Renault ‘Scala’ entry-level sedan: Nissan Sunny in disguise!

Renault will launch the ‘Scala’ entry-level sedan during the second half of 2012. The Scala is nothing but a ‘badge-engineered’ Nissan Sunny, with a few small cosmetic changes similar to the Renault Pulse which was derived from the Nissan Micra.

Also, since the Pulse is priced at a slight premium than the Micra, we expect the Renault Scala to be priced at a premium as against Sunny as well.

Looks, space and comfort

We can expect a new front grille, a new bumper design, modified headlamps and taillamps on the Scala. The Scala will likely be more aggressive when compared to the Sunny.

The space and comfort of the Sunny will be retained in the Scala as there won’t be any changes in the dimensions of the car. The Sunny is one of the most spacious sedans in its segment and so will be the Scala. Also read: Nissan Sunny Automatic spotted testing in Chennai!

Thanks to a wide wheelbase of 2,600 mm of the Sunny, the back seat of the Scala will also boast of amazing space (as in the Sunny) in terms of leg room, head room and shoulder room as well. Even with a six foot tall person in the driving seat, there will be more than enough legroom at the rear for another equally well built individual.

Performance

The Scala is expected to have the same engines that power the Sunny. The Scala will be powered by the same 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder K9K engine that powers the Sunny diesel version. This motor churns out 85 bhp of power and a maximum torque of 200 Nm, mated to five speed manual gear box. The ARAI-certified fuel economy of the Sunny diesel is 21.6 kmpl and it will likely be the same for Scala as well.

It is yet to be known whether Renault will offer the Scala in petrol variant. If this happens, the Scala will likely be powered by a 1.5 litre motor used in the Sunny petrol version. This engine puts out a 98 bhp of maximum power and 134 Nm of maximum torque. The ARAI-certified mileage is 16.95 kmpl for the Sunny petrol and hence, the Scala petrol version will also have the same mileage.

Expected features

Expect the Renault Scala to have features such as a smart key with trunk release function, a start-stop button, a multi-information display, automatic climate control, fine vision meters and steering mounted audio controls. Electric folding mirror and rear comfort fan will likely be offered in the Scala.

Expected price

At present, Nissan Sunny is priced in the range of Rs. 5.78 lakh – Rs.7.68 lakh for the petrol version and Rs. 7.98 lakh – 8.78 lakh for the diesel version. Post budget, the company may hike prices of up to Rs. 10,000 and hence new price range could be Rs. 5.88 lakh – 7.78 lakh for the petrol version and Rs. 8.08 lakh – 8.88 lakh for the diesel version.

The Renault Scala is expected to be priced at around Rs. 10,000 more than the Sunny and hence the petrol variants may be priced in the range of Rs. 5.98 lakh – Rs. 7.88 lakh while the diesel variants may be priced in the range of Rs. 8.18 lakh – Rs. 8.98 lakh.

Summary

The C-segment has already witnessed a ‘badge-engineered’ Skoda Rapid derived from Volkswagen Vento. And now, the Renault Scala and Nissan Sunny pair had born out of badge engineering. The Sunny has witnessed a warm welcome among car buyers in its segment. Renault will hope that the Scala will help the brand reach out more buyers. But, the company has to expand its dealers, sales and service network rapidly besides ensuring lower maintenance costs.