Travelogue Edition of Renault Scala Re-launched

Renault Scala offers RXE variant for diesel model

19 June, 2013: Renault India has offered the RXE entry level variant for diesel model of the Renault Scala sedan too. The Renault Scala diesel RXE variant is priced at Rs 8.29 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi). It comes loaded with a 1.5-litre K9K diesel motor which offers a mileage of 17.5 kmpl. The company has offered new RXE diesel variant with Body coloured ORVMs, Dual tone bumpers, Full wheel covers, Chrome embossed garnish on the boot, Tilt-adjustable steering, Manual Air conditioner, Rear A/C vents, Integrated audio system with CD/MP3/AUX, 4 speakers and many of safety features like Engine immobiliser, Anti theft system, driver side airbag, ABS+EBD with brake assist and many more.

Renault Scala launched in India at Rs 6.99 Lakh only 

Renault Scala price list

Renault Scala AT coming during Diwali

Renault Scala Special Features

Renault Scala Review by Expert

After rendering cars in premium segments, Renault has now set its eyes in the mass segment. The first volume puller vehicle launched under Renault’s badge, Duster is spilling magic across the nation. Soon after Duster’s launch, the company has launched yet another mass segment car in the form of Renault Scala sedan. Last year before Renault’s foray in the Indian car market, the company asserted its model strategy for India and that was to launch 5 new cars in a span of initial two years. After the launch of Renault Fluence, Renault Koleos, Renault Pulse and Renault Duster, this, Renault Scala sedan is the fifth and final offering as per commitment by the French carmaker in the most thriving auto souk. The Scala sedan is basically a rebadged version of Nissan Sunny, alongside a leap forward of premiumness compared to latter.

The affordable premium sedan Renault Scala is sold in the North American auto market as Nissan Versa sedan. The frontage of Scala has resemblance to Renault Pulse, especially the shape of front grille. But the distinction comes with bespoke headlamp graphics alongside exquisite chrome work on the black grille that makes it look premium. Moreover, the side profile is similar to that of Sunny, the rear has a bit reworked of tail lamps together with chrome insertion. The interiors are as spacious as seen in Nissan Sunny, with identical dashboard, central console, steering column and instrument cluster. The unique convenient feature here is dedicated rear AC vents for rear passengers. Moreover the steering wheel of Renault Scala has mounted controls on mid and top variants in order to create that upper-crest over Sunny. There are numerous storage spaces in front row as well as at the rear for the handiness of driver and occupants. The active and passive safety features in Renault Scala are adequate for the protection of driver and passenger.

The Renault Scala sedan is available in two engine choices, 1.5L Petrol that churns 99PS/134Nm and same displacement diesel motor that gives out max power of 86PS/200Nm. Both these powertrains have been prioritized to deliver better mileage apart from contextual performance.

With apt pricing and value for money features the success of Renault Scala is certain, which none of Renault cars have tasted, besides Duster. Hence this sedan can turn tables for French carmaker and bag the title of being the first volume-seller sedan for the company.

 

Renault Scala sedan Rival

After the launch of Renault Scala in India, the introductory mass segment sedan of French carmaker will fight for its survival in the crowded segment. One of the closest rival, apart its cousin Nissan Sunny, will be Hyundai Verna. Korean sedan has got glamour and gorgeous aspect with its fluidic design, while Renault Scala has got that imposing and mannish kind of appearance in its exterior design. The car buyers that look up for something distinct and daunting will unquestionably pick French beauty. In the inside it’s all filed with some innovative features, as seen in Sunny, whereas Verna has award winning interiors that are an ideal combination of comfort and class. But here, when spaciousness is taken into account Verna stands far, as there is immense head room, leg room and shoulder room along with capacity to seat 3 occupants comfortably at rear. Hyundai Verna is present in petrol as well as diesel variants, nevertheless Renault Scala will also be offered with both fuel choices. The mileage part will also play a decisive role in the competition, as of now both engines of Hyundai Verna deliver superb fuel economy, which Scala needs to surpass or at least be comparable. As per the Renault Scala test drive, the handling is pretty better alongside solid built quality and superior safety, which will be some of the high points for Scala.

Renault Scala Rival Table
Model	Engine	Mileage (City/Highway)	Acceleration (0-100kph)	Unique features	Price (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)
Renault Scala Petrol	1498 cc	13 kmpl/ 16.95 kmpl	13 seconds	Bold looks, Interior Space, Handling	Rs 6.99 Lakh
Renault Scala Diesel	1461 cc	17.5 kmpl/ 21.65 kmpl	15 seconds		Rs 8.69 Lakh
Hyundai Verna Petrol	1396 cc	13.2 kmpl/ 17.1 kmpl	10.5 seconds	Fluidic Looks, Mileage, Features	Rs 7.11 Lakh
Hyundai Verna Diesel	1396 cc	18.2 kmpl/ 22.3 kmpl	12.2 Seconds		Rs 8.33 Lakh
Skoda Rapid Petrol	1598 cc	12.5 kmpl / 15.4 kmpl	10.7 Seconds	Premium Badge, Performance, Contemporary appearance	Rs 6.90 Lakh
Skoda Rapid Diesel	1598 cc	16.5 kmpl / 20.5 kmpl	11.2 Seconds		Rs 8.15 Lakh

 

Renault Scala Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Available in choice of two powertrains petrol and diesel the Renault Scala charges in with some very impressive mileage numbers. To start with Renault Scala 1.5 litre petrol engine is able to deliver a mileage of about 12 kmpl in city traffic ridden city conditions moreover 16.95 kmpl is delivered on the highways. On the other hand, the Renault Scala diesel variant that churns 86 PS of max power and 200 Nm peak torque and is expected to be really frugal. The city fuel efficiency of this diesel version is tagged at 16 kmpl, whereas 21.65 kmpl can be extracted on longer routes i.e. highways.

 

Engine Type	Mileage (City)	Mileage (Highway)
Renault Scala 1.5L Petrol	12 kmpl	16.95 kmpl
Renault Scala 1.5L Diesel	16 kmpl	21.65 kmpl

 

Renault Scala Models and Features

Renault Scala Engine, Power and Performance

Renault India must have saved a lot monetarily since there was no need to innovate a new engine for its Scala line-up. The benefit comes with every badge engineering product. Renault Scala is the fifth car in India from the French automaker and it is made completely on the platform of Nissan Sunny. Engine options for the Renault Scala are the same 1.5-litre K9K diesel motor and the 1.5-litre petrol motor like Sunny sedan. The Renault Scala Diesel model, which will catch up much more fever in Indian market than the petrol, produces a decent 86PS of greatest power at 3750rpm and peak torque of 200Nm at 2000rpm. On urban roads, it is quite good to drive. The displacement of this engine is 1498cc and the motor is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. The other companion is the Renault Scala petrol version that is packed with 1.5 litre XH2 engine that manages to pull out a worthy power of 99PS power at 6000rpm along with 134Nm of max out torque at 4000rpm. This lively Renault Scala engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission just like the diesel variants. However, the company is also said to be planning to bring a 4-speed Renault Scala Automatic in the high-end petrol engine version.

Renault Scala Pick Up and Acceleration

Renault Scala has borrowed engines from Nissan Sunny. The sedan is equipped with the same 1.5 litre petrol and diesel motor. Renault Scala acceleration with its diesel version takes about 15 seconds to clear the 0-100 kph mark, while the engine feels responsive after some the initial turbo-lag. With this frugal Renault Scala Diesel motor it attains a top speed of about 165 kmph. This 1461 cc mill outpours 86 PS and 200 Nm that are maximum power and torque numbers respectively.  The petrol variant pulls power and torque value well. Renault Scala is capable to carry out a top speed of 178 kmph. The French sedan has got 1.5L engine that churns 99 PS of max power and 134 Nm of peak torque. In order to reach the 100 kph mark from being stationed, it takes about 13 seconds.
 

Renault Scala Exterior and Features

Looking at the contours, Renault Scala appears to be an ideal C-segment sedan which will sit below Renault Fluence. The Scala car looks like a very well rounded package and its striking exterior design do attract attention and garners praise. The outer surface of all Renault cars till date has one characteristic in common that is their ‘commanding exteriors’. Here Renault Scala exteriors are too seen obeying companies daunting values. Although Renault Scala is an outcome of rebadged design engineering, but to be truthful, it’s more appealing and confident than its cousin– Nissan Sunny. The large, aggressive, distinct looking trapezoidal grille cluster, stylish smoked headlights and alloy wheels are the new elements introduced in this re-skinned car.

Look at the Renault Scala front; generous pouring of chrome all around, especially the chrome beading around the greenhouse does well to make a distinction from Sunny. The hood accommodates the Renault logo quite well. The grille neatly blends with the air dam through the blacked-out frame. The blacking-out is also visible round the round fog lamps. An antenna on the roof provides aerodynamics to the sedan. Black tinted glass gives the look of a premium car. The color of ORVMs is a combination of black and body color that looks style oriented. The Renault Scala side profile has chrome window base lining that is featured in luxury saloons like Audi A6 and with company of blacked B pillar it stands tall like true lavish sedan. The chrome outside door handles and solid looking 15-inch alloy wheels further enhance the appeal of the sedan.  

Coming to the Renault Scala rear, one will definitely forget Nissan Sunny, as it has got exquisite chrome trunk garnish that has embossed ‘SCALA’ on it, a rare premium stuff seen these days. The tail lights are clear and cornering, while a C-shaped white strip on tail lights make it differ from Sunny. The wide rear bumper bestows smooth and chic appearance together with Renault logo tagged boot promising a huge luggage space on offer.

Generally speaking, although France based carmaker has shared most of the aspects of Nissan Sunny with Renault Scala, but has still somehow managed to proffer you a premium product that stands a generation ahead of Japanese sedan.

Safety Features in Renault Scala

Renault Scala Driving and Handling

One plus point of choosing a Renault Scala over any other sedan of its class is that you get supple ride quality and great handling, which is better against the all odds, even cousin Nissan Sunny. The handling of Renault Scala sedan is ideal with peppy engine and controlled NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels. The suspension, borrowed from Sunny, is well tweaked for good to ensure smoother rides on bumpy and potholed surfaces of city. This Renault sedan absorbs undulations on bad roads and lets it pass on to the occupants. The Renault Scala suspension is soft, there is some amount of body roll also; however, that doesn’t create much of concern. The steering is light on hand and makes for a comfortable city/highway drive. As compared to Nissan Sunny, low-speed ride seems to have improved a lot. The braking is at effortless ease with discs at front and drum at the rear.

Renault Scala Accessories

Renault Scala Conclusion

Renault Scala is the carmaker’s fifth launch in India in 2 years, a promise it had made when the brand arrived in India. Scala looks beautiful from outside and drives really well. The mileage and pricing mentioned on the brochure is just right, also the test reports are overwhelming. Renault Scala exteriors have some good elements and the car has the best back. There’s a lot of room at the back to rest and stretch out.

The rear seat is the most amazing part of the car with ample of legroom and cosy seating for three. When it comes to performance, the two powertrains, especially K9K will as usual perform its job devotedly. Despite of all similarities the fourth largest carmaker has successfully carved out a pretty distinct product that has the ability to pull the crowd into the Renault showrooms in India. Renault has tried to put in numerous premium aspects to make it worth or to justify its price tag, which is about a lakh higher against Sunny.