Renault has confirmed that it will launch the Lodgy for the Indian market in 2015 and has accordingly released the first image of the MPV. It was launched under Renault’s Romanian subsidiary Dacia in late 2012 and went on sale a few months later. This vehicle will be Renault’s foray into the premium end of the highly competitive MPV segment.
To start things off, the car has already been spotted testing in India on multiple occasions and we even know what the India spec interiors will be like. Changes to India model from its European counterpart look to be almost minimal. The fascia gets a chrome heavy Renault grille while the alloy wheels appear to be different. We also believe that there will be a chrome strip in place of the black one found on the Euro model.
The spy pictures reveal that the cabin looks very similar to the one in the Renault Duster AWD. This includes a twin-tone dashboard, three-spoke wheel with audio controls and a chrome garnished instrument console. While it has not been revealed in the pictures, we expect that at least the top-spec versions will get an infotainment system, climate control as well as AC vents and controls for the second and third row.
On the engine front, we expect that the Lodgy will be offered only with the 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine in the 108bhp state of tune. However, with petrol cars coming into demand again, we believe that the 1.6-litre engine version may also be offered at a later date. Gearbox option is expected to be limited to a six-speed manual.
We believe that it will be priced in the range of Rs 9 lakh to Rs 13 lakh and is expected to be launched by the middle of next year. When launched, it will compete with the Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo and the, Nissan Evalia. To keep the price as competitive as possible, Renault will manufacturer the car locally at the facility in Chennai.
