Renault Scala Launched @ INR 6.99 lakhs

Renault today launched the Scala sedan in Indian market at a starting price of INR 6.99 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi). We have been closely following the developments related with this car ever since it emerged that Renault had decided to come up with its version of the Nissan Sunny.

During the launch of the Renault SCALA, Marc NASSIF – MD, Renault India Pvt. Ltd.  commented “With the launch of the premium sedan Scala – Renault India is now present across segments of the Indian car market with products which meet our customer expectations and aspirations. The Scala is a product which offers the best in class comfort, elegance and  premium luxury at an affordable price. This will further enhance Renault’s presence in the country. With the launch of the Scala, Renault India has fulfilled its promise to launch 5 products in a record time of less than 18 months and open a pan India network of 100 dealers by the end of 2012. We also take this opportunity to thank our customers for responding so favorably to our products”.

As many of you might be aware, Renault and Nissan are present in an alliance in the Indian car market. Without getting into the details of this coalition, it would be safe to say that the two car manufacturers have been benefitting by platform and component sharing.

Now, soon after launching the much publicised Duster compact crossover, which is almost flying out of showrooms, Renault India has added a new weapon to its arsenal in the form of Scala sedan. It is a little known fact in the country that the Sunny and Scala brand names have been related since the time of Renault Samsung SM3, which came out in 2002 and is still in production.

The Scala is powered by the familiar 1.5 liter (1461cc) K9K diesel engine with a peak power output of 86PS at 3750 rpm and peak torque output rated at 200 Nm at 2000 rpm. The engine is mated with a 5 speed manual gearbox. There is a 1.5 liter (1498cc) petrol option as well with 99PS on tap at 6000 rpm with peak torque of 134 Nm delivered at 4000 rpm. The petrol engine will come equipped with a 5 speed stick shifter, as well as a CVT auto. The auto tranny would be exclusive to the petrol version. This is the same gearbox that Nissan has been testing for its Sunny and should launch it within a month’s time. 

Renault Scala price list-

Renault Scala Petrol:

Base Petrol Scala (RxE) – Rs 6.99 lakhs

Topend Petrol Scala (RxL) – Rs 7.85 lakhs

Renault Scala Diesel:

Base Diesel Scala (RxL) – Rs 8.69 lakhs

Topend Diesel Scala (RxZ) – Rs 9.57 lakhs

Fuel Economy :

Scala Petrol – 16.95 kmpl

Scala Diesel – 21.64 kmpl

The new car is being offered in 5 colours- Pearl White, Metallic Silver, Metallic Red, Metallic Blue & Solid Black. Renault India is also offering ‘Renault COMPLETE CARE’ service package which includes a 2+2 years/80,000Km warranty, labour free service at 2,000, 10,000 & 20,000Km and 24/7 Roadside Assistance

Click Here for Renault Scala First Drive Review

Nissan Sunny vs Renault Scala: Which one would you buy?

As expected, the Scala is very similar to the Nissan Sunny and the only difference one would spot on first glance will be an all new front fascia with a typical Renault beard, a new set of fog lamps and revised headlights. As with the Pulse, the new treatment to front end infuses a considerable spottiness to the car. Suddenly, I have started dreaming of front spoiler and side skirts for this car. The chrome plated grille enhances the visual appeal of the new fascia. In side profile, the car is very much the similar to the Sunny and the only difference is the new design of alloy wheels. Back at rear, the car gets a chrome strip running along the width of the boot lid. Yet another significant change is the new design motif for the tail lamps. The rear also gets a revised and a sportier bumper. On the inside, the car continues to bear a close resemblance to Sunny and the parent car’s traditional strengths of good interior space and decent quality of materials are present inside the Scala too. The new sedan borrows the engine options from the Sunny and hence, motors on offer continue to be the tried and tested 1.5-litre oil burner and the 1.5-litre petrol motor for the enthusiasts. Renault is also offering an option of a CVT transmission with their new sedan. The Scala becomes the first car in its segment to come with an option of a CVT transmission.

It will be interesting to see whether or not the success of Duster rubs off on to the Scala.