2012 RENAULT Scala 1.5L dCI FWD (86 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Renault introduced the Scala as the fifth model from a development program that was promised by the French automaker in 2004 when it entered the Indian market.

Since the French carmaker already had an alliance with Nissan, it used the Japanese platform for the Sunny to develop the Scala. All it had to do was to add some French-specific ingredients to the mix and call it a day.

Since the entire car was based on a Nissan product, the headlights resembled those installed on the Sunny and the Micra. The front fascia, on the other hand, sported a broad, diamond-shaped grille. In India, this car was sold as a premium vehicle in the mid-size segment. The Scala’s profile revealed the three-box bodywork with an arched roofline and a sloped rear windscreen. At the back, the automaker installed corner-mounted taillights that flanked the trunk’s lid.

Inside, the Scala’s interior looked much more like the one offered on the Nissan Sunny. Its center stack hosted the HVAC controls arranged in a dial-like pattern underneath the CD stereo. Unlike a premium vehicle, though, the Scala featured hard-plastic materials on the dashboard and door cards. At least the steering wheel featured a few buttons for the sound system. The vehicle was good for five adults, although the cramped rear seats could hardly accommodate three people due to limited legroom and headroom.

Under the hood, the carmaker offered the Scala with either gasoline or a turbo-diesel engine. The former was also available connected to a CVT, while the latter was a five-speed manual-only affair.