Renault India recently launched the Duster facelift with an all new Easy-R AMT transmission. Now reports suggest that the company is working on an automatic transmission for the Lodgy, which would also be the Easy-R AMT. The company had earlier confirmed its plan to introduce an AMT variant of the Kwid.
Expected to arrive in the middle and top variant, the AMT transmission is also said to come only with the 7 seater trim that would feature captain seats for the second row. This transmission would come mated to the 1461cc diesel engine that produces a power output of 108 hp. As the Duster and the Lodgy are based on the same platform, it would be comparatively easier to tune it for the MPV.
An AMT variant should see a rise in the sales of the Lodgy which hasn’t been able to garner the expected response. The Lodgy AMT variant, once launched, could go on to gain a larger share of the pie citing the fact that the Ertiga gets an AMT only with the petrol variant while the Innova Crysta AMT is reported to come with a hefty price tag.
The company may also use the chance to gain ground in the fleet operator market where the Innova was the king. With the outgoing model having completed its life cycle at the production line and the upcoming Innova Crysta expected to arrive with a relatively higher price tag, this could just be the chance the Lodgy needs. The AMT equipped Lodgy is expected to come with a price rise of about Rs. 50,000.
What are your views on the upcoming Lodgy Easy-R-AMT? Do you think it will receive a good response? Tell us your views through the comments section below.