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Dacia Lodgy Stepway 1.5 dCi 110: Affordable Space for Seven

Dacia’s Lodgy Stepway 1.5 dCi 110 delivers true seven-seat practicality at a price few rivals can match, but buyers must accept some compromises on finish and handling.

By Editorial Desk Updated
Dacia Lodgy Stepway at 2014 Paris Motor Show
Dacia Lodgy Stepway at 2014 Paris Motor Show Thesupermat / CC BY-SA 3.0

Dacia’s Lodgy Stepway 1.5 dCi 110 targets families who need maximum space on a tight budget. Priced from around €11,200, with the Stepway trim costing roughly €1,350 more, the Lodgy undercuts most rivals by several thousand euros while offering genuine seven-seat capacity.

Practicality and space

At 4.5 metres long and with a 3-metre wheelbase, the Lodgy’s proportions are unashamedly boxy. The result is a cabin that outclasses most in its price bracket for sheer volume. Access to the third row is straightforward, and the rearmost seats can accommodate adults without the usual sense of being an afterthought. Cup holders and pop-out windows add to the usability for those in the back.

  • Boot space with all seats up: 207 litres
  • Boot with third row folded: 634 litres
  • Maximum cargo with second and third rows folded or removed: 2,617 litres

Second-row passengers benefit from generous leg and headroom, with enough space for three adults. Storage is another strong point, with up to 30 litres distributed throughout the cabin, including a practical dashboard compartment. However, the glovebox sits low, door bins are small, and the centre console could be better utilised.

Stepway trim and features

The Stepway variant brings a more rugged look, with satin-chrome skidplates, black cladding, metal-effect roof bars and mirrors, and unique alloy wheels. Equipment includes air conditioning, electric windows, cruise control, Bluetooth audio and a trip computer. A 7-inch touchscreen navigation system is available as an option for about €300, and buyers can add parking sensors and heated seats at extra cost.

Engine and driving impressions

The 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine delivers 110 PS through a six-speed manual gearbox. It is well matched to the Lodgy’s people-carrying brief, offering enough torque for a full load. Dacia claims fuel consumption as low as 5.0 l/100 km in relaxed driving, though this can rise to nearly 8.0 l/100 km at motorway speeds. Performance is adequate for the class, with 0-100 km/h in 11.6 seconds and a top speed of 175 km/h.

Ride comfort is prioritised over handling. The suspension is soft, steering lacks feedback, and body roll is noticeable when cornering. The engine is well insulated at low speeds, but wind noise increases above 130 km/h. Buyers seeking a dynamic or premium-feeling MPV will find the Lodgy basic, but those prioritising space and value will find little else at this price point.

Who should consider the Lodgy Stepway?

The Dacia Lodgy Stepway 1.5 dCi 110 is aimed at buyers who need to transport up to seven people and luggage on a strict budget. Its price advantage over models like the Ford Grand C-Max is substantial. The compromises are clear: basic interior materials, limited handling finesse and a utilitarian feel. But for those who value space, running cost and upfront affordability, the Lodgy remains one of the most rational choices in the segment.

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