Test drive Dacia Lodgy Stepway: the intelligent adventurer
Test Drive

Test drive Dacia Lodgy Stepway: the intelligent adventurer

Test drive Dacia Lodgy Stepway: the intelligent adventurer

First impressions of the practical seven-seat Lodgy Stepway family model

Probably no one will be surprised by the discovery that in recent years Dacia cars have been distinguished by an almost unsurpassed (at least in European markets) price-to-performance ratio. However, there is something else that more and more often pleasantly surprises us - many of her products are now not only profitable, durable, practical and functional, but also cute in their own way. A perfect example of this are the dedicated Stepway models, which were only available on the Sandero base until recently, but have recently been available on the multifunctional Dokker and Lodgy models. In the Dacia Lodgy in particular, the Stepway equipment practically transforms the car, and from a balanced seven-seat transporter for the needs of the whole family, it turns it into an adventure car, without forgetting the already known, undoubtedly impressive functional advantages of the model.

Characteristic design elements

The exterior of the Dacia Lodgy Stepway differs from its standard counterparts in a number of characteristic design elements: front and rear bumpers in body color, front and rear protection in matt chrome optics, front fog lamps with brushed chrome surround, black protective elements. on the fenders, roof rails, new side mirror caps and light-alloy wheels in Dark Metal. On the inside, Lodgy Stepway offers special upholstery with embroidery and blue stitching. The dials of the controls and the vents have been trimmed in the same blue that stands out on the instrument center console.

The Dacia Lodgy Stepway is available with only one engine, which plays the role of the diesel flagship in the range of the Romanian brand - our well-known dCi 110, which, with a maximum torque of 240 Nm, guarantees excellent grip during acceleration. In fact, the impression of the dynamic performance of this car once again reminds us of a fact about Dacia cars that most people do not seem to pay due attention to, namely that, thanks to relatively simple technology, the brand's models are much lighter. than their external dimensions suggest. Thus, the 4,50 meter long full-size van, on the one hand, offers a gigantic interior volume and space for seven people, but on the other hand, its own weight is only 1262 kilograms, so the diesel engine not only provides adequate temperament, but even creates the enjoyment of a sportier ride. The well-chosen gear ratios of the six-speed transmission also contribute to the fact that the Dacia Lodgy Stepway accelerates confidently at all speeds, while the cost remains in a very low range - on average, the model consumes about or just over six liters per hundred kilometers, which is too good. an achievement taking into account the not very good aerodynamic characteristics of the body. However, the reasons for the slightly increased cabin noise at higher speeds are aerodynamic in nature.

Otherwise, the driving comfort is more than decent - the chassis behaves confidently even on roads with obviously poor road surface conditions, and the interior space, especially in the first two rows of seats, is more like a small bus than an ordinary van. Sporting ambition is still alien to the slightly indirect steering system, but more importantly, the Dacia Lodgy Stepway's handling is safe and predictable, and cornering behavior is reasonably stable. Body protection and increased ground clearance make it easier to navigate dirt roads or broken asphalt, allowing the Stepway to go a little further than other Lodgy versions - who says vans don't like adventure?

CONCLUSION

The Dacia Lodgy Stepway is a welcome addition to the family of the affordable and spacious Lodgy 1,5-seat van – thanks to the increased ground clearance and body protection elements, the functionality and durability of the model are further improved, and the extra charge compared to standard modifications is quite reasonable. In addition, the XNUMX-liter diesel once again makes a good impression with good temperament and modest fuel consumption.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photos: Dacia

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