Renault Lodgy Review & Pictures: Lodgycal Innovation

Renault Lodgy Review Synopsis:

Renault Lodgy price tag is between Rs.8.19 11.79 Lakh (Ex.showroom, Delhi). It officially

launched in India on 9th April.

It's available in total seven variants with combination of 7 and 8 seat models. Note that only

Diesel model is offered at present.

This diesel engine is the same highly efficient and trusted good ol K9K mill borrowed from Duster

in both, 85 PS as well as 110 PS forms.

This is Renaults big launch after 3 Years gap. It aims to recreate Duster's success in MPV

segment by challenging well-established Toyota Innova.

You'll appreciate Lodgy's subtle design, versatility and performance but at the same time

letdown by stiff low speed ride and rather bland interiors.

So, is this a lodgy-cal choice for innova-tional Indian customers? Let's find out.

Renault Lodgy: Overview and Design

Presently, if there's a segment that makes for a no less than lucrative deal for volume players in the

Indian automotive industry apart from sub-four meter and small cars, it's indubitably MPVs. Credit the

substantial number of joint families and a surge in road trippin culture, budget MPVs come about as

just an ideal investment. Now, Renault isn't a brand thats normally known to be frequently hooked into

the media limelight in India for all-new launches. However, a quick recap of the history tells us that

when it does, it takes the segment by storm. Just as it did in July 2012 with debut of the Duster which

carved a segment of its own. Since then, there has been no major activity (save for mild updates and

facelifts) from its stable. This time around, folks at Renault have to say "nous sommes de retour avec un

bang!".

Say bonjour to Renault Lodgy. A full-sized, practical MPV thats headed straight to lock horns with the

decade old and hitherto the undisputable segment champion, Toyota Innova. The Lodgy went on sale

back in 2012 in the European continent after making its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show. Its

originally retailed through Dacia brand name, subsidiary of Renault, known for making affordable cars.

To put it better, Dacia is to Renault what Datsun is to Nissan. Since Lodgy is manufactured on the same

platform on which the Duster is based, it only made the idea of introducing this car here more feasible.

On the other hand, its worth noting that some redesigning bits have been carried out by Renault Global

Design Center in Mumbai to suit our local market taste.

First things first. Let these pictures not deceive you. Going by the Indian standards, Renault Lodgy is

certainly not one of those compact MUVs. Its a fairly large and mature people-mover with size easily

comparable with that of an Innova. The only instant turn off for potential buyers could be the van-like

boxy dimensions, unlike the Innovas sleek and car-like shape. Believe it or not, this factor alone,

whether consciously or unconsciously, affects numerous buyers. Nobody likes to be seen driving around

in a mini-bus after all. Though if you can bear the looks, the good part is that this design ends up making

the Lodgy one of the most practical vehicles in its segment as far as interior space utilization is

concerned. And thats what MPVs are for anyways.

You read it right. Lodgys third row is indeed much more usable than most of its existing competitors.

But well get more into that later. This Renault boasts of a considerably longer wheelbase among rivals.

i.e. 2810 mm. Thats larger than the Toyota Innova (2750 mm), Mahindra Xylo (2760), Nissan Evalia

(2725 mm) but 40 mm shorter than Tata Aria. With a height and length of 1697 mm and 4498 mm

respectively, it falls somewhere on the average mark for typical MPVs. Like most European cars, Renault

designers have gladly kept unnecessary elements out of the frame. Thats why despite of having a

blatantly rectangular structure, Lodgy still appeals to the eyes of onlookers because of an overall

understated and pleasant character. Indian version features an attractively redesigned radiator grille

with neat chrome streaks while the innocent headlamps incorporate a slot right above indicators what

Renault allegedly calls daytime running lamps.

These so-called DRLs are no fancy LEDs but merely regular bulbs. Furnished at the bottom half of front

bumper are round foglamps with chrome surrounds, situated very close to the lower radiator grille.

Additionally, use of a thick black stripe at the extreme lower ends of both, front as well as rear bumpers

aids the Lodgy to visually shed some of its mass. Side profile is pretty unfussy with split front and rear

shoulder lines that curve down on the fenders. Third quarter portion appears bulky but by no means as

odd as of the milk van like Mahindra Xylo or Nissan Evalia (pun-intended). Renault has smartly

minimized this aspect through use of a slanting roofline which not only helps look-wise but from an

aerodynamic perspective too. Nicely integrated black roof rails further add to the appeal. Theres

virtually no use of chrome on this angle of car except for that on fat door rub-guards. Now look closely

and youll find some of the bits borrowed from Duster.

Renault Lodgy: Interiors, Features and Comfort

First Row

Those who often travel in a Duster will find themselves at home on the inside of Lodgy. Renault has not

only used the same average quality plastic material but the design is also unmistakably identical.

Thankfully, instead of blending the light beige with jet black, company has used Gris Fume shade that

makes the already spacious interiors look even more inviting and roomier. Fortunately, it also means

that dashboard reflection on the large windscreen is extremely negligible under sunlight conditions.

Dashboard fascia is not particularly futuristic (at least not anywhere close to the sophisticated one on

Innova) but that said; its still quite functional. On top, theres a large pentagonal shaped storage

compartment with recess deep enough to accommodate your fat wallet and then some. Passenger side

receives a horizontal nook to carry small tid-bits on the go while right beneath is a very low positioned

glove box which hinders with legs if open.

The glove compartment in itself is small and adding to woes, panel protruding inside it on left affects

usability. Unlike Duster, the glovebox is neither illuminated nor does it house a slot for ownership

manual. Nevertheless, all in all, passengers will not complaint about the lack of cubbyholes inside this

MPV. There are bottle or magazine holders on all four doors apart from dual cupholders for each row.

Center console is the only part which is finished in Piano Black. It features circular air-con vents that do a

pretty phenomenal job of cooling the cabin instantly and the air-conditioner rotary knobs are, again,

borrowed from Duster. Automatic climate control is not an option even on the top-end RXZ variant.

Look below air-con controls and youll find two buttons. On LHS: Dummy button (for rear defogger on

Euro-spec but on Indian version, defogger button is nearby AC button). On RHS is multi-purpose button

thats used for switching between cruise control and speed limiter.

The three-dial instrument cluster is simple yet stylish and above all, easily legible. It beautifully lights up

in white with yellow needles. Multi-information display screen gives out a wide range of details

including outside temperature, distance to empty, tripmeter, average fuel efficiency, instant mileage,

average speed and the list goes on. Interestingly, MID is operated through a button situated on the tip

of windscreen wiper stalk. It seems that manufacturers are gradually doing away with the idea of

traditional pin as we also recently observed in Hyundai 4S Verna. Tilt adjustable steering wheel is

equipped with buttons to set cruise control as well as speed limiter while the set of audio and Bluetooth

controls are "behind" the steering wheel so to speak, like an aftermarket fitment.

The head unit supplied with Renault Lodgy, namely, MediaNav is same as on Renault Duster. This 7 inch

interactive touch screen device is USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth compatible. In addition to generic FM / AM

radio, custom audio tracks and ability to attend phone calls, it functions as a rear parking camera display

with active guidelines the moment reverse gear is engaged. Furthermore, simply tap on the navigation

icon on main menu to activate global positioning system with option of 2D / Birds eye view, alternative

routes, points of interest etc. Though based on our personal experience with it during media drive, Id

advise against relying on it solely. As in case of any GPS, use of own common sense is a must. By default,

MediaNav speaks distance in yards instead of meters. At one point, it failed to recognize a very

prominent POI in Whitefield, Bangalore. Thus, we ended up trusting good ol Google Maps. BTW Renault

will provide free map updates for 3 Years to customers.

You sit high on the Renault Lodgy. Therefore, view of the road ahead is clear like in any other utility

vehicle. The 8-seat version receives fabric upholstery while the 7-seat avatar feels premium with art-

leather, semi perforated seat covers. They are very similar to Autoform seat covers in terms of both,

design as well as quality. My first reaction upon sitting on the front seat was, wellflat. Yup. Although

theyre reasonably wide and offer an adequate under thigh support too but somehow felt stiff. Thats

when I truly missed Chevrolet Enjoys incredible sofa-like seats. Renault Lodgys drivers seat can be

adjusted for height as well as for lumbar support that works like a charm. Theres also a handy armchair-

like, foldable armrest which proves to be a boon in city and highway drives alike.

Renault Lodgy: Likes, Dislikes and Star Ratings

You'll Love:

Practical and much affordable alternative to the Innova.

Extremely spacious on all three rows. Seats are wide too.

Amazingly versatile. Rear seats can be configured in 56 ways!

Proven 110 PS K9K Diesel engine has plenty of juice for highways.

Segment first features like cruise control and speed limiter are appreciated.

You'll Loathe:

Lacks the snob value of a Toyota or Honda badge.

Sales and aftersales network is smaller than of competition.

Average interiors plastic quality and dashboard design is fairly basic.

Low H-Point on last row bench could be bothersome on long distance journeys.

Only the 7-seat version features all frills like leather upholstery, backseat trays etc.

Renault Lodgy Star Ratings:

Design and Quality................:

Comfort and Features............:

Engine and Performance.........:

Handling and Ride Quality.......:

Safety and Security Levels.....:

Overall Fuel Consumption.......:

Sales and Service Network.....:

Value For Money Factor.........:

The Automotive India's Verdict:

Here's how to interpret above ratings: The Automotive India Reviews Star Ratings Explained.

Renault Lodgy: Price and Miscellaneous Points

Renault Lodgy Price (Ex.showroom, Delhi):

85 PS:

Base: Rs.8,19,000

RxE: Rs.8,99,000

RxL: Rs.9,59,000

RxZ: Rs.10,80,000

110 PS:

RxL: Rs.10,09,000

RxZ (8 Seater): Rs.11,49,000

RxZ (7 Seater): Rs.11,79,000

Note: Prices in INR lakhs. Only manual transmission, diesel variants compared.

Miscellaneous Points:

Renault India commenced operations in 2005 in collaboration with Mahindra.

It's first independent launch took place in 2011 with debut of Fluence.

The tagline of Renault Lodgy for India is Take your world with you.

The first ever MPV by Renault, named Espace, was introduced in 1984.

Globally, Lodgy is the first Dacia model to be equipped with a speed limiter.

Apart from Oragadam (near Chennai), Lodgy is also assembled in Tangier, Morocco and sold

under the Dacia brand name.

The company claims it has maintained high level of localization in India to keep the price of car

and its spare parts in check.

Renault Lodgy was first officially unveiled in India at the Start Guild Awards in Jan 2015. Hritik

Roshan being its first customer.

Out of Renault's 5 satellite global design studios, one of them is based in India in Mumbai where

some bits of Lodgy are redesigned.

According to news reports, its said that the roof-mounted air-conditioner has been specially

developed for the Indian spec model.

Renault India will offer 47 categories of accessories with 4 accessory packs including chrome

pack, essential pack, sport pack and techno pack.

The MPV has received only three stars in Euro NCAP's crash test rating (6 airbag version), which

is considered to be the lowest result for a car in 2012.

In the test, the rear passenger floor panel and tunnel were completely separated and the

transmission tunnel was deformed between the front seats.

Service and Warranty:

Renault Lodgy comes with a warranty of 2 Years / 50,000 Kms (whichever comes earlier) from

the date of invoice.

Itll be available with 2 Years roadside assistance and extended warranty options of 3 Years /

60,000 Kms and 4 Years / 80,000 Kms.

In an effort to make the ownership affordable, Renault will offer 1 Year / 10,000 Kms

maintenance policy at competitive costs (including on parts and labor).

For more details - http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/official-road-tests/21313-renault-lodgy-

review-pictures-lodgycal-innovation.html