This is the Dacia Lodgy, a new MPV from the Renault’s Romanian budget brand. It will be offered in both five- and seven-seat guise, and at 4.5 metres in length it’s nearly as long as Renault’s own Grand Scenic.
Haven’t we seen the Dacia Lodgy before?
We have, but only as a 350bhp ice racer drive by Alain Prost; this is the production car, which will be powered by a much more sedate set of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines (in 1.6 and 1.5-litre guises respectively). It’s front-wheel drive too, unlike the four-wheel drive race car.
The Lodgy will be revealed at the 2012 Geneva motor show in March, and Renault promises plenty of room across all three rows of seats and an ‘exceptionally large boot’. Less impressive is the name, taken from the word ‘lodge’ and apparently referring to the Lodge’s ability to ‘comfortably accommodate a family and its luggage’.
Not inspired by the looks of the Lodgy? Renault Group design chief Laurens van den Acker told CAR the next generation of Dacias will be more appealing: ‘There’s no reason why cheap cars should look cheap. That’s why the new Dacias are robust, spacious, sensible. And very cool.’
When can I buy a Dacia Lodgy in the UK?
You might never be able to – Renault has yet to decide whether to build the Lodgy in right-hand drive form for the UK. And any eager customers will have to wait until the start of 2013 to buy a right-hand drive Duster mini-SUV or the all-new Sandero supermini.
Renault dealers will dedicate a section of their showrooms to the two Dacia models. The Duster will cost less than £10k, and the Sandero will cost less than £7000, but Dacia’s sales strategy is not to offer any discounts – the price you see is the price you pay.
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