Renault will launch the Lodgy MPV in India soon, but there's won't be just one version. Along with the standard car will also come a more rugged and attractive looking variant know as the Stepway. Recently unveiled at a Bollywood award function, the Stepway is similar to a 'Cross' version (like the Polo or Etios Cross) and comes replete with details normally seen on an off roader.
On the outside, additions include black cladding that runs around the whole of the MPV, brushed chrome front and rear scuff plates, a dark metallic finish for the wing mirrors and roof-rails, and a blackened Renault grille with chrome highlights. The Stepway name is also written across the front door.
The Renault Lodgy has a massively long 2,810mm wheelbase – ideal for freeing up interior space. Like the Renault Duster, this car started its life as a Dacia, and will switch to the Renault badge for India.
On the inside, the Lodgy Stepway gets special ‘Stepway’ upholstery with some embroidery and blue stitching. Matching the stitches, the AC vents and instrument cluster have a bluish surround, which contrasts the dark interior theme. In terms of equipment, the Stepway version gets a sat-nav multimedia system, cruise control and reversing sensors, something that's amiss on the standard Lodgy.
Both diesel and petrol engines are expected to power the Lodgy Stepway. While the diesel unit will be the more powerful 108.5bhp version of the 1.5-litre K9K engine, the petrol motor is likely to be the 102.5bhp 1.6-litre unit that also powers the Duster.
We have driven the standard Renault Lodgy MPV, and can tell you that its highlight is the space it offers. There's plenty of useable space on offer in the second and the third row too. The comfort level is also good. Even with all the seats in place, there's a decent amount of boot space available, thanks to the very upright tailgate.
Likely to be priced around Rs 40,000 more than the regular Lodgy, the Stepway will give Renault's MPV an extra bit of style, additional street-cred, and wider acceptance as a personal car. And that's likely the worth of its weight in gold.