Renault Lodgy (2019)

Synopsis

The hints from the French automaker for a seven seater turned reality on the day the Lodgy was spied for the first time. The new Renault Lodgy has been under many tests from a long period of time and now finally, Renault has entered the battleground of MUVs. This segment demands practical examples of auto world, not just being good at performance; the mileage also needs attention and vice versa. Renault launched the Lodgy MPV in India on 9th April with a starting price tag of INR 8.19 lakhs for the base 85PS model and INR 11.79 lakhs for the top 110PS model.

Engine and Performance

The Lodgy comes with a 1461 cc, 1.5 dCi, 4 cylinder In-line, CRDi engine. The engine performs very well and Renault offers the car in two power options. If he drive easy, he don't love adventure, just stay calm and follow a simple routine, he's eligible for the 85PS version of Lodgy. As the name explains it produces 83.8 BHP @ 3750 rpm and 200 NM @ 1900 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and returns a company claimed 21.04 kmpl. This one offers impressive specs for a normal day riding experience. Now that was him, it’s your time now. You plan for a movie but end up to a road trip, your love for the mountains is never going to end, and you discover a new road every day. You got yourself a 110PS version, producing a massive 108 BHP and 245 NM of torque. You have the rights to rule the highway with your 6-speed manual transmission. You just perform like a beast but use only a litre for 19.98 km. You and your Lodgy make the best team out there. Renault makes the story alive with its new power options.

Exterior

The design factor remains silent in the case of Lodgy as more concentrated approach has been toward the spacing and comfort factor of the car. Some edgy design would have led to reduced level of visibility from the glass or a smaller leg room for the third row. Renault has taken each and every part carefully before finalizing the launch, making it a real competitor when it comes to 7 or 8 people for a single car. Using chrome wisely has made a decent impact on its first look reviews and may become one genuine reason for the car to stay up in the market. Rear gets some shining star type of lights, spreading its light in the form of red glass around the white one. Overall, the design looks pretty good for everyday use (by completely forgetting what everyone around would think).

Interior

The interior has been kept decent as the image of a family car was to be kept alive. None of the shiny element of dashboard messes up with the sincerity of the Brown & Beige combination. The seats feel premium not just from the looks, but also from quality of the materials used. A three spoke steering wheel, housing the switches for music control is being used. The chrome Renault logo in the center matches the chrome rings of the speedometer, pleasing the driver every time he rides. The same chrome ring encloses every single vent in the front, making the dashboard an admirable one. Spacing has been equally provided to all the rows, taking equal care of the last row passengers also. But, if you cross 6 feet in total, first two rows are made for you.

Comfort while Driving

Renault clarifies to the fans that from the smaller city rides to a long holiday vacation, the comfort level of the passengers will not be compromised. Each of the 3 rows has its own AC vents, making it ultra-comfortable for every passenger. Your phone would love the Lodgy more than you, as it gets its energy source (12V socket), no matter which row you wish to be seated. Legs are all happy as no need to fight for their rights (the minimum space to stay easy). You will get a bit more than you would expect every time. Carrying luggage has been made easy as the third row is detachable, making a huge 589 litres of space behind the seats. Rear parking camera and sensors make this giant easy to park and eliminates the need of a commander (a person waving in order to park the car properly) standing behind, giving some ugly signs of turning around, moving and freezing.

Brakes and Suspension

Keeping the safety alive, Renault has rolled out the Lodgy with ABS, EBD and brake assist. The front gets a disc braking system whereas the rear gets drum brakes only. The whole setup provides enough braking force for Lodgy, making it a safe vehicle to drive. The suspension at the front is a McPherson strut and the rear is the Torsion beam, both equipped with anti-roll bar. Suspension fully handles its duty and makes every ride a joy ride.

Safety

Renault provides a driver side airbag and a passenger side airbag in its new offering. The provision of braking safety has been made with the ABS and EBD. Also the crash sensors have been implanted, which on the time of collision automatically unlock the doors and let the passengers easily come out of the vehicle. The MPV comes with an electronic speed limiter, which makes it safe to be driven in some other hands also.

Shades and Price

Renault Lodgy is available in 4 shades - White, Silver, Purple and Black. Renault has launched the Lodgy with a starting price tag of INR 8.19 lakhs for the base 85PS model and INR 11.79 lakhs for the top 110PS model. At this price, Renault gives a tough competition to the others, expecting the same response as it had for its Duster.