featuring dual tone interiors with chrome inserts and leather upholstery. The Renault Lodgy has a decent features list including touch-screen based multi-media system, 8-way adaptable driver’s seat, rear view camera, rear parking camera, Bluetooth, USB, Aux connectivity, 3 spoke steering wheel with metal accents, cabin wide air-conditioning with adjustable vents, power sockets, sun visors, cup and bottle holders, storage unit, floor carpeting and alloy-wheels though, these features are available only on the higher trims.
As mentioned earlier, the Renault Lodgy is offered in two seating configurations of seven-seater and eight-seater models to choose from. There is ample space in the first two rows and, at the same time, the third row is bigger too in comparison to other MUVs in the segment.
Boot Space
Apart from these, the Renault Lodgy comes with a variable boot space- the minimum boot volume of the Renault Lodgy is 207 litres, which can be extended up to 589 litres by folding the third row seat and at the same time, this storage space can be extended further up to a massive 1861 litres by folding the second row seats.
PERFORMANCE
The Renault Lodgy offers good performance and a comfortable driving experience despite its massive size. In terms of suspension, the SUV gets front axle which is coupled with McPherson strut whereas the rear is paired to torsion beam suspension which keeps it agile. Besides, the vehicle has ventilated discs at front wheels and drum brakes at rear which make braking effective. The brake pedal is also good.
On the safety front, the Renault Lodgy comes loaded with ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) along with brake assist, dual front airbags, door ajar warning, driver’s seatbelt reminder, keyless central locking, engine immobilizer, rear child locks, three point ELR seatbelts, side impact protection beams, rear defogger and a rear wiper including washer.
ADVANTAGES
The Renault Lodgy is extremely spacious. Ride quality is quite good. Performance of the diesel engine is also good. Besides, the MUV offers flexible seating arrangement.
Moreover, the Renault Lodgy comes with the longest wheelbase in the segment. The SUV offers feature rich interior and is a genuine seven seater. The vehicle has good luggage space.
DRAWBACKS
The interior quality of the Renault Lodgy is not up to the mark. The plastic is hard and finishing is just acceptable. Design of the SUV is conventional and plain. It has wide turning radius. Besides, the vehicle lacks climate control and power folding ORVMs.
In addition, low ground clearance is one of the major drawbacks of the SUV, that could make it difficult on rugged roads. Non-availability of the automatic transmission is also a disappointment.
VERDICT
The Renault Lodgy comes with the most spacious interior, impressive handling and refined and frugal engine. Since, the SUV comes in two seating configurations of seven-seater and eight-seater therefore, it is the best for large Indian families.
