Renault Lodgy Stepway Edition 7 Seater

Renault India has silently launched the Stepway Edition of its MPV, Lodgy in the market with a few additional features. This is available on the top end variant in both seven and eight seating options for the buyers to choose from. Its Renault Lodgy Stepway Edition 7 Seater variant is fitted with several additional features like all round body cladding, dual tone bumpers with faux silver finished skid plates, jewel studded radiator grille, satin chrome finished roof rails and gun metal finished alloy wheels. In terms of technicalities, this variant remained unaltered and fitted with the same 1.5-litre, dCi diesel power plant. It is cleverly mated with a six speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. The braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient and helps in keeping the vehicle well balanced and stable. It is equipped with anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution, which augments the braking mechanism. The company has designed this vehicle with a large wheelbase and decent ground clearance, which makes it capable for dealing with any terrains. Its interiors are quite roomy and incorporated with ergonomically designed seats, which are well cushioned.

Exteriors:

This newly launched variant gets body cladding all over that gives it a sporty look. The dual tone bumper houses a large air dam for cooling the powerful engine. It is flanked by a couple of bright fog lamps. In the center, it has a jewel studded radiator grille, which is embossed with a prominent company insignia in the center. This grille is flanked by a well designed head light cluster that is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. Apart from these, it also has a sleek bonnet and a large windscreen with a couple of intermittent wipers. Coming to its sides, it is designed with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which are electrically adjustable. The well molded wheel arches are fitted with a set of 15-inch gun metal alloy wheels that give the side profile a decent look. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres. It also has a pair of stylish roof rails, which are painted in silver satin. On the other hand, the rear end comes with a radiant tail light cluster that features halogen based reverse and brake lights along with side turn indicator. The chrome strip on curvy boot lid gives it a beautiful look. The robust dual tone bumper comes with a couple of reflectors and its windscreen has a defogger as well.

Interiors:

The internal section is quite roomy and can accommodate seven passengers with ease. It provides enough leg space and head room and the seats are covered with premium fabric upholstery with leather inserts. Its driver seat comes with height adjustable facility and lumbar support that adds to the convenience. The company has given an option to fold its second and third row seat, which helps in increasing the boot volume. The smooth dashboard is equipped with quite a few features that include a large glove box, AC vents, an advanced instrument panel and a three spoke steering wheel with various control switches. Its instrument panel houses a low fuel warning light, digital tachometer, an electronic tripmeter, door ajar warning and a few other notifications for keeping the driver updated. The company has also given a 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. In addition to these, it has a number of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, map pockets in all doors, flight tray, rear parcel shelf, boot compartment light for easy access, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and so on.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel engine under the bonnet, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using a double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This power plant is mated with a six speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels and enhances its performance. This diesel engine can churn out a peak power output of 108.4bhp at 4000rpm in combination with a commanding torque of 245Nm at just 1750rpm. The company has incorporated this engine with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the vehicle to generate a maximum mileage of 19.98 Kmpl on the bigger roads.

Braking and Handling:

This vehicle is blessed with a hydraulically operated diagonal split dual circuit braking system. Its front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated discs and drum brakes respectively. This braking mechanism is further augmented by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function. On the other hand, its front axle is fitted with an independent McPherson strut system, while the rear one is assembled with trailing arm. Both these axles are loaded with coil springs and anti roll bars, which enhances the driving comfort. At the same time, the cabin is incorporated with an electro hydraulic power assisted steering system, which comes with tilt and telescopic adjustment function. It is quite responsive makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions.

Comfort Features:

It is equipped with a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) unit, which also has cabin filter for purifying the air and roof mounted AC vents. The cabin is equipped with an advanced touchscreen infotainment system with MediaNav. It also supports USB interface, Aux-in port and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing the mobile phones. In addition to these, it has Arkamys tuned music system, which adds to the advantage. It is also blessed with parking sensors along with rear view camera for easy parking. The cruise control function maintains a steady speed on the highways as set by the driver.

Safety Features:

The list of protective aspects include seat belts for all passengers along with height adjuster, dual front airbags that reduces the impact of collision in case of any accidents, an engine immobilizer, front fog lamps, rear wiper and washer with timer, speed sensitive auto door locks, door open warning lamp, a central locking system along and centrally a located high mounted stop lamp.

Pros:

1. Added exterior features makes it look more attractive.
2. Presence of MediaNav system is a big plus point.

Cons:

1. Diesel engine noise, vibration and harshness can be reduced.
2. A few more comfort and safety features can be added.