Renault Lodgy MPV with Toyota Innova Beating Price, Launched in India

French automaker Renault has just launched the Lodgy MPV in India, its first vehicle in the people mover segment whose other players include the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova. Introductory prices start from from 8.19 lakh rupees, going all the way up to 11.79 lakh rupees, ex-showroom Delhi. The vehicle has been launched in 7 variants, 4 in 85 PS tune and 3 in 110 PS tune.

 

Variants wise 85 PS tune pricing is as follows: Std – 8.19 lakh rupees, RxE – 8.99 lakh rupees, RxL – 9.59 lakh rupees and RxZ – 10.89 lakh rupees. 110 PS tune variants are priced at 10.09 lakh rupees, 11.49 lakh rupees and 11.79 lakh rupees for the RxE, RxZ (8 Seat) and RxZ trims respectively. This pricing, though introductory, is quite competitive, and the Toyota Innova could come under some pressure once buyers begin to see the value that the Lodgy brings to the table.

The Lodgy is a diesel-only MPV, playing on the fact that most buyers opt for diesel powered options in this segment. The 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel powers the Lodgy and is available in two states of tune – 84 Bhp-200 Nm and 108 Bhp-245 Nm. The former state of tune makes do with a 5 speed manual transmission while the latter comes with a 6 speeder. The MPV features a monocoque body and is front wheel driven.

Notably, the introduction of the Lodgy also marks the India entry of Renault/Dacia’s M0 (pronounced M-Zero) platform, the likes of which underpin the second generation Logan and Sandero car models globally. This platform will also host the second generation Duster SUV. The Lodgy will be sold in 7 and 8 seat layouts. Bookings for this MPV have already begun with the booking amount pegged at 50,000 rupees. Deliveries will begin from later today. Coming to fuel efficiency numbers, the Lodgy 85 PS model manages an ARAI certified 21.04 Kmpl, while the 110 PS model 19.98 Kmpl.

Also Read -CarToq’s First Drive Review of the Renault Lodgy

 

In terms of dimensions, the Lodgy measures 4,498 mm in length, 1,751 mm in width, 1,697 mm in height and features a 2,810 mm wheelbase. The MPV is a little smaller than the Innova in terms of length, width and height, but outdoes the Toyota MPV in terms of wheelbase, a crucial parameter that defines cabin room. Both the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Honda Mobilio are comprehensively outsized by the Lodgy, as far as dimensions are  concerned. Safety features wise, the Renault MPV’s top end variant brings ABS+EBD, Brake Assist and twin airbags into the equation. However, a power steering, ABS+EBD and air conditioning are standard fare on all variants of this MPV.

 

Renault will eventually introduce a sharper looking version of the Lodgy, dubbed the Stepway. Essentially, the Stepway variant is a Lodgy that features a body kit. Other features and creature comforts offered on the Lodgy include alloy wheels, a leather clad steering wheel, leather seats, a Media-Nav touch screen infotainment unit, rear view camera and parking sensors, electric wing mirrors and roof mounted blowers for the second and third rows. The Lodgy is intended to be a big volume product that builds upon the Renault Duster’s success in India.

Also Read – Competition Check – How does the Renault Lodgy stack up against the Innova-Ertiga-Mobilio?