Renault India, the well known French auto maker, seems to be preparing for the launch of Lodgy Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in the Indian auto market. The model was showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012 and since then has been in the rumour mill about its official launch in the country. Industry experts are of a view that the 2014 Indian Auto Expo will be the platform for unveiling of Renault Lodgy. It must be noted that in international auto markets, the model is marketed under the moniker of Dacia.
The Indian model of Lodgy is expected to feature a 1.5 litre turbo diesel engine, which will come mated to a five speed manual transmission system. In the global markets, this 7 seater MPV has been also offered with a 1.6 litre petrol engine option. Interestingly, the same 1.5 litre diesel engine has been packed within the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Duster. Industry experts are of a view that the incorporation of a petrol version could be a good move for Renault in long run in the Indian auto market.
Post launch, the model is expected to square off against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Chevrolet Enjoy and Mahindra Xylo, among others. It must be noted that as Lodgy has been designed on a low cost platform, it would outpace models like Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo, in terms of pricing. Sources close to the development process revealed that the model will be priced somewhere close to Rs. 6.5 lakh, which will surely help it to pull away Indian buyers.
it is believed that after the success of Renault Duster, Lodgy can be another big name for the French auto maker in the Indian car market. Also, Renault India has been trying to move away from the appreciation of only its one model in the country. Industry experts are of a view that the launch of a new model from French auto maker will further stiff competition in the already flooded utility vehicle segment.
