If a benchmark existed for an MPV
then it was the one set by the Toyota Innova for Indian markets. It’s ruled the
roost for the better part of this century and continues to be the undisputed
leader in the segment. Undoubtedly a
great product, but then where was the competition? The Xylo’s, Tavera’s, Sumos
(in all its avatars) were crude also ran’s. The Ertiga’s and the likes a size
and segment smaller and the SUV’s such as Tata Safari and the Mahindra XUV were
well SUV’s weren’t they….
That was until now. Enter the Dragon
Slayer, the buzz of the automotive world, the “Lodgy” from Renault. Let’s not pay too much attention to that
dodgy little name more apt for a run-down motel in a faraway place, and focus
on what the real thing is like.
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| Front Happy Grill |
At first glance it’s a kind of an odd ball in
looks a pleasant face with an oversized body. But then the looks really grow on
you and after hanging around near the Lodgy for a little bit, I actually found
nothing unpleasant at all. It looks best from the front with a dominant chromed
grill and swept back headlights. The side views are van-like and uninspiring
(the small 15” wheels don’t help). A bulging tail lamp at the rear finishes a
motley medley of looks that in the end all add up to a glued eye.
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| Interior View from Rear Seat |
The insides are where all the actions
is. It’s got a lot of space for sure. Simplistically seats seven/eight in three
rows. The best place to be is the front row with beautifully finished seats
which are really a nice place to be planted on for a long drive or even a dash
to your local barber. The second row is the functional row, comfortable with
hatch-back like legroom. (I wish the middle row had a slider which could have
released even more space if the third row wasn’t used)
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| Console |
The third row is, well, not as
comfortable as the Innova, and you sit with your knees high up. But good leg
room even here. You can carry some decent sized bags with all three rows in
use. With very flexible seating, a fold and tumble third row (which also can
be removed with some effort), and a tumble second row, the Lodgy can turn into
a mobile warehouse with which you can comfortably move your house and perhaps
take your neighbour’s dog along if you do choose to.
Overall, a very spacious offering.
The ergonomics are good all around and the plastics and materials used visually
appealing. Most switches and buttons are where you would expect to find them
and that’s a good thing. (That must create envy for some Duster owners)
Driving the Lodgy is also a pleasant
experience. It comes with the 1.5L K9 diesel engine with two states of tune - 85
BHP and 110 BHP. I drove the 110BHP version which comes mated to a six-speed
manual transmission. The engine is quiet and refined. There is a noticeable turbo lag at lower
speeds and therefore city driving will require frequent downshifting to second
and first gears. I wish the gear ratio was better spaced to enhance city
driveability.
Once you do get past the 1800 RPM
band, life is good. The Lodgy is an effortless mile muncher and an excellent
highway hero. The gears are precise and the clutch light. The icing on the cake
is the suspension setup which handles beautifully in most situations. In bone
rattling terrain such as Bangalore, the Lodgy did well gliding over road humps
and potholes without knocking off any dentures. The braking is also safe and
predictable.
I came away from the test drive
rather impressed. It appears to be a well-rounded package for an MPV
seeker. It runs the Innova rather close
and importantly will save you a few lakh rupees. So at long last a challenger
may have arrived which could upstart the leader one vehicle at a time.
(Sandeep
Sahadevan is an auto enthusiast and anything on wheels moves him. Write to him
for advice at editor@northbangalorepost.com or northbangalorepost@gmail.com)
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