Scala is Renault’s Dzire challenge

Built on the same platform as the Nissan Sunny, the Scala, Renault’s three-box version of the Pulse will be out around Diwali, and will be another new product from the Renault-Nissan alliance. Ammar Alvi checks out this new car:

After Fluence, Duster, Koleos and Pulse,  Renault is all set to bring in its three-box version of Pulse named Scala in the Indian market. This will be the companies fifth model to be launched in just fifteen months–the target set earlier by the company. The launch is expected to be around Diwali and the car will be a Renault-Nissan alliance product built on the same platform as the Nissan Sunny. The alliance has already tasted success with Nissan Micra which it launched the previous year.

We expect the same powertrains that you see in the Nissan Sunny, which means  a 1.5-litre petrol engine that makes 99PS of power and the 1.5-litre diesel motor which makes 86PS. If you see in the pictures the Scala is a longer version of the Pulse, which means that the front is more or less the same as that of Pulse; oval large headlamps separated by a single chrome grille. Short overhangs means more legroom and wheelbase for the passengers. The rear has a separate boot now which is very spacious and can hold good two full size bags. Overall the interiors are very refined with bells and whistles that you find in this segment.

We also expect a CVT or an automatic transmission introduced later after the company launches the regular versions. There is no word on the price yet but we expect it to be in the Rs 6-9 lakh range which is also the same range as that of Nissan Sunny. However expect it to take on the likes of Dzire, Vento and Sunny when it gets launched. For customers another choice is confusing but definitely appealing.