INDIA: Renault launches Scala

According to khabarkhodro، Renault has introduced the locally made Scala, its fifth car line for India, with both petrol and diesel models on offer. Both petrol and diesel models in turn are offered in two variants.

The base petrol model (RXE) is priced at INR699,000 (US$12,533) while the high-end RXL is priced at INR785,000, reported IBN Live. The diesel variants, RXL and RXZ, cost INR869,000 and INR957,000, respectively.

The Scala's rivals include the Nissan Sunny, Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento, Hyundai Verna and Honda City, all also locally produced.

The Scala is a spin-off of alliance partner Nissan's Sunny, also built and sold in India, and it shares its 100PS petrol and 86PS diesel engines with that model. The automaker later will also offer an automatic gearbox option for the petrol versions.

According to Renault, the Scala is also sold in Mexico, Colombia and Egypt where trim levels are Expression and Privilège. ABS, double airbags, central locking, air conditioning and a AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio, are among features standard, according to market.

The automaker said it took "special care" with the Indian version "to ensure the comfort of the driver and rear passengers since Indian owners of this type of vehicle often have a chauffeur". It claimed the Scala has the best roominess in its class, plus "premium perceived quality". Leather upholstery and two cup-holders in the rear seat armrest are standard.

Indian market equipment includes automatic climate control with rear blowers, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors, multifunctional smart key with stop/start button, and steering mounted audio controls. Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, and front fog lamps.

The Indian Scala is made in the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Chennai. It is based on the Renault-Samsung SM3 CE made in Busan, South Korea.