Renault Lodgy Stepway 85PS RXZ 8S

For competing against the likes of Maruti Ertiga, Toyota Innova and Honda Mobilio, the Renault Motors has launched its first ever multi purpose vehicle, Lodgy in the country's car market. It is based on the same platform on which Duster is built, hence, the driving dynamics are incredible and Renault also offers host of features with the Lodgy to keep it up to date with the market. It is being sold in seven variants with both seven and eight seater variants. The exteriors of this MPV are quite attractive with body colored bumper, chrome accentuated radiator grille, a large windscreen with a set of intermittent wipers, body colored outside rear view mirrors and so on. The braking and suspension mechanism of this variant are quite efficient and keeps it well balanced at all times. The presence of anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist enhances this mechanism. The company has designed it with a large wheelbase and decent ground clearance, which makes it capable for dealing with any terrains. Its Renault Lodgy 85PS RxZ variant is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is coupled with a five speed manual transmission gear box. On the other hand, it 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.

Exteriors:

The company has given this MPV a rugged body structure with a lot of striking features, which gives it a captivating look on roads. To begin with the front profile, it has a large radiator grille, which is fitted with a few chrome slats and embossed with a prominent company insignia in the in the center. This grille is flanked by a well lit headlight cluster, which is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The slanted bonnet has a couple of character lines, which gives the frontage a distinct look. The body colored bumper is accompanied by a black cladding that prevents the vehicle from minor damages. It houses a large air intake section for cooling the engine and flanked by a couple of fog lamps. Its large windscreen is made up of green tinted glass and integrated with a set of wipers. Coming to its side profile, it is designed with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors. These wing mirrors are electrically adjustable. The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 185/65 R15. Its black finished B-pillar, window sill and moldings enhances the look of its side profile. Its rear end has a large tail gate, which is fitted with a chrome strip and variant badging. The tail light cluster is powered by halogen based reverse and brake lights along with turn indicator. The body colored bumper has a couple of reflectors as well.

Interiors:

The spacious internal cabin of this Renault Lodgy 85PS RxZ variant can accommodates eight passengers with ease and provides ample leg space along with head room. The driver seat comes with height adjustable function along with lumbar support that adds to the convenience level. Its second and third rows seat are foldable, which creates enough space in the boot compartment. All these seats are covered with premium fabric upholstery. The seats are integrated with adjustable head restraints. It has a tilt adjustable power steering wheel, which makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. The company has given it a smooth dashboard, which is equipped with various features like a three spoke steering wheel, a large glove box, an advanced instrument panel with lots of functions, AC vents and so on. The cabin is incorporated with a number of utility based aspects, which includes cup and bottle holders, rear parcel shelf, boot compartment light, door map pockets, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirrors, flight tray, driver seat armrest and many other such aspects.

Engine and Performance:

This trim is equipped with a 1.5-litre diesel engine under the bonnet, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. It is integrated with four cylinder and sixteen valves using double overhead cam shaft based valve configuration. 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. This engine is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheel drive. 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.

Braking and Handling:

The car maker has blessed this multi purpose vehicle with a proficient braking system along with a reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable on any road conditions. The front axle has been fitted with an independent McPherson strut system, while the rear one is assembled with trailing arm. Both the front and rear axle are further assisted by coil springs along with anti roll bars, which enhances the driving comfort. On the other hand, it is bestowed with a hydraulically operated diagonal split dual circuit braking system. The company has used a set of ventilated discs brakes for its front wheels, while rear ones have been fitted with a set of drum brakes. For enhancing the braking mechanism, it is equipped with anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function. At the same time, it is equipped with an electro hydraulic power assisted steering system, which comes with tilt and telescopic adjustment function. This steering wheel is quite responsive and makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. It supports a minimum turning radius of 5.5 meters, which is quite good for this segment.

Comfort Features:

This variant is incorporated with a number of sophisticated features, which gives the occupants a pleasurable driving experience. It has an efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) unit with roof mounted AC vents that cools the cabin in no time. Its Arkamys music system is equipped with CD/MP3 player, radio with AM/FM tuner, USB interface, Aux-in port and six speakers that enhances the ambiance of its cabin. It also has a roof mounted antenna for better reception of FM radio. The company has blessed this variant with an advanced MediaNAV system that features multimedia, navigation and Bluetooth. Its multi functional steering wheel is mounted with audio and call control buttons. For maintaining a steady speed on the highways as set by the driver, it is equipped with cruise control function. The illuminated instrument cluster is integrated with a digital tachometer, low fuel warning light, door ajar warning, an electronic tripmeter, average fuel consumption and several other functions for keeping the driver updated. In addition to these, it is equipped with height adjustable driver seat, foldable rear seat backrest, theater dimming interior lamps, sun visors with passenger side vanity mirror, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and many other such features.

Safety Features:

This Renault Lodgy 85PS RxZ is incorporated with several advanced safety features that ensures protection to the vehicle and to the occupants as well. It is equipped with features like anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function, an engine immobilizer for preventing the vehicle from theft, central locking system, engine protective under guard and door open warning lamp. In addition to these, it is also blessed with rear defogger, front fog lamps, driver seat belt warning lamp and rear wiper with washer. On the other hand, the company has also given it some advanced features like dual airbags for driver and front co-passenger, rear parking sensors along with rear view camera and so on. It also has seat belts for all occupants along with driver seat belt reminder notification on instrument panel.

Pros:

1. Performance of diesel engine is quite good.

2. Lavish internal cabin with ample leg space and head room.

Cons:

1. Lower ground clearance makes it difficult on bumpy roads.

2. Many more features can be added.