The Renault Scala is the newest entry level sedan to hit the Indian market. As we already know the Renault Nissan Alliance has been in full tandem swing in the country as the Nissan Micra and Renault Pulse are very much the same car based on similar platforms. The Nissan Sunny which was launched last year is the entry level sedan from Nissan and is passed on the Micra. The Scala is no different as it is the elongated version of the Renault Pulse. So essentially the Nissan Sunny sedan is the car with which the Renault Scala shares its platform. However there are some major changes in the design of the new Renault Scala. Firstly the Scala looks more premium than the Sunny. It’s got chrome finishing all over it and the front grille is much different along with the elongated front headlights and the re-designed tail lights.
On the inside both the Nissan Sunny and the Renault Scala are much the same, offering plenty of leg room as well as head room thanks to the high sloping roof line. The seats are very comfortable and the cabin extremely roomy. The ergonomics are much the same with the button configuration, controls and dials set up in the same manner, so nothing new in the interiors.
The Renault Scala we drove was the top of the line diesel engine that comes with a 1,461cc 4-cylinder unit that can pump out 84bhp and 200Nm of torque. The engine does have decent power outputs but there is a definite power lag when you try to accelerate. You get the most power for acceleration when you are somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000rpm in second gear, but when going up steep hills even this is not enough as the Scala really struggles to move your wheels. In most cases I was forced to shift into first gear to get the car to move up a hill. Other than that the engine performs really well and the drive quality is just fantastic. Most Renault cars have great suspension setups and they then provide really phenomenal driving experiences, and the Scala was spot on with this Renault DNA. The 5-speed gearbox also is easy to use with changing gears almost an effortless process thanks to the light clutch. The steering response is also very nice and the car handles brilliantly around corners and curves. Overall the drivability of the car is really good and what adds to the engines refinement is its great efficiency as the diesel will give you close to 17kmpl.
The Scala also comes with some great features such as keyless entry with start-stop button, leather seats and some high-tech safety features. As an entry level vehicle it does give you quite a lot for your money, and if a manual transmission is not something you want the automatic version will be available by the beginning of 2013.