ரெனால்ட் லாட்ஜி Stepway 110PS ஆர்எக்ஸ்இசட் 7S

Renault India, the renowned automobile manufacturer has finally launched its much awaited first ever MPV, Lodgy in the country's car market. It is available in both seven or eight seating options for the buyers to choose from. At present the company has launched its in four trim levels, which are fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel engine and comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. Just like their Duster SUV, it comes in two states of tune, which are a 110PS and 85PS. The motor of this Renault Lodgy 110PS RxZ 7 Seater has the ability of churning out a maximum power of 108.4bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 245Nm. It is cleverly mated with a six speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. The braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient and keeps it well balanced and stable. It is equipped with anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution, which augments the braking mechanism. The company has designed this multi purpose vehicle at Dacia's platform and made some significant changes, which helps it to price competitively. Its large wheelbase and decent ground clearance makes it capable for dealing with any terrains. Its interiors are quite roomy and incorporated with ergonomically designed seats, which are well cushioned. This newly launched vehicle will compete against the likes of Toyota Innova, Honda Mobilio, Maruti Ertiga and others in this segment.

Exteriors:

The company has designed this MPV with an attractive body structure, which is equipped with a number of styling aspects. Its side profile is designed with body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which are electrically adjustable. The well molded wheel arches are fitted with a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres. It also has a pair of stylish roof rails, which gives the side profile a sporty appearance. The frontage of this vehicle is neatly designed with a body colored bumper. It houses a large air intake section with a chrome strip. This air dam is flanked by a pair of round shaped fog lamps, which adds to the visibility. Its aggressive radiator grille is designed in the center and fitted with a lot of chrome slats. It is embedded with a prominent company insignia in the center. This grille is flanked by a luminous headlight cluster, which is incorporated with high intensity lamps and side turn indicator. Its windscreen is pretty large and accompanied by a set of intermittent wipers. Coming to its rear end, it is designed with radiant tail light cluster, chrome strip on boot lid, a body colored bumper with a couple of reflectors and windscreen with a defogger.

Interiors:

Its internal cabin is quite roomy and can accommodate seven passengers easily. It provides enough leg space and head room for all occupants. The seats are comfy and covered with premium fabric upholstery with leather inserts. Its driver seat comes with height adjustable facility and lumbar support that adds to the convenience. The second and third row seat comes with folding facility, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car. Its smooth dashboard is equipped with quite a few features like a large glove box, AC vents, an advanced instrument panel and a three spoke steering wheel with various control switches. Its instrument panel houses a low fuel warning light, digital tachometer, an electronic tripmeter, door ajar warning and a few other notifications for keeping the driver updated. It also has a 12V power socket in center console for charging mobiles and other electronic devices. Apart from these, the company has also given this variant a number of utility based aspects like cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, map pockets in all doors, flight tray, rear parcel shelf, boot compartment light for easy access, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and several other features.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this Renault Lodgy 110PS RxZ 7 Seater is fitted with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1461cc. It is integrated with four cylinder and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This power plant is mated with a six speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels and enhances its performance. It has the capacity of churning out a maximum power output of 108.4bhp at 4000rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 245Nm at just 1750rpm. The company has incorporated this engine with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which allows the vehicle to generate a maximum mileage of 19.98 Kmpl on the bigger roads. While its mileage goes down to 15.5 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions.

Braking and Handling:

The manufacturer has given this vehicle a proficient braking system along with reliable suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable at all times. It is blessed with a hydraulically operated diagonal split dual circuit braking system. Its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated discs brakes, while rear have been fitted with a set of drum brakes. This braking mechanism is further augmented by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist function. On the other hand, its front axle is fitted with an independent McPherson strut system, while the rear one is assembled with trailing arm. Both these axles are loaded with coil springs and anti roll bars, which enhances the driving comfort. At the same time, it is equipped with an electro hydraulic power assisted steering system, which comes with tilt and telescopic adjustment function. It is quite responsive makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.5 meters, which is quite good for this segment.

Comfort Features:

The company has blessed this variant with several sophisticated features, which gives a pleasurable driving experience. It is equipped with a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioner) unit, which also has cabin filter for purifying the air. The presence of roof mounted AC vents in second and third rows cool the cabin in no time. It has an advanced touchscreen infotainment system with MediaNav. It also supports USB interface, Aux-in port and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing the mobile phones. In addition to these, it has Arkamys tuned music system, which adds to the advantage. It is also blessed with parking sensors along with rear view camera for easy parking. The cruise control function maintains a steady speed on the highways as set by the driver. In addition to these, it also has electrically adjustable ORVMs, on-board computer, all four power windows with anti-pinch function, speed limiter and many other such aspects.

Safety Features:

For a stress free driving experience, the company has bestowed this Renault Lodgy 110PS RxZ 7 Seater with a lot of crucial protective aspects. The seat belts are given for all passengers along with height adjuster. The company has given it dual front airbags for driver and front co-passenger that reduces the impact of collision in case of any accidents. It also has an advanced engine immobilizer, which prevents the vehicle from any unauthorized entry. The rigid body structure has side impact beams and crumple zones that enhances the safety quotient in case of any accidents. Apart from these, it is equipped with a number of aspects including ABS with EBD and brake assist, front fog lamps, rear wiper and washer with timer, speed sensitive auto door locks, door open warning lamp, a central locking system along and centrally a located high mounted stop lamp.

Pros:

1. Attractive body structure with lots of styling aspects.

2. Presence of MediaNav system is a big plus point.

Cons:

1. There is still scope of improving its internal cabin.

2. A few more comfort and safety features can be added.