Following the launch of the facelifted Renault Duster with the new six-speed Easy-R AMT gearbox, Renault is readying a new variant of the Lodgy equipped with the same gearbox for launch soon.
On the Duster, the new six-speed AMT unit is paired to the more powerful 110PS 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine so it is safe to assume that the gearbox will be paired to the more powerful diesel in the Lodgy as well. With the Duster and Lodgy sharing the same underpinnings and mechanicals, the gearbox should be easy to recalibrate for use in the MPV.
As per reports, the Lodgy is expected to offer the AMT gearbox on its mid and top RXL and RXZ trims and only with the option of a seven-seater model, with the second row featuring captain seats.
With the launch of the AMT-equipped Lodgy, Renault is looking to improve the desirability of its MPV in a segment that has chief rivals like the Maruti Ertiga already offering an automatic variant and the new Toyota Innova Crysta that's set to get a six-speed automatic unit when launched this year. The Lodgy hasn’t been able to get a significant foothold, with the MPV being out-sold by the current Innova and the Maruti Ertiga.
Renault is also preparing the Kwid AMT for a launch in the latter half of the year. The AMT-equipped Kwid is expected to feature a 1.0-litre petrol engine. Renault unveiled this AMT-equipped Kwid alongside a manual variant at Auto Expo 2016. When launched, both models will be sold alongside the smaller 800cc variant.