Renault India is out with its Lodgy. It is a multi-purpose vehicle. And that is, by the way, Renault’s forte. But even so, I believe the manufacturer wouldn’t have been complacent. Not one bit. For, a few car models gone wrong, a few unsold units, and a few changes in the company, and I know all in Renault India’s kitty has not been praiseworthy. Still, being the optimistic kind, I believe failure teaches one how to succeed, so the launch of Lodgy interested me. Renault India, however, would like to see the record from the shining side. For the Duster has brought the manufacturer centre-stage. No wonder the new Duster was unveiled at the recent Geneva Motor Show. But why am I talking of the Duster?
Am I confused? Maybe. But so would you. Surely, the Lodgy has taken something from the Duster. It is always nice to build on your successes rather than brooding over your failures. A few management lessons have gone into making of the Lodgy.
Not too many engineering lessons this time, however. The CMO 10 platform and the set of K9K engines are taken from the Duster. The 1.5litre diesel engine is available in two states of tune — 85PS and 110PS, with 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearbox respectively. There are 4 variants on offer in the 85PS version and 3 in the 110PS.
As for fuel efficiency, one can expect 19.98 kmpl from the 110PS and 21.04 kmpl from the 85PS trim. That, by the way falls short of the claims of Honda Mobilio.
However, it must be said, Lodgy is Lodgy. It is not Duster. It is not Innova, Mobilio or Ertiga though a casual browsing of the internet would tell you that they are in constant comparison and competition.
Renault, the French carmaker, has kept it the French way. It is high on accent, style and design. And, so the manufacturer asserts that it’s not just a change of name — this car is called Dacia Lodgy in international markets — but around 60 changes that have been implemented to make it more India specific.
There is a satellite navigation system and a combination of a rear view camera as well as parking sensors.
The space, of course, needs to be highlighted. The car comes in 7- and 8-seater models. And, there is ample room for family and for luggage.
The top-end variants get dual airbags as well as a touch-screen infotainment system with GPS navigation on the dashboard. The Lodgy offers cruise control — a segment first. An ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) are there to address your safety concerns. After all, it is a family car.
It’s not a bad deal either. A price tag of Rs.8.19 to 11.79 lakh (ex-Delhi) might just make it the next lodgy-cal buy.
