Renault Lodgy Stepway 110PS RXL 8S

Lodgy Stepway 110PS RXL 8S Review

Renault India is one of the renowned automobile manufacturers that has produced some stunning vehicles in the market. It has launched another model named Lodgy, which is available in a few trim levels. Among these, Renault Lodgy 110PS RxL is a mid range diesel variant. It is a multi purpose vehicle that is impressive in terms of exteriors and interiors as well. This vehicle looks quite aggressive from its frontage and includes aspects like a body colored bumper and chrome treated radiator grille. On the sides, it features black colored side molding and pronounced wheel arches, which are fitted with a set of steel wheels. Coming to its rear end, it has some notable aspects like the chrome garnished tail gate and a radiant tail light cluster that further includes turn indicators. In terms of interiors, it is blessed with a spacious cabin that is done up with a two tone color scheme. It has 2+3+3 seating configuration and enough leg space is offered to its passengers. There is folding facility available for the rear seat, which is a plus point. While, it also comes loaded with some comfort aspects that further makes the journey enjoyable. The list of these features include cup holders on the seconds row armrest, three cabin lamps, removable third row seat, 2-DIN audio unit and a few others. When it comes to safety, it has some vital aspects like driver airbag, door ajar warning, central locking system as well as child safety locks on rear doors. In terms of technical specifications, this MPV is incorporated with a 1.5-litre diesel power plant that is based on a DOHC valve configuration. It is further paired with a six speed manual transmission gear box. Moreover, it comes with a 50-litre fuel tank that enables it passengers to plan long trips.

Exteriors:

The company has built it with an overall length of 4498mm along with a total width and height of 1751mm and 1697mm respectively. It has an eye catching outer appearance that is further enhanced by many noticeable aspects. To begin with its front facade, it has an aggressive radiator grille that is treated with a lot of chrome. A prominent logo of the company is also fitted at the center of this grille. This is surrounded by a well designed headlight cluster that is further equipped with turn indicators as well as powerful headlamps. The windscreen is pretty wide and integrated with a couple of wipers. Its frontage also includes a body colored bumper that is fitted with an air intake section, which cools the engine in no time. The vehicle has its side profile deigned in a splendid way. It includes aspects like black side molding, while the door handles and outside rear view mirrors are painted in body color. Meanwhile, it has pronounced wheel arches that are fitted with a set of 15 inch steel wheels. These rims are covered with 185/65 R15 sized tubeless radial tyres, which also have wheel covers. On the other hand, its rear end looks quite decent with an expressive boot lid that is garnished with chrome, while the windshield comes along with a high mount stop lamp. Other features like the luminous tail light cluster and body colored bumper completes the look of its rear profile.

Interiors:

This MPV comes with a roomy internal section that accommodates eight people and offers them with ample leg as well as head space. The cabin looks simply beautiful with a two tone Beige and Gris Fume color scheme. This is further complimented by the chrome inserts on gear shift and AC control knobs. It features well cushioned seats that are covered with fine quality cloth based upholstery. The front seats offer better comfort, while the reclining second row seat has 60:40 split folding facility. Whereas, the passengers can both fold and remove the third row seats, which further adds to their convenience. On the other hand, its cockpit looks quite attractive with an elegantly designed dashboard that includes an instrument cluster, glove box compartment, and air vents as well. It also features a three spoke steering wheel that is tilt adjustable, while the piano black finished center console comes equipped with a music system. Besides these, power sockets are offered in the first and second row seats, which turns out quite useful while on the journey.

Engine and Performance:

This robust Renault Lodgy 110PS RxL variant is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine that carries 4-cylinders, which are further integrated with sixteen valves. It comes with a total displacement capacity of 1461cc and is based on a double overhead camshaft valve configuration. This mill is integrated with a common rail direct injection system and coupled with a six speed manual transmission gear box. The maximum power generated by this motor is 108.4bhp at 4000rpm, while it yields torque output of 245Nm at 1750rpm. As per the ARAI, this engine is capable of returning a healthy mileage of around 19.98 Kmpl on the highways, which is rather good.

Braking and Handling:

The automaker has incorporated it with a diagonal split hydraulic braking system. A robust set of ventilated disc brakes are fitted to its front wheels and sturdy drum brakes are used for the rear ones. Meanwhile, it comes with a proficient suspension system that ensures stability of vehicle at all times. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut and a torsion beam is affixed on the rear one. This is further loaded with anti roll bars that helps in making the ride smoother. Besides these, it comes with an electro hydraulic power assisted steering system that has tilt adjustment function. It supports the vehicle's turning radius of 5.55 meters and makes its handling an easy task for the driver.

Comfort Features:

This mid range diesel trim is bestowed with a number of comfort features that makes the journey quite enjoyable and hassle free as well. To begin with, it provides enough head as well shoulder space that makes them feel comfortable. The cabin is installed with a HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) unit that comes along with cabin filter. This helps in regulating the temperature inside as required by its passengers. The Arkamys tuned music system is the other feature that comes along with four speakers, which are fitted in the front and rear side of the cabin. Its 2-DIN audio unit includes a CD player and supports USB port, Aux-In as well as Bluetooth connectivity. It has all four power windows, while there are roof mounted air vents in the second and third row seats. Its occupants can charge their mobile phones and other electronic devices with the help of 12V power sockets, which are available in the first and second row seats. In addition to all these, it includes a digital clock, headlight on reminder, keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, and second row armrest with cup holders that further adds to the comfort levels.

Safety Features:

This Renault Lodgy 110PS RxL variant is loaded with some vital features that will provide maximum security to its passengers and the vehicle as well. It includes child safety locks on the rear door, auto door lock, airbag for driver, and central locking system. The instrument cluster gives out notifications like driver seat belt reminder, door ajar warning, and headlight-on indicator as well to keep the driver alert. This trim also has an engine immobilizer that protects the vehicle from theft by avoiding any unauthorized entry into it. Apart from these, it also comes with advanced features like anti lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution as well as brake assist, which improves the level of protection.

Pros:

1. Spacious luggage compartment is a plus point.
2. Braking and suspension systems are quite proficient.

Cons:

1. Safety standards needs to improve.
2. Noise emitted by its engine is a drawback.