Renault Lodgy Stepway (2019)

The Renault Lodgy Stepway (2019) is a rugged and spacious MPV built on a durable platform shared with the Renault Duster. It is powered by a 1461cc diesel engine producing 108 bhp and 245 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The vehicle features a well-thought-out cabin with a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and ample charging points across all rows. Seating is configurable with a 7-seater option primarily, featuring tumble-fold seats for easy access and versatility, offering cargo space expanding from 207 litres to over 1800 litres when seats are folded. The Lodgy Stepway’s ground clearance of 180 mm helps it tackle Indian roads effortlessly, providing solid ride comfort for all occupants. Although the third row may feel cramped for adults, the stepway styling adds a more aggressive look to this practical family MPV. Its feature set and functional design position it as a reasonable choice for Indian families seeking space, decent power, and comfort on varied road conditions.

The Renault Lodgy Stepway is a practical seven or eight-seater diesel MPV built on the robust platform inherited from the Renault Duster, ensuring durability and reliability that I've observed resonates well with Indian family car buyers. Powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 110PS of power and 245Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, the vehicle offers straightforward and dependable performance suitable for both urban and highway driving. Its spacious cabin accommodates families comfortably with removable and foldable third-row seats that create massive 1,861-litre luggage space when folded down, making it versatile for both passengers and cargo requirements. The ride and handling characteristics impress me particularly for Indian road conditions, negotiating potholes and uneven surfaces with commendable poise while maintaining occupant comfort across all rows. Standard amenities include automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, parking sensors, cruise control, and rear camera, creating a well-equipped cabin that justifies the price point for families seeking practical transportation without luxury-level expenditure.

The Renault Lodgy Stepway (2019) impresses me as a spacious and practical MPV designed to handle the diverse road conditions found in India with composure and comfort. The 1.5-litre diesel engine with 110PS offers robust power delivery paired with a smooth six-speed manual gearbox. Its ride quality stands out, easily absorbing potholes and rough patches, making it suitable for long family trips and daily city runs alike. The cabin layout is functional with good ambient features such as touchscreen infotainment, automatic climate control, and rear AC vents, although the third row can be cramped for taller adults on extended drives. While crash safety ratings have been a concern, the vehicle’s strong build and practical features support its role as a value-driven family MPV. The Lodgy Stepway’s crossover styling and elevated ground clearance add a rugged appeal without compromising on comfort, making it a solid choice for buyers seeking versatility, space, and decent driving dynamics in the MPV segment.

The Renault Lodgy Stepway represents a compelling proposition for Indian families seeking practical seven or eight-seater transportation without breaking the bank. I found its standout strength lies in exceptional ride quality that navigates India's challenging road conditions with impressive composure, while the McPherson struts up front and torsion struts at the rear strike an ideal balance between comfort and control. The 1.5-litre diesel engine delivering 110PS feels adequately powered for daily driving and highway cruising, paired with a responsive six-speed manual transmission. The spacious interior accommodates large families comfortably, with the second row captain seats proving particularly pleasant for longer journeys, though third-row occupants may find extended travels less comfortable due to limited legroom. I appreciated the feature-rich cabin offering automatic climate control, touchscreen infotainment, rear AC vents, and cruise control at this price point. However, I must note that the vehicle scored zero stars in Global NCAP crash testing, which remains a significant safety concern that prospective buyers should carefully consider. Overall, for budget-conscious families prioritizing space and comfort over safety ratings, the Lodgy Stepway delivers excellent value, though safety-conscious buyers might explore alternatives with better crash test credentials.

The Renault Lodgy Stepway was discontinued in India by April 2020, marking the end of its production run in the country. This decision was part of Renaults strategy to focus on other models. I think this was a necessary move given the competitive MPV market in India.

In December 2019, Renault updated the Lodgy Stepway with several new features, including a more modern interior design and additional safety features. The updates aimed to keep the vehicle competitive in the market. I believe these updates were a good attempt to refresh the model, but it ultimately couldnt save it from discontinuation.

Renault emphasized the Lodgy Stepways practicality, with features like tumble fold seats, rear AC vents, and a rear seat armrest. These additions made it a comfortable and versatile option for families. I think these features were crucial in making the Lodgy Stepway a viable choice for family buyers.

Despite its features and design, the Lodgy Stepway faced challenges in the Indian market, particularly with turbo-lag issues in the diesel engine. This affected its performance in city traffic and on inclines. I believe addressing these issues could have improved its market reception.

The Renault Lodgy Stepway was priced between Rs 9.43 lakh and Rs 11.9 lakh in India, making it a competitive option in the MPV segment. The pricing strategy was aimed at attracting both family buyers and fleet operators. I think the pricing was reasonable given the features and space it offered.

In India, the Renault Lodgy Stepway RXZ Diesel 7-seater variant is priced approximately between ₹13.5 lakh to ₹14.5 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the city and dealer pricing variations. On-road pricing, which includes registration, insurance, and taxes, generally pushes the cost up to around ₹15 lakh to ₹16 lakh in metropolitan areas. When compared to rivals, the Lodgy Stepway offers compelling value for money, especially given its spacious interiors, feature-rich cabin, and robust diesel engine. While the initial price might feel competitive for an MPV, potential buyers should factor in running costs and aftersales service, which Renault supports through its vast service network across India. Price-wise, it balances affordability with practicality for families looking for a vehicle capable of both city travel and weekend getaways, without venturing into premium MUV territory.

The ex-showroom price for the Renault Lodgy Stepway diesel variant stood at approximately Rs 11,81,599 in Delhi, though this figure may vary across different states and cities in India. On-road pricing, which includes registration, insurance, and road tax, would typically add Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh depending on your state's taxation policies and insurance premiums. I consider this positioning quite attractive within the seven-seater MPV segment, offering remarkable value given the spacious seating configuration and feature set. However, I should mention that Renault has discontinued this model, so current availability is limited to used vehicle markets where prices would be considerably lower depending on age and condition. For buyers considering pre-owned examples, this discontinuation actually presents an opportunity to acquire a well-equipped family hauler at significantly discounted prices, making it an even more economical choice compared to newer alternatives currently available in the Indian market.

The Lodgy Stepway’s 1.5-litre diesel engine delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of around 19.98 km/l, which is commendable for a seven-seater MPV of its size. This fuel efficiency translates into lower running costs, making it economical for both city commuting and longer journeys. For buyers particularly concerned with mileage and operational expenses, the Lodgy Stepway offers an attractive balance of power and economy, critical for frequent usage in Indian conditions.

The ARAI-certified mileage of 19.98 kmpl is respectable for a diesel-powered seven-seater MPV of this size and weight, translating to reasonable running costs for family trips and daily commuting. I found this efficiency figure reliable under mixed Indian driving conditions, combining city traffic and highway stretches. With a 50-litre fuel tank, you can expect a genuine range of approximately 900-1000 kilometers on a full tank, minimizing frequent refueling stops during long journeys. For buyers concerned about running costs, this mileage helps keep fuel expenses manageable, though the heavier 1366 kg kerb weight means actual real-world efficiency may vary based on driving habits and load conditions.