రెనాల్ట్ లాడ్జీ 85PS ఎస్టిడి

As expected, Renault has introduced its long awaited MPV model Lodgy in the Indian automobile market. This vehicle is introduced in a total of seven variants among which, Renault Lodgy 85PS Std is the base variant. This variant is powered by the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, which is mated to a five speed manual gearbox. Many expected that the vehicle is going to be launched in RxZ trim only, but going against all other rumors, the manufacturer has rolled out this MPV in several trim levels. This base trim has got only a few set of styling exterior features including body colored bumpers, hub caps and chrome garnish on the tailgate. At the same time, this vehicle also gets roof rails, which further renders a sporty appeal to its exteriors. Coming to the interiors, this vehicle gets dual tone interior color scheme along with chrome accents on its AC control knobs. In terms of features, this vehicle this vehicle gets essential aspects like a manually operated AC unit, electro hydraulic power assisted steering and a digital clock. Going against all the expectations, this trim is also blessed with ABS and EBD along with brake assist system as standard feature, which explains about its safety levels. This vehicle will now spur up the competition in the lucrative MPV segment, where the likes of Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and Toyota Innova are leading the sales chart.

Exteriors:

The external appearance of this Reanult Lodgy 85PS Std trim looks pretty standard, since it has not got much of chrome accents. Its front facade has a bold radiator grille, but it is done up in black color scheme. However, it is fitted with a chrome plated company's insignia, which gives an attractive look to the frontage. This is surrounded by distinctly crafted headlight cluster that is powered by halogen headlamps along with turn indicators. The most attractive aspect of its frontage is its bumper that has a dual tone finish and is housed with a massive air intake section. The bonnet too has a very attractive design and its small size emphasizes its elegance. Coming to the side facet, this variant gets black colored door handles and ORVM caps, as it is the entry level trim. Unlike the other variants, its B and C pillars are done up in body color. While its neatly carved fenders have been fitted with 15-inch steel rims, which are equipped with hub caps. This vehicle has a pretty attractive rear facet featuring arrow shaped taillight cluster featuring conventional brake lights along with courtesy lamps and turn blinkers. Furthermore, it also gets chrome garnished strip and company's badge on its tailgate that further amplifies its rear facet. The manufacturer has built this vehicle with a total length of 4498mm along with a width of 1751mm and with an overall height of 1697mm. Its overall wheelbase measures at 2810mm, but the ground clearance measures at 174mm.

Interiors:

Although it is the base trim, its internal cabin looks very attractive, just like its external appearance. The reason is because of its attractive Gris Fume and Beige color scheme that is further highlighted by a few chrome accents given on the AC control knobs. This is the standard trim and it is blessed with eight seater configuration featuring bench seats in second and third row. All the seats are well cushioned and are provided with headrests. At the same time, they are covered with premium quality fabric upholstery. The steering wheel has a three spoke design and is attractively decorated with metallic accents. The dashboard has a layered design featuring a few control switches along with storage units. On the other hand, manufacturer is offering a few utility based features like cup holders, accessory power sockets, digital clock and an inside rear view mirror. This vehicle has a boot volume of just 207 litres, but it can be extended to as much as 1861 litres by folding the second and third row seats.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this Renault Lodgy 85PS Std version is the 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, which is also powering several Renault models. This is a four cylinder mill that is incorporated with common rail fuel injection system. It is also integrated with a fixed geometry turbocharger that allows it to deliver a maximum power of 83.5bhp at 3750rpm along with a maximum torque of 200Nm at 1900rpm. The manufacturer has mated this power plant to an advanced five speed manual gearbox that delivers torque output to the front wheels. It is claimed that the vehicle can deliver a maximum mileage of 21 Kmpl, which is rather decent for an MPV.

Braking and Handling:

To the surprise of everyone, this base variant get anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function as standard feature. These functions help the ventilated disc and drum braking mechanism and help it to offer unmatched performance, irrespective of weather condition. In terms of suspension, its front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut and the rear one is blessed with torsion beam type of suspension. Furthermore, both the axles are also blessed with anti roll bars that further helps to keep the vehicle stable. In addition to these, this vehicle also get electro hydraulic power assisted steering system, which is good in providing precise response and makes handling simpler.

Comfort Features:

This Renault Lodgy 85PS Std is the base variant and it is bestowed with a few standard comfort aspects. Its dashboard is housed with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit along with cabin filter that keeps the entire ambiance pleasant. The list of other features include power assisted steering system with tilt adjustment, headlight on reminder, digital clock and an accessory power socket. Beside these, it has split folding second and third row seats along with removable third row bench seat that further adds to the comfort.

Safety Features:

This base variant, unlike any other MPV model is blessed with an anti lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution, which is further accompanied by brake assist function. At the same time, it also has a few standard protective aspects including an engine immobilizer, door ajar warning light, rear child safety lock, halogen headlamps and dual horn.

Pros:

1. Inclusion of ABS with EBD is its advantage.

2. Interior design and color scheme is rather attractive.

Cons:

1. Price range can be a little more competitive.

2. Fuel economy is not as good as other MPVs.