Renault is stepping on the gas pedal and in short span of two years the company has already launched five products in the Indian market as promised. Renault’s sister company, Nissan has just launched the Evalia MPV taking on the likes of the Toyota Innova, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Mahindra Xylo.
Renault too plans to launch a product in the same segment and is considering the Dacia Lodgy for India. The Renault Duster has been a hit since its launch and has 15,000 plus bookings in its kitty. The Lodgy which is also based on the same Logan platform also shares a lot of components with the Duster SUV.
The segment has seen shift with rising numbers and this certainly makes a lot of business sense for the French car maker. The Lodgy will be relatively easy to manufacture considering it is based on the Logan platform sharing a lot of mechanicals. The Lodgy will most probably get the same engines options which power the Duster.
A entry level 1.6 petrol producing 104PS of power at 5,850rpm and 145Nm of torque at 3,750rpm. Its unclear if the company may consider launching the Lodgy MPV with a 1,461cc Diesel engine in two states of tune like the Duster. But the engine with 110PS of power at 3,900 rpm and 248Nm of torque at 2,250rpm will certainly make it. The diesel engine with 85PS at 3,750 rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1,900rpm could be targeted to mileage concisions and fleet operator segment.
The Lodgy could see a 2014 launch in the Indian market and be get the new Renault styling with a large diamond logo at the centre a chrome finish radiator grille. Interiors will be customised to suite the Indian taste with a good level of equipment. We can expect the MPV to be priced between Rs. 7- 10 lakhs.
Read more on Nissan Evalia MPV here
