There is no denying that the growing taxi market has helped the Indian automobile industry maintain its growth, though nominal, even in times of crisis. In this fiscal year as well, the fleet and taxi market has registered an annual growth of 15% - 20% with 2 million vehicles in the segment. With the growing Indian cab industry, the car manufacturers are expecting an additional demand of 60,000 – 90,000 units every year. Therefore, aiming to tap the fleet and taxi market, Renault India is planning to introduce a seven-seat version of the Lodgy MPV.
Launched in April 2015, the Renault Lodgy is available in an eight-seat and an optional seven-seat configuration. Though, the seven-seat layout is offered only on the top-end RxZ trim of the 100PS version. Since the eight-seat version is more affordable than the seven-seat trim, the MPV failed to avail certain tax benefits in some states.
The new Renault Lodgy seven-seat variant will be available on the 85PS trim of the MPV. Unlike the regular version, it will feature two captain seats in the middle row. Powering the new Lodgy seven-seat variant will be the existing 1.5-litre diesel engine that is paired to a five-speed manual transmission. This engine is capable to churn out a maximum power of 83.8bhp at 3,750rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1,900rpm.
Upon its launch, the new Renault Lodgy seven-seat variant will compete against the Toyota Innova. It is expected to be priced within the range of Rs. 8.29 lakh – Rs. 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Source: Autocar
