Renault India ventures into MPV segment, launches Lodgy at Rs 8.19 lakh

Renault India launched the much-anticipated Lodgy MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) on Thursday in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs. 8.19 Lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

This launch marks Renault's foray into the rapidly growing MPV segment, which has been dominated by the likes of Toyota (Innova), Mahindra (Xylo) and lately Maruti (Ertiga). Though the MPV is sold as the Dacia Lodgy in international markets,  the Renualt Lodgy in India will come in seven variants with an introductory price range of Rs 8.19 - 11.79 Lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

The Lodgy offers three rows of seating that claims to comfortably seat eight people, owing to its large 2810mm wheelbase.

It comes in 2 engine variants, the first being a diesel variant with a 6-speed manual transmission, 1.5 litre dCi engine that will deliver 110PS of maximum power and peak torque of 245Nm@1750rpm, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.98 kmpl.

The alternative variant of the same 1.5 litre dCi engine produces 85PS of maximum power and 200Nm@1900rpm of peak torque with a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.04 kmpl and 5-speed manual transmission.

The car also features chrome finishing, leather wrapped steering-wheel and leather seat upholstery with ABS, EBD and brake assist.

Addressing the media, Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations called the  Renault Lodgy  a "breakthrough product that will redefine the benchmark of performance and convenience of the MPV segment. Coming with people centric features, its aggressive pricing will cater to a diverse set of customers".

Interestingly, Lodgy does not come in a petrol version.

Whether Lodgy will be able to crack open the MPV market the way the Duster did the SUV market, remains to be seen.