Renault India is all set to enter into the growing compact utility vehicle segment. The company will launch the Lodgy MPV in the compact MPV segment of the country. Set to rival the Honda Mobilio and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, the Renault Lodgy MPV is expected to go on sale in early 2015. This compact MPV has already put on test in India and has been caught testing a couple of times. The Renault Lodgy and Duster SUV share the platform and components, which will allow the company to achieve competitive pricing.
Unlike the global product, the Indian-specific Renault Lodgy MPV gets a chrome-rich grille flanked by large headlamps. This MPV carries a boxy shape and the taillights are positioned high. Inside the cabin, the Lodgy shares its components with Duster SUV. It is likely to get beige coloured dash, circular air-con vents and chrome inserts. This MPV is larger in size compared to its closest rival Honda Mobilio and Maruti Ertiga, which could give it a competitive edge.
The production of the Renault Lodgy MPV is expected to start at the company’s manufacturing unit in Chennai by the end of this year or early 2015. The 7-seater MPV is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 7-10 lakh. Under the hood, it would get the same 1.5-litre dCi diesel motor producing two states of tune- 85PS and 110PS, and a 1.6-litre petrol. All the engines will be paired to a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 110PS model will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
