Renault Lodgy better than Toyota Innova?

With Lodgy, Renault is the ‘new kid on the block’, within the MPV segment. We find out whether it has the mettle to challenge the segment leader – Toyota Innova. The Lodgy and Innova are offered only in diesel engine options, while the Lodgy has a 1.5-litre engine in two states of tune (83bhp and 108bhp), the Innova comes with a 2.5-litre engine. The high engine specifications version of the Lodgy is comparable to the Innova.

The Lodgy though has a smaller capacity engine, it makes up for the power – 108bhp and exceeds that of the Innova’s power – 101bhp, which is an important aspect to consider while buying an MPV, as it mostly runs loaded. The Lodgy has a six–speed gearbox as compared to the five speed one of the Innova. This helps in high speed cruising being more relaxed and also helps in a better fuel efficiency.

When it comes to dimensions, the Innova overall is slightly bigger, however, the Lodgy has a longer wheelbase than the Innova. A longer wheelbase results in a more composed ride. In fact, the Lodgy offers a better ride quality than the Innova. The Innova scores in height over the Lodgy and offers more headroom but, it is easier to get in and out of the Lodgy. In terms of looks, the Lodgy comes across as the more modern and more premium looking MPV. However, looks are subjective.

On the inside, Renault has tried to give the simple dashboard some accents, like the piano black centre console and chrome rings around the multidirectional AC vents, which gives a premium feel. The Lodgy dashboard offers more storage space. The Innova’s dashboard also looks good and choosing between the two is about personal choice. The second rows of both these cars are comfortable and the Lodgy also offers foldable trays (only in 7 seater). The third row of the Lodgy offers more knee room.

In the top end variants, features of both are almost comparable, such as Airbags, ABS, AC vents for all rows, leather seats, leather steering wheel and a touch screen Bluetooth audio music system. In addition, the Lodgy offers Cruise control, Electronic speed limiter, GPS navigation, anti-pinch power windows and DRLs (daytime running lights).The Innova has automatic climate control and wider tyres – 205/65/R15 compared to 185/65/R15 of the Lodgy.

On the road these two cars behave a bit differently. The Lodgy has an initial turbo lag which is not felt so much in the Innova. The Lodgy scores over the Innova when it come to high speed cruising and ride quality but the Innova is the one that feels more sure footed and rolls less compared to the Lodgy during direction changes at high speeds. The Lodgy has better top end power and also better braking ability.One aspect where the Lodgy beats Innova hands down is in the fuel efficiency. The ARAI approved FE of Innova is 12.9km/l and that of Lodgy is 19.9km/l.

So, can the Lodgy displace the Innova as the best selling MUV?

The Toyota Innova has been a best seller because of certain inherent strengths – a robust build, comfortable and spacious people mover . Moreover, the Toyota brand image that spells reliability and a good after sales service record, has gone a great length in keeping customers happy and the competition at bay.

On the other hand, Renault has been showing a lot of promise in the Indian market with the Duster and its growing, loyal customer base. The Lodgy comes across as a sensible vehicle that offers the kind of performance and comfort that people look for in a premium MUV. Being built on the Duster, the robustness seems obvious, as also its popularity in some other countries. It all depends upon how well Renault prices the Lodgy. If it is right, the Lodgy definitely has the goods to become a favourite.