Looks aren’t one of the Nissan Versa’s (or as it’s called in other markets around the world, Sunny) strong points. The fact that is heavily based on the Micra sub-compact featuring odd proportions and small wheels doesn’t help either.
Nevertheless, Renault’s designers were able to make their version of the Versa / Sunny, the new Indian market Scala, look a tad more presentable by applying a few styling tricks.
These include the completely new front fascia sporting the brand’s family grille along with different tail lamps connected through a chrome strip and matte black trim for the bumper that takes some weight off the rear end.
It still won’t win any styling competitions, but at least in these pictures, it looks better and dare we say, slightly more premium than the Nissan models.
The new Scala that launched today, September 7, is Renault’s fifth model for India and follows the Fluence saloon, the Koleos crossover, the related Pulse hatchback (based on the Micra), and the Duster SUV
“With the launch of Scala, Renault India has fulfilled its promise to launch 5 products in less than 18 months and to open a pan India network of 100 dealerships by the end of 2012,” said Marc Nassif, Managing Director at Renault India.
Believe it or not, Renault says that vehicles like the Scala often have a chauffeur in India, which is why the company says it took “special care to ensure the comfort of the driver and rear passengers”.
And by this, the French automaker means it added several luxury amenities to the Scala’s standard equipment such as leather upholstery, 2 cup-holders in the rear seat armrest, automatic climate control with rear blowers, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors, multifunctional Smart Key, Stop/Start button, and steering mounted audio controls.
Safety features include dual airbags for driver and passenger, ABS with EBD and brake assist, and front fog lamps.
From launch, the new Scala is offered with two engine options, a 1.5-liter dCi diesel producing 84hp (86PS) and a 1.5-liter petrol rated at 98hp (99PS).
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