Launch to take place around April.
On the Mumbai-Pune expressway, a partially covered pre-production prototype of the upcoming Renault Lodgy was spotted testing. Given its enriched exterior, the test car in question is the Lodgy Stepway variant, first revealed at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.
Renault India had recently provided a glimpse of the Stepway variant, when it was showcased at the Renault Star Guild Awards Show. Compared to the standard model earlier revealed, it features extra body cladding on the side profile, front and rear silver skid plates, more chrome detailing on the 3 bar front grille, a redesigned front fascia and rear parking sensors.
Like the Duster SUV that is based on, the rear chrome bar has the model name "Lodgy" etched into it.
Under the hood, the Lodgy will be powered by the 1.5-liter four-cylinder K9K diesel engine that could produce 108 bhp and 240 Nm of torque. The capable diesel unit, that serves across the board on Renault-Nissan models, could be paired to a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed manual depending on its power state. The petrol variants, not expected to make up a big chunk of sales, could use the Duster's 1.6-liter unit.
Also Read: Renault ‘Kadjar’ crossover to be unveiled in Europe on February 2
Renault will make the Lodgy at the joint venture plant in Oragadam, Chennai. Price is expected to start at around INR 7 Lakhs and go all the way to INR 10 Lakhs for the Stepway variant.
Competitors: Mahindra Xylo, Chevrolet Enjoy, Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio.
Expected Price: INR 7-10 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.
Launch date: By March 2015.
Dacia Lodgy Stepway (European Spec) - Image Gallery
[Source: Carwale]
