Buoyed by the success of the Duster, Renault is now considering the launch of another Dacia sourced product – the Lodgy. This 7-seat, three row MPV would be a direct competitor of the Maruti Ertiga, the compact MPV which has opened up an all-new segment in the Indian market.
The Lodgy would relatively be easy to manufacture in India as it borrows a lot of its mechanicals from the Duster. It will be powered by the venerable Renault 1.5 diesel K9K that is now the staple engine for most Renault-Nissan products in India. However, keeping the practical characteristics of the Lodgy in mind, Renault is likely to offer just the 84bhp version of the K9K motor, which would be less expensive and more fuel efficient than the 110bhp option that comes in the Duster. The Duster’s 1.6 petrol engine is likely to power the entry level Lodgy.
According to sources in Renault, the Lodgy’s interiors would be heavily modified for the Indian market and a new instrument panel, interior trim and rear air-con vents are likely to be developed for the India-spec car.
Renault has made no announcements on a possible launch date but we expect the MPV to arrive in Indian showrooms by mid-2014 after a possible launch at the Auto Expo that year at a price ranging between Rs. 7 to 10 lakhs.