Renault Scala is revamped Nissan Sunny: Launch next month (Photos)

Scala is a compact sized saloon being launched specifically for car buyers in India. It may be seen from images here, that though it is being launched as a New Scala, the vehicle is nothing but a revamped Nissan Sunny which made its way into US markets as a Nissan Versa sedan. A few cosmetic changes here and there and the company has given the vehicle a new name for Indian customers. Scala has a new front façade, but shares its underpinnings with Renault Pulse. It possesses a new headlamp with chrome trimmed grille, new wheel designs and tail lamps.

Scala will go on sale in September and will possess not one but two engines built at the company plant in India itself. One of these engines will be a 1.5 liter four cylinder petrol engine offering 98 hp at 6,000 rpm while second will be a diesel engine of 85 hp at 3,750 rpm both mated to a five speed manual gearbox. Maximum torque is at 134 Nm at 4000 rpm for petrol variant and at 200 Nm at 2,000 rpm for diesel engined Scala.

Fuel efficiency for petrol variant is pegged at 12 kmpl while diesel counterpart will offer 15 kmpl. Prices are expected to be in Rs.7 to Rs.9 lakh range (ex-showroom). Comfortable for upto 5 adults and with a boot space of 490 liters, Scala has a remarkable ground clearance of 161 mm making it suitable for Indian road.

Renault Nissan alliance is relatively new in India. But their strategy of platform sharing is helping them to move up the ladder in the Indian auto industry. Nissan Micra launch followed with Renault’s Pulse. Nissan Sunny launch will now be followed by Renault Scala. Rumors about Nissan’s new 5 seater SUV based on Renault’s new Duster have started making rounds.

UPDATE: Renault Scala sedan to be launched on September 7th in India