Renault Lodgy MPV spied inside out in Chennai

Renault's portfolio in India might consist of 5 models ranging from the Pulse hatchback to the Koleos SUV, but it is the Dacia-based Duster that's keeping the French manufacturer afloat in India. For various reasons, the other Renault models have not struck the right chord amongst the Indian car-buying public. But, another Dacia-based model, the Lodgy MPV, might come to the rescue of Renault again. Spied inside out a few hours back while on its pre-launch testing phase, the Lodgy seems to have the potential to take Renault to the next league.

What strikes us first when we get close to the Lodgy is its proportions. This is a proper Multi Purpose Vehicle with three rows of seating and, understandably, boasts an extremely long wheelbase that can be seen in these spy-shots. Beneath the attractive layer of camouflage, it is clear that the Lodgy retains most of the design and styling elements of it's Dacia counterpart. The sweptback headlights, the circular fog lamps, the slab-sided profile with minimal lines and curves, the beefy C-pillar and the sleek taillights with the characteristic bulge in the center are all clearly seen. Like they did with the Duster, Renault might spruce up some bits of the exteriors like the radiator grille and rear license plate garnish with chrome to suit Indian tastes and preferences.

The spy-shots also gives us a glimpse of the Lodgy's interiors. Beneath the partial camouflage inside, the chrome-ringed instrument cluster with three circular dials, the three-spoke steering wheel with integrated buttons, the circular air-conditioner vents and the two-tone dashboard in black and beige are clearly seen. The images also give us a good perspective to assess the space on offer in the front and the middle rows. On first sight, the Lodgy appears to be more spacious than its potential rivals in India that include Toyota Innova, Honda Mobilio, Maruti-Suzuki Ertiga and Mahindra Xylo. Closer inspection also reveals a center armrest in the middle row with inbuilt cup holders and adjustable head restraints in the front and middle rows. We aren't sure about them on the third row though.

If you wish to see this MPV uncovered and can't wait until Renault launches it in India sometime next year, take a look at this collage of Dacia Lodgy from the brand's European website. The Renault-badged Indian version wouldn't look much different.

Though Renault hasn't disclosed anything yet, we expect the Lodgy to carryover power-train options from the Duster. That would mean the 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine in two states of tune, one with 85 PS and another with 110 PS, is likely to be the mainstay of this MPV. With the market for petrol MPVs almost non-existent, we aren't sure of the prospects of a petrol-engined Lodgy in India. Based on the same platform as the accomplished Logan and Duster, the Lodgy will have robust mechanicals that can withstand all the abuse that the Indian roads can throw at it.  

So, will the Lodgy finally bolster Renault from its current position of being a one-hit wonder? If that's the question that you are asking us, we would nod our heads on the positive side. Its conservative styling aside, the Lodgy appears to be a well-rounded package offering oodles of space and practicality, which should work in India.