Renault Lodgy 85PS RxE

Lodgy 85PS RxE Review

One of the famous car makers of the country, Renault India has finally launched its much awaited multi purpose vehicle, Lodgy in the country's car market. This model series is available in quite a few trim levels, out of which, Renault Lodgy 85PS RxE is the entry level variant. This is fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, under the hood, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. This engine has the capacity of churning out a maximum power and torque output of 83.8bhp and 200Nm respectively. It is skilfully mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which helps in delivering a power packed performance along with decent mileage. It is blessed with proficient braking and reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable at all times. The company has given this vehicle a decent ground clearance, which makes it capable for dealing with uneven road. The exteriors are designed with a large radiator grille that is embossed with a prominent company logo in the center. Its bumper is accompanied by a silver cladding that helps in preventing the vehicle from minor damages. In terms of internal section, it is incorporated with a smooth dashboard, which is equipped with quite a few features like an instrument panel, a three spoke steering wheel, large glove box and many other such aspects. Apart from these, it is bestowed with a number of protective aspects. Some of them includes an advanced engine immobilizer for preventing the vehicle theft, ABS along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, rear doors with child locking system and so on. It is going to compete against the likes of Toyota Innova, Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and others in this segment. On the other hand, this MPV is being offered with a standard warranty of two years or 50000 Kilometers, whichever comes first. At the same time, there is also two years for free roadside assistance, which is a big plus point for the buyers.

Exteriors:

The company has given designed this MPV with an attractive body structure, which is fitted with a number of styling aspects. To begin with the front fascia, it is designed with a large radiator grille, which has a lot of chrome treatment. It is embedded with a prominent company insignia in the center, which gives the frontage a distinct look. Its bonnet has a couple of visible character lines. Its radiator grille is flanked by a well crafted headlight cluster that is incorporated with bright halogen lamps and side turn indicator. Just below this, it has a body colored bumper, which is accompanied by a skid plate, which helps in preventing the vehicle from minor damages. It houses a large air intake section for cooling the engine and is flanked by a couple of fog lamps that adds to the visibility. Its windscreen is made of toughened laminated glass and is integrated by a set of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, it is elegantly designed with body colored door handles and side moldings. Its external wing mirrors are electrically adjustable. The flared up wheel arches are equipped with a set of 15-inch alloy wheels that gives the side profile a sporty look. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 185/65 R15. On the other hand, its rear end has a large boot lid, which is embedded with variant badging and a thick chrome strip. Its body colored bumper is fitted with a cladding and a pair of reflectors.

Interiors:

This Renault Lodgy 85PS RxE variant gets a roomy internal cabin, which is incorporated with various features for giving the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. The car maker has given this variant ergonomically designed seats, which are integrated with head restraints. The second and third row seats comes with foldable facility, which helps in increasing the boot volume. There is a center armrest in second row, which also has cup holders. Its smooth dashboard features AC vents, a large glove box, a three spoke steering wheel and a 3-dial techno sporty instrument cluster. Its body colored inside door handles, chrome finished gear shift knob and fabric inserted door trims gives the cabin a classy look. Its instrument panel has various meters and dials for keeping the driver updated. It has a couple 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. In addition to these, the company has also given it all four power windows with driver side auto down function, cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, luggage compartment hook, grab handles with coat hook, rear parcel shelf and many other such features that adds to the convenience.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this variant is equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine that has a displacement capacity of 1461cc. It carries four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead cam shaft based valve configuration. This power plant is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It helps in delivering a decent acceleration and pick up. This diesel motor has the capacity of churning out a maximum power of 83.8bhp at 3750rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 200Nm at just 1900rpm, which is rather good for Indian road and traffic conditions. With the help of a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, this motor has the ability of delivering 21.04 Kmpl on the highways. At the same time, it can generate about 14.5 Kmpl within the city limits because of traffic conditions.

Comfort Features:

Being the entry level variant, it is equipped with all essential features, which gives the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. It is incorporated with a manual HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) unit. It also has roof mounted AC vents for second and third rows that cools the entire cabin in no time. The responsive power steering system makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. Apart from these it also has key less entry system, headlight on reminder notification on instrument panel, a digital clock, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and so on.

Safety Features:

This Renault Lodgy 85PS RxE variant is equipped with a number of crucial protective aspects, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. It has a rigid body structure with crumple zones and impact beams that protects the occupants inside the cabin in case of any accidents. The company has given seat belts for all passengers along with driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel. In addition to these, it is equipped with a high mounted stop lamp, a central locking system, centrally located fuel tank, anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, door ajar warning on the instrument panel, rear doors with child locking system and lots of other aspects. It also has an advanced engine immobilizer, which safeguards the vehicle from theft or any unauthorized entry. The auto maker has also given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment with all other tools required for changing a flat tyre.

Pros:

1. Fuel economy is up to the mark.
2. Spacious internal cabin with good seating arrangement.

Cons:

1. Slightly difficult to maneuver on city roads because of its size.
2. Lack of music system is a big minus point.