The MPV segment in India has seen a lot of launches, but launches like Ertiga and Innova makes it very difficult for the other models to reach out to the customers. One such model is the Renault Lodgy, the MPV that sits between the Ertiga and the Innova in the market and has a lot more to offer than both the vehicles. Renault has added a new variant of the Lodgy with minor changes and calls it Lodgy Stepway. It is a more rugged variant of the MPV. Here is what we think about the car.
Looks
The Lodgy carries an odd shape. The vehicle was launched in 2015, and since then the French carmaker did not update the vehicle with any significant upgrades. The Lodgy Stepway, however, looks more sturdy and ready to take over the Indian roads, thanks to the body cladding.
The Lodgy also gets 16-inch alloy wheels, a new grille which is jewel studded and shines brilliantly. There’s also faux skid plates that get silver finish. The fog lamp housing has also been upgraded. From the side, the Lodgy Stepway gets decals on the front door, and dark metal finished roof rails. The Lodgy Stepway looks similar to the regular vehicle from the rear.
Interiors
The Lodgy is a massively spacious vehicle. The instrument and the dashboard are similar to the Duster. Lodgy is based on the Duster’s platform and gets similar equipment including the steering wheel. There is a touch sensitive screen that makes life easy. The infotainment screen gets navigation too. There are other connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB and Aux-in.
The audio controls are stacked on a remote placed behind the steering wheel but not on it. It may seem difficult for the first time use, but you do get used to it. Lodgy Stepway also gets cruise control, but you have to select it from a button placed on the dashboard.
The MPV comes with smart spaces inside. The door pockets are very deep and can hold big bottles with ease. The top-end version is a 6-seater version and comes with captain seats in the middle row. The middle seat cannot be adjusted, but the back support can be changed.
Engine and drive
The Lodgy Stepway is powered by the same 1.5-litre K9K engine that also comes with the Duster. The engine comes in two states of tunes – 83 Bhp and 108 Bhp. We drove the 108 Bhp engine can easily say that this is the best MPV to drive in the segment. The diesel engine produces 245 Nm of torque, and it peaks at only 1,750 rpm, giving a wide band of power to play with. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox, and the last gear is not usually used in the city, it is for the highway cruising and saves a lot of fuel. The Lodgy drives a lot like Duster, which makes the driver very confident and the MPV stays planted to the road even at higher speeds.
Images provided by the Writer
Should you get one?
The best thing about the Lodgy is the way it drives. The Lodgy is an understated vehicle and is price-wise, it is placed precariously between the Maruti Ertiga and the Toyota Innova. If you are bored of seeing too many Toyota Innova Crysta on the road. The Lodgy price starts at only Rs. 7.88 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The car is pure value for money. If you find Ertiga too small and Innova too expensive, this is the car that you should get.
