Renault India has launched the Lodgy Stepway variant for the Indian market at an introductory price of Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi) and in two variants. The Lodgy RxZ 110Ps eight-seater variant is priced at Rs 11.99 lakh and the Lodgy RxZ 110Ps seven-seater costs Rs 12.29 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).
The Lodgy Stepway is a beefed up version of the Lodgy MPV and gets some cosmetic changes and additional features. It sports a side body cladding and gets a special 'Stepway' badging on the doors, skid protectors and roof rails. The pattern for the wheels has changed to anthracite alloys. Below the chrome slat, we can now see a 'jewel-studded' grille and a sporty two-tone bumper.
There are a few changes in the cabin of the Stepway variant. The interior comes equipped with premium leather seats and also sports chrome door sill plates. The carmaker has thrown in a touch-screen infotainment system. This one is similar to the one in the Duster already on sale in India.
The new Stepway variant is powered by the same diesel engine that is seen under the hood of the standard Lodgy MPV. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder K9K dCi (common rail direct injection) diesel engine produces 110bhp of power and 245Nm of torque. This mill comes mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The company claims a fuel economy of 19.98 kmpl boosted by their Ergo-Drive technology.
Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations, said, 'Renault's core strength the world over is concept innovation, where we look at a segment and see how we can redefine it – either in practicality or in design and style. The Renault Lodgy was a breakthrough product which redefined the performance and convenience in the MPV segment. With the launch of the Lodgy Premium Stepway Edition today, we continue this process of innovation with the intent of adding value to our customers. The Lodgy Premium Stepway Edition has been designed with assertive and distinctive styling and is India’s first crossover MPV. Together with its innovative styling, it will deliver the proven superiority of performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, features, space and convenience; a blend which has enabled Renault to redefine the MPV segment in India.'
Renault India had at first showcased the Stepway variant at the Renault Star Guild Awards show. The same model was earlier exhibited at the Paris Motor show as well. Now it has finally been launched for the Indian market and prospective MPV buyers now have a good looking option to choose from.