The Dacia Lodgy 1.5 dCi (90 hp) FAP is a five-door, seven-seat Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) produced by the Romanian automaker Dacia between 2012 and 2017. Positioned as an affordable and practical family vehicle, the Lodgy was designed to offer maximum interior space at a competitive price point, primarily targeting the European market. This particular variant, equipped with the 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 90 horsepower and paired with a five-speed manual transmission, represented an entry-level option within the Lodgy lineup, emphasizing fuel efficiency and low running costs over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dacia |
| Model | Lodgy |
| Generation | Lodgy |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 dCi (90 Hp) FAP |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 169 km/h (105.01 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.8 kg/Hp, 72.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 161.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 61.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1750 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K9K 612 |
| Engine displacement | 1461 cm3 (89.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1238 kg (2729.32 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1903 kg (4195.4 lbs.) |
| Max load | 665 kg (1466.07 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 827 l (29.21 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2617 l (92.42 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 580 kg (1278.68 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4498 mm (177.09 in.) |
| Width | 1751 mm (68.94 in.) |
| Height | 1679 mm (66.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2810 mm (110.63 in.) |
| Front track | 1492 mm (58.74 in.) |
| Rear track | 1478 mm (58.19 in.) |
| Front overhang | 822 mm (32.36 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 866 mm (34.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Lodgy 1.5 dCi (90 hp) utilizes the K9K 612 engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine developed by Renault and widely used across the Renault-Nissan-Dacia alliance. This engine is characterized by its compact size, relatively lightweight construction, and focus on fuel efficiency. The K9K 612 features a single overhead camshaft (OHC) operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel is delivered via a diesel common rail direct injection system, allowing for precise fuel metering and optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to increase power output and improve engine responsiveness. The engine’s 15.5:1 compression ratio is typical for diesel engines, contributing to their thermal efficiency. The five-speed manual transmission provides a straightforward and reliable means of transferring power to the front wheels. The gear ratios are tuned for economy, with a relatively tall final drive.
Driving Characteristics
The 90 hp output of this Lodgy variant translates to modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 11.8 seconds, and top speed is around 105 mph. The engine delivers its peak torque of 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) at 1750 rpm, providing adequate pulling power for everyday driving and carrying a full load of passengers. However, it requires downshifting for overtaking maneuvers or when climbing hills. Compared to higher-powered Lodgy versions (such as those with the 110 hp version of the same engine), this variant feels noticeably slower. The manual transmission offers precise shifts, but the gear ratios are spaced to prioritize fuel economy rather than spirited driving. The Lodgy’s suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride, even on uneven surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 dCi (90 hp) Lodgy typically served as the entry-level trim, offering a basic but functional equipment list. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, utilitarian design. Optional extras included air conditioning, a radio/CD player, rear parking sensors, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels added features such as automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a more sophisticated infotainment system.
Chassis & Braking
The Lodgy’s chassis utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a coil spring torsion beam suspension at the rear. This setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in entry-level vehicles. The electric power steering provides light and easy steering, making it maneuverable in urban environments.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Dacia Lodgy 1.5 dCi (90 hp) was well-received in the European market as a budget-friendly MPV. Critics praised its spacious interior, practicality, and low running costs. However, the engine’s modest power output was often cited as a drawback, particularly when the vehicle was fully loaded. Compared to the 110 hp version of the same engine, the 90 hp variant offered slightly better fuel economy but significantly less performance. It also provided a more affordable entry point into the Lodgy range, appealing to buyers prioritizing value for money.
Legacy
The K9K engine, in general, has proven to be a robust and reliable unit, and the 1.5 dCi (90 hp) variant in the Lodgy is no exception. While older examples may require maintenance on components such as the turbocharger and fuel injectors, the engine is generally known for its longevity. On the used car market, the Lodgy 1.5 dCi (90 hp) remains an attractive option for buyers seeking an affordable and practical family vehicle. Its low running costs and spacious interior continue to make it a compelling choice, even as newer MPVs have entered the market.
