Minivans aren't exactly thriving right now. When updates to many models are hanging by a thread, there's always someone who profits from the chaos. That's the case with the Dacia Lodgy . Currently, it's the best-selling seven-seater MPV on the market. Among its many attractive features is its low price, easily matched by its competitors.
We have tested this car:
Dacia Lodgy 1.2 TCe 115 Laureate test, engine, driving and consumptionTest Dacia Lodgy 1.2 TCe 115 Laureate, exterior and interior designDacia unveiled the Lodgy in 2012. It was one of the Romanian brand's first models to hit the market, and like the rest of its siblings, it did so with a very clear objective: to be the cheapest in its class . Since then, it hasn't undergone any major redesign, only minor periodic updates, but we're still talking about the first generation.
It's one of the longest-running models on the market today. And from the beginning, it has offered two possible options: five or seven seats. Large MPVs are evolving their format towards superior solutions derived from commercial vehicles, as is the case with the Citroën SpaceTourer or the Peugeot Traveller . The Lodgy is one of the few remaining models with this design orientation.
Technical characteristics of the Dacia Lodgy
Dacia is a subsidiary of Renault , and therefore uses older technology from the French automaker. In this case, the Lodgy is based on the B0 platform , the same structure that underpins other models like the Dacia Duster and the Dacia Sandero . It is offered in its larger version, which is also shared with the brand's family/commercial model, the Dokker.
Despite offering two different interior configurations—five or seven seats—the Dacia Lodgy only comes in one size. Its exterior dimensions are: 4,5 meters long, 1,75 meters wide, and 1,68 meters high . These dimensions are complemented by a wheelbase of 2,81 meters. This considerable space translates into excellent interior roominess, distributed across up to three rows of seats.
Cargo capacity is always an important factor when buying a minivan. The Lodgy offers a minimum volume of 634 liters in the seven-seater version (the two additional seats are hidden under the trunk floor). In its more spacious five-seater version, the Lodgy's minimum trunk capacity increases to 827 liters. All of this is contained within a weight of just 1.286 kilograms.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Dacia Lodgy
The Dacia Lodgy's engine range is notable for its frugality. It's a limited selection: two diesel options, two petrol options, and one LPG engine with an ECO label. All models come standard with five- or six-speed manual transmissions and front-wheel drive.
The diesel range features a single engine available in two power outputs: 95 and 115 horsepower . It's a 1,5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit with official combined fuel consumption figures of between 4,9 and 5,4 liters per 100 kilometers. Both versions qualify for the DGT's C environmental rating.
The gasoline versions feature a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.333 cc. Power outputs are 100 and 130 horsepower . The most efficient option, meanwhile, has a 1,6-liter engine specifically designed and adapted for LPG, producing 110 horsepower. It officially has the highest fuel consumption of all, with a combined average of 8,3 liters per 100 kilometers.
Equipment of the Dacia Lodgy
We can't expect to have everything for a low price. The Lodgy's low cost is accompanied by a rather cheap interior . The cabin is made entirely of hard plastics that give little impression of quality. It's a minivan and is designed to last, something that has been proven since the model's launch.
Dacia offers three trim levels: Essential, Comfort, and Stepway . Each trim level not only changes the equipment level but also the exterior appearance, ranging from a basic finish to a more rugged look with the popular Stepway trim, which doesn't represent a significant expense.
In terms of technology, the Lodgy's shortcomings are due to its low price and age. It does include features such as a multifunction steering wheel, a multimedia system with a seven-inch touchscreen , rear electric windows, climate control, a rear parking camera, mobile device connectivity, and a navigation system, among other systems. However, it lacks many driver assistance features.
The Dacia Lodgy in video
The Dacia Lodgy according to Euro NCAP
To mark the launch of the Lodgy, Euro NCAP tested the safety of Dacia's large MPV. The tests, carried out in 2012, resulted in a three-star safety rating out of a possible five . Given the limited number of driver assistance features, the final result can be somewhat misleading. Despite the low overall score, the Lodgy shows good performance in areas such as adult and child occupant protection, with scores of 72 and 77 out of 100 respectively.
The Dacia Lodgy of Km 0 and second hand
The Lodgy, like all Dacias, has earned a reputation for robustness and durability . Given its affordable price, the Lodgy has become one of the best-selling minivans on the market. Models available on the used and pre-owned market are plentiful, with a low depreciation rate.
The most economical options have starting prices around €4.000 for models with high mileage. If we opt for the nearly new (Km 0) market, we find a wide range of possibilities . The selection mainly consists of Stepway trim levels, five-seater configurations, and entry-level diesel engines. The prices are low and very attractive to potential buyers.
Rivals Dacia Lodgy
As such, the Lodgy has no direct rivals in its segment. Its low price is impossible for other minivans on the market to match. Some of its toughest competitors might be the Dacia Dokker and the SsangYong XLV . These are smaller, five-seaters with a similar price. Other minivan competitors with seating for up to seven passengers include the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer , Renault Espace , and SEAT Alhambra , among others. These are all considerably more expensive models, but also better equipped and of higher quality.
Highlight
- Price
- habitability
- Loading capacity
To improve
- ride quality
- Equipment
- internal quality
Dacia Lodgy prices
As we've already mentioned, we're talking about the cheapest and most accessible large MPV on the market. The starting price for the Dacia Lodgy is €11.735 for the five-seater Essential trim with the entry-level gasoline engine. The most expensive option in the range is the seven-seater Lodgy Stepway with a 115-horsepower diesel engine. In that case, the starting price is €15.085. These prices are current as of the time of writing and do not include any offers or promotions from the manufacturer.
