In line with the commitment of launching five vehicles in 18 months, Renault India launched its fifth model named Scala targeting the likes of Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Nissan Sunny, Mahindra Verito. Built on the same platform as that of Nissan Sunny, the three box sedan is a decent model which hopes to find many takers. Ammar Alvi has more.
Renault Scala is a A3 segment sedan, built at the Renault-Nissan alliance plant in Chennai. The company, which so far has launched models like Fluence, Koleos, Pulse and Duster, is now aiming to strengthen its product portfolio in India and scale up its operations. The Scala that shares the same platform of Nissan Sunny is a elongated three box version of Pulse. In terms of looks it is very common to Pulse but then the company has tweaked a few things to make it look different.
According to Marc Nassif, MD, Renault India Pvt Ltd, “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 five products in a record time of less than 18 months and open a pan India network of 100 dealers by the end of 2012.”
The Renault Scala will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options. For the diesel variant it will use the reliable and fuel efficient 1.5 K9K, dCi diesel engine delivering a decent performance with 86PS@3750rpm as maximum power with a peak torque of 200Nm@2000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with a fuel efficiency of 21.64 kmpl (ARAI figure).
The other petrol variant uses the 1.5 XH2 engine with a displacement of 1.5 litre. It produces a maximum power of 99PS@6000rpm with a peak torque 134Nm @4000rpm. The petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with a fuel efficiency of 16.95 kmpl (ARAI
figure).
Other features include premium leather upholstery, steering mounted audio controls, automatic climate control, follow me headlamps, multifunctional smart key, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors. The exterior of the car is equally striking with elegant design, chrome radiator grill, smoke styled headlamps, Dual Tone rear bumper, chrome finish door handles, rear chrome garnish and 15 inch sporty alloy wheels. Priced between `6.99 lakh and `9.57 lakh ex-showroom, the Scala may not be the best in the lot but will have to fight it hard to get to the top slot in the A3 segment.
