Engine and performance
The Lodgy derives power from the familiar K9K, turbocharged, diesel motor found in the Duster. Displacing 1.46 liters, the dCi (common rail direct injection) engine makes a maximum power of 110 PS @ 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 245 Nm @ 1750 rpm. An 85 PS version is also going to be available at the time of the launch, but we got to sample only the most powerful version.
A small engine crammed in a small engine bay.
Let go of the reasonably light clutch and you’re greeted with a rather pronounced turbo lag which possesses the motor till about 1800 revs; post which the going gets pretty brisk as 245 Nm of twist makes for some spirited shove. Renault India is making a big deal about the Lodgy being the most powerful vehicle in its class, and we give them that. Like the Duster, the Lodgy is long legged and can reach 170 kmph+ without breaking a sweat, which makes it a pretty competent commodity for the long haul – admittedly, highways are where it’ll be spending most of its time on. Overtaking is a breeze, and most of the time, no downshifting is required, because of the even torque spread in the upper part of the rev range. The engine isn’t too eager to rev though, and the tachometer needle drops anchors at a 5000 rpm redline.
However, with the lag, drivability in town becomes a bit of a chore. Forget darting away from speed breakers in second gear, as the drive-train baulks in protest.
The 110 PS version does the 0-100 km/hr sprint in 12 seconds with an official top speed of 170 km/hr, while the 85 PS variant does it in 13.3 seconds with a top whack of 163 km/hr. The French automaker claims that the Lodgy has the best acceleration and top speed in its category. The ARAI fuel efficiency figures for the 110 PS and 85 PS Lodgy are 19.98 km/l and 21.04 km/l respectively.
The 6 speed gearbox is most definitely not the best out there. Unlike the slick shifting ‘boxes we are spoilt rotten with in the hatchback category, the Lodgy’s shift action feels somewhat rough. It takes a moment before you could find the gate and slot the stick in. It’s not annoying by any measure, but it isn’t an enjoyable, smooth gearbox either. The ratios are evenly spaced. NVH levels are well contained, with thick sound deadening insulation under the hood. Road and wind noise barely creep in, but the engine emanates a mildly sonorous drone that might be a little intrusive – nothing worth a worry for the class though.
The brakes are worth a mention for all the wrong reasons. Even though stopping power is more than adequate, the pedal has a lot of unwanted play and it lacks linearity. Modulating the brakes takes some getting used to, and their grabby character can make your fellow passengers question your driving skills when their coffee suddenly burns other things instead of the insides of a cup.
Ride and Handling
Renault chose smooth and straight highways for the media drive, so we can’t really draw an opinion about the Lodgy’s corner carving abilities. But that’s not what it’s built to do in the first place. Steering feel though is mildly disappointing, with very little feedback. High speed stability is stellar, with not a twitch, even at the highest speeds this eight-seater is capable of. The monocoque construction ensures that it stays pliant on long, sweeping curves and tracks with confidence. Body roll is also well contained, unless pushed too hard. In the city though, piloting the Lodgy was effortless, and it feels like all that mass has actually shrunk up on you, except, of course, for the turbo lag.
Suspension consists of independent McPherson struts with coil springs & an anti roll bar up front, along with a torsion beam axle with coils springs, shock absorbers & an anti roll bar at the rear. Ride is a bit on the firmer side, especially with an empty car, though things better up as speeds increase. Undulations on the road are soaked up well with minimal thuds and bangs from the well engineered suspension. We also believe that the ride quality should soften up further as you load up the vehicle with more occupants.
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