If you have been sincerely following my blog, you would be aware that I won a contest arranged by BlogAdda in association with Renault. The prize was a weekend trip to Goa, and a drive in their latest vehicle - the Renault Lodgy. Last week I wrote an article describing my experience of that wonderful trip. This post is dedicated to that awesome car we drove in Goa.

The following is a brief review of the car. The views presented are my own, and you may or may not agree with them. And that's completely okay. I would also like you to know that I'm no auto expert (yet! I maybe, some day!). So forgive me for any errors. Whatever knowledge I have of the domain is from my 3 years experience working at Bosch.

Credit: Jobo Kuruvilla/Twitter

Before I begin, I would like to state that this car is launched as a MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). Talking about Renault's success in the Indian market, Duster is the only vehicle which has managed to stay them afloat (note that it was a 5-seater compact SUV). The French OEM would definitely like some of that magic to work for Lodgy as well.

Exteriors and Styling

Credit: Jimmie Luthra/Twitter

As far as the exteriors are concerned, I didn't find anything out of the box. But still, the car is charming at the same time. The style followed is standard European. But it has got an Indian touch, which is expected since they are targeting the Indian market! When I say it is Indianized, I refer to the lot of chrome used all around the car. To begin with, the Lodgy branding at the rear is completely made in chrome. The side body mouldings are also made up of chrome.

Credit: Jimmie Luthra/Twitter

The front of the car is attractive. The tail lamps give a unique look. Overall, it is an elegant 8-seater MPV from the house of Renault.

Interiors and Comfort features

Interiors of this car is what I liked the most. There are loads of features, including touch screen audio-video-navigation system, steering mounted audio controls, cruise control, tilt-steering, driver side seat height adjust, arm-rest for driver, plenty of storage space, deep door pockets, charging ports in all 3 rows, roof mounted AC vents for all 3 rows. Not to forget the most important ones - ABS and airbags - after all safety is the foremost concern.

The car is spacious . Believe me. The wheelbase is long enough (2.8 m to be accurate). The overall headroom is ample. Sitting in the third row is comfortable, with enough legroom, unlike XUV 500. If compared to Ertiga or Mobilio, Lodgy definitely takes the lead as and when the third row is concerned, which plays a major role in a 8-seater car. If compared to Innova, it is at par for the head and leg room in the third row, but lacks in width!


Talking about boot space, one can get approximately 1861 litres of boot space by completely removing off the third row, and folding the second one.

Overall, I will give full marks to this car for its interiors.

Ride and Handling

Well, I did not drive the car myself. So, I'll share what others who did, felt about the ride. The suspension is well tuned. This in turn leads to good handling, and hence, a smooth ride. The steering wheel is well-weighted.

What I liked?

1. Touchscreen ICE, cruise control and safety features

2. Spacious third-row seat

3. Ample boot space

4. Outstanding ride quality

5. Balanced dynamics and handling

6. Smartly priced

What I didn't like?

1. Common style and exteriors, nothing outstanding.

Verdict

If you are looking for a family car,
You do not have to look any far.
Get this one with awesome interiors,
And let everyone see what you are.

I was a part of the #LiveLodgycal Drive by BlogAdda.com in association with Renault India.

Humans love humans. Humans love things as well. Other humans may not love you back, or worst, hurt you. But things, they don't do that. Despite of being life-less, they remain with you until they exist. That's the irony! Is it a bit too philosophical? Well, it's Friday evening, and I am not drunk! Then why am I acting all Socrates? That's because I realized how much I love my stuff, my precious life-less things that always stand by my side, no matter what. They mean the 'world' to me.

Now, won't you carry your 'world' with you wherever you go, more specifically on a road-trip? What if you were going to the trip in a Renault Lodgy? Well, I assumed I am, and hence came up with a list of following lovely things that I would carry along with me:

Audio books and music

Many of you might be unaware, but I am very fond of books. Though I haven't done any book reviews so far, I would love to do some. (Sorry to Abhijeeth Hiliyana, the author of Age of Apostasy, for not reviewing your book yet. I had my home robbed, and your book was gone with it. Sorry bro.)

"There is no friend as loyal as a book." - Ernest Hemingway

Now, reading a book while driving might not be a good idea, for obvious reasons. Thanks to technology, I can now listen to them! So, first thing I would carry are the audio versions of books/novels of my favorite writers. The loud speakers in the Lodgy will make sure that I hear the words correctly! That way, I will be in full control of the wheel, seemingly enjoying my favorite pastime at the same time. Same goes for music too.

Food

Every time I log into my Facebook account (it's deactivated now), I only have one answer to the infamous question, "What's on your mind?" That's food! But it would be lame to post it as Zuck is not the only one reading it. *I know I'm bad at jokes*.

But seriously, food is something I crave for. If I were to go on a road trip, I would carry lots-and-lots of food packets to last during the journey. After all, offering food makes you friends with fellow travellers too ;) The cup holders and flight tray available in the Lodgy will make storing and consuming food and beverages comfortable.

Having said that, I would like you to know that I attended a food event last week, and the review is coming soon. So stay tuned.

Gadgets

After food, I can only think of my freaky gadgets. They are a part of my daily routine. And the teacher says that missing habits isn't a good thing!

Just in case you are wondering, the list includes my two smartphones, a tablet and a laptop. I will definitely carry chargers for all of these devices, since Lodgy already has 12 V charging sockets for all the three rows.

Sports equipment and board games

I may not sound like an athlete kinda-guy, but I do enjoy playing games if people join me. Cricket and badminton are the ones I like playing outdoors, and cards and board games are my thing if we talk indoors.

To carry all this stuff, Lodgy has ample boot space. Talking about figures, the trunk has a dynamic storage of 207 litres, which is expandable up to 1861 litres.

First aid kit

Last but not the least, I will make sure to take my first aid kit along-with. The Lodgy has a smartly positioned storage area in the center of the dashboard. This place is ideal for carrying such necessary items.

I think I will forget my cushions and pillows at home. Renault Lodgy already has cushion pillows and belt cushions, increasing the comfort and convenience during the trip.

I’m participating in the #LiveLodgycal contest with Renault in association with BlogAdda to get a chance to be a part of the #LiveLodgycal Drive in Goa.