Renault Lodgy RxZ 8-Seater

The Renault Lodgy RxZ 8-Seater is a versatile and spacious MPV designed to cater to the needs of large families or fleet operators. It boasts a 1.5-litre diesel engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger, producing 108 bhp and 245 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The vehicle is nearly 4.5 meters in length, offering ample space in all three rows, including the third row which, although best suited for two adults, is still quite usable. The interior, while not premium, is well-planned with features like airline-style trays in the second row, ample storage spaces, and a high roofline that ensures good headroom. The Lodgy also offers good luggage space, with the option to fold or remove the rear seats to increase cargo capacity significantly. With its strong engine, comfortable ride, and practical design, the Lodgy is an excellent choice for those needing a reliable and spacious vehicle.

The Renault Lodgy RxZ 8-Seater is a well-made, practical, and efficient MPV that excels in several key areas. It inherits the robust build quality and fantastic ride quality from its sibling, the Duster, making it a comfortable choice for navigating Indias varied road conditions. The diesel engine, available in two tunes (85PS and 110PS), offers great driveability and efficiency, which is a significant advantage for both city driving and long road trips. However, the interior quality, though functional, feels industrial with extensive use of hard and squeaky plastics, and the boxy styling may not appeal to everyone. Despite these drawbacks, the Lodgy is an excellent choice for those prioritizing practicality and space, especially for fleet owners or large families.

The Renault Lodgy was discontinued by April 2020, marking the end of its production run in India. This decision was likely due to declining sales and the increasing competition in the MPV segment. I believe this move was inevitable given the market trends, but its a shame since the Lodgy had its loyal followers.

In its final days, the Renault Lodgy 110PS RxZ 8 Seater variant was priced at Rs 12.09 lakhs, offering features like a 7.0-inch MediaNAV touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, and cruise control. The car also boasted a spacious interior with foldable and removable third-row seats. I think the Lodgys practicality and features made it a compelling choice for those needing a family vehicle.

Renault introduced the Stepway edition of the Lodgy, which included cosmetic enhancements and additional features to make the vehicle more appealing. This move was aimed at boosting sales, but it seemed to have limited impact. I believe the Stepway edition was a good attempt, but it came a bit too late to change the Lodgys fortunes.

The Renault Lodgy was known for its powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine, available in two states of tune: 85PS/200Nm and 110PS/245Nm. The more powerful version came with a 6-speed manual gearbox, making it a strong contender in its segment. I think the engine options were one of the Lodgys strongest points, offering a good balance of power and efficiency.

The Lodgy featured a well-equipped cabin with amenities like automatic climate control, rear seat armrest, and airline-style trays in the second row of the 110PS RxZ variant. However, it lacked advanced safety features such as six airbags, which were only available in the top-spec RxZ grade. I believe the safety aspect was a significant oversight, especially in a family-oriented vehicle.

The Renault Lodgy RxZ 8-Seater is priced competitively in the Indian market, with ex-showroom prices starting from around Rs. 12.38 lakh in New Delhi. On-road prices, including taxes and other charges, can range from approximately Rs. 14.5 lakh to Rs. 15.5 lakh, depending on the city and state. This pricing makes the Lodgy a value-for-money proposition, considering its spacious interior, efficient engine, and robust build. However, its essential to check with local dealers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, as it can vary based on location and any ongoing offers or discounts.

The Renault Lodgy RxZ 8-Seater offers impressive mileage, especially considering its size and seating capacity. The 110PS variant, equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, provides an ARAI-certified mileage of 19.98 kmpl. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 15-18 kmpl, which is commendable for an MPV of this size. This efficiency helps in keeping running costs manageable, making it a viable option for those concerned about fuel expenses.