Exclusive: Renault to Launch Both Lodgy and Stepway together in India: Official
Renault India recently showcased its much awaited Lodgy MPV at the Star Guild Awards, where Mr. Sumit Sawhney presented the Stepway trim to Bollywood Star Hritik Roshan. Right after the event, everyone was busy guessing; whether Renault will launch the Lodgy MPV or its premium trim Stepway in India. To clear the air, here is the official word from Mr. Sumit Sawhney, MD and CEO, Renault India, “We will be launching both the Lodgy and Stepway in India and both the trims will be launched together.” Mr. Sawhney told this to us at an exclusive interview today.
Renault Lodgy is an upcoming MPV, which will be competing with the likes of Toyota Innova, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda Mobilio. With a wheelbase of 2810 mm which is more than the Toyota Innova’s 2750 mm, Ertiga’s 2740 mm and even Mobilio’s 2652 mm, Lodgy will be the most spacious 7 seater MPV in the country.
Renault Lodgy will be powered by 1.5-liter K9K turbo diesel from Duster. The diesel will be available in both 110PS and 85PS tunes, mated to 5-speed (85PS) and 6-speed (110PS) manual transmissions. Renault Lodgy 110PS version will certainly be the most powerful MPV in its space with 108 bhp of max power and 248 Nm peak of torque. There is still an uncertainty on the petrol trim as MPV segment is largely driven by diesel. However, there is a possibility that Lodgy get the same 1.6-litre petrol engine of the Duster or get the 1.2-litre TCE turbocharged petrol engine on a later stage.
Renault Lodgy Stepway
The Stepway is basically a crossover version of the Lodgy, it made its global revealing couple of days ahead of the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Moreover, getting a ‘Cross’ version of any vehicle is the new thing in the country and Lodgy Stepway will be the first of its kind cross-MPV in India when launched. The Lodgy Stepway will be available with skid-plates at the front and rear end, body cladding, rear parking sensors and chrome grille with the 'Logdy' badging. These additions provide Lodgy Stepway a sporty appeal and make it look more tempting. The Lodgy Stepway will only be available with the 1.5-litre 110PS diesel engine.