Renault launches the much awaited Scala

Renault recently delivered 5^th instalment to the Indian car market, the midsized ‘saloon’ The Scala. Renault Scala is the re-batched version of Nissan Sunny. You must be wondering how is Scala a version of Nissan Sunny, well actually Nissan and Renault are actually partners and have contributed many times in each other projects. But when taken out for a comparison Scala outstands sunny with more sporty looks, lighter weight and a Renault engine.

 

As said it is a midsized saloon so the buyers are going to get ample space everywhere be it the front or backseat even the trunk packs a lot. The bold attitude of the front, with a two-tone sporty front bumper, chrome finished radiator grille and smoked-styled headlamps make the vehicle domineering and dynamic. There is a rear signature tail lamp with the connecting wide chrome strip. The car has a good clearance with 15 inch wheel base.

 

The scala was launched in 4 variants with two trim levels of both petrol and diesel. The petrol version has the Renault XH2 engine delivering a power of 99PS at 600 rpm with a torque of 134 N m at 4000 rpm. The diesel version is equipped with the K9K model, the same as in Renault Duster India . The engine promises a power of 86 PS at 3750 rpm with torque 200Nm at 2000 rpm.

 

It will be available in 5 colour option, namely Solid black, pearl white, metallic silver, metallic blue and metallic white. The Scala is going to have the standard Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) on all trim levels and Safety is further reinforced by driver and front passenger airbags. All the variants have 5 speed manual transmission. It uses McPherson strut suspension at front and torsion beam setup at rear. It has disk brakes at front and drum at rear.

 

The sideways look of the car easily gives impression of Nissan sunny but front and rear sporty look will surely help you forget that. The interiors have also not changed much from sunny but you still get leather seats and a lot of boot space with the Scala

 

Scala has been aggressively priced to target the Mid End section of buyers with both the petrol trims RXE and RXL ranging around ₹ 6, 99,000 and ₹ 7,85,000 respectively. And the diesel versions RXL is tagged at ₹ 8,69,000 and the RxZ at ₹ 9,57,000.

 

After a test drive the Renault Scala surely leaves a good impression. The handling is good. Though the engine takes time to get that throttle and you can only feel it after you cross 3000 rpm. The suspensions are good as always they are in Renault and you get a comfortable drive for both the driver and the passenger. The console is easy to control with good access from driver’s end. The gear box can be a bit notch some times but it can be ignored. So altogether the Scala promises a comfortable drive and handling in city traffic and it is equally good for the highway too.  The ARAI certified mileage of Scala Diesel as 21.65 Kmpl and of Scala Petrol as 16.95 Kmpl, which is highly economical. So, overall scala does seem to the potential to make an impact.