Renault Lodgy Stepway designed to segregate family car buyers from Taxi operators

Many Indian car buyers resist buying an MPV simply because it is also used by fleet owners as taxis or for commercial purposes, reducing the pride of ownership for the family man. To ensure that the newly launched Renault Lodgy has a wider appeal, the French car manufacturer also introduced a slightly more premium variant of the MPV - the Renault Lodgy Stepway, which came with a stylish jewel-finished front grille, black roof railed with chrome highlights and different front bumper with skid plates.

The other big difference between the standard Renault Lodgy and the new Stepway variant was that the later comes with a more powerful version of the 1.5-litre K9K dCi Diesel engine producing 110PS power and max torque of 245Nm, mated to a 6-speed transmission. Obviously, the Renault Lodgy Stepway was launched at a higher price of Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the basic Lodgy ranges between Rs 8.29 to 11.79 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Now the company is considering to clearly distinguish the two categories of buyers by offering the Renault Lodgy with Stepway type distinct front grille and bumper to family car buyers, while commercial fleet owners would continue to get the standard Lodgy exterior design. This will help reduce the reluctance of car buyers looking to buy a 7- or 8-seater vehicle for personal use, as they would be offered a more premium looking vehicle, different from that one used as a taxi.

Buyer could still consider purchasing the basic 85PS, 1.5-litre Diesel engine or the more powerful 110PS version and still get a more fancy design. The price difference between standard 85PS Renault Lodgy and the one with Stepway exterior styling will be marginal since most of the variants and features of these two will be similar.

Renault is waiting for the feedback on the newly launched Renault Lodgy Stepway from car buyers and its dealers, and will accordingly plan the introduction of the slightly premium Lodgy for family car buyers.