[sgmuser]

Great photos and text.

Scala looks far more sofisticated than Sunny, imho esp the higher versions. Yes, Scala could have better interior to differentiate from Sunny's dull grey interior. I drove Sunny petrol the Automatic version, it feels cheapo, drives sedate. The highway drive around 100 was very decent and the exceptional backseat legroom is a boon. But at some time, the extra length of the vehicle is too much to handle.

One thing, if anyone noticed, the test car has rear disc break? I see a small aluminum shine in one of the photos.

[_raVan_]

Great work with your first review Noopster I am in agreement with GTO that its a great move by Renault to launch Scala soon after Duster. They are gearing up their portfolio in a good way. Hope they expand their service centers and provide better sales experience.

About the car itself, it definitely looks better than Sunny, but for the price difference they could have given better brakes and some Renault exclusivity

What next? Van based on Evalia?

[noopster]

Originally Posted by sgmuser

One thing, if anyone noticed, the test car has rear disc break? I see a small aluminum shine in one of the photos.

Nope, front discs only.

Originally Posted by _raVan_

What next? Van based on Evalia?

Nope again. Renault is pretty set, product-wise, for now. They are not going to launch any new products in the near future.

Originally Posted by SujAce

...you've made my life difficult now. After TD-ing various cars, I had kind of finalised on the Sunny due to its VFM-ness - when this review comes along... Guess I'll need to visit the Renault showroom once to check out the Scala.

Any idea how good/bad is Renault's ASS? I've not heard much abt them yet, so checking. Let me know pls.

SujAce, if you've selected the Sunny for its VFM, you are on to a good thing and should probably go ahead. Trust me, when you drive the Scala, it is EXACTLY the same as the Sunny.
Renault's A.S.S is an unknown quantity for now. Check some ownership reports of people with Fluence and Pulse- it may help.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by noopster

So, what's new vis-a-vis the Nissan Sunny?

• Different front & rear end treatment (including sheet metal changes, lights & bumpers)
• The top-end RxZ trim gets leather seats & door inserts
• The middle RxL variant also gets alloy wheels and the fine vision meter console
• Follow-me-home lamps have been added
• Alloy wheels from the Renault Pulse
• Lower variants get a different seat upholstery colour combination
• Some more chrome
• Petrol available in base RxE and mid RxL trims only
• Diesel available in mid RxL and top-end RxZ trims only
• Petrol CVT automatic expected to hit the market in early 2013
• A 2+2 year / 80,000 km warranty

the latest What Car indicates that the rear seats in the Scala drop down to liberate more space. Is this correct? Can you please confirm or is this a reporting blooper by What Car?

To the best of my knowledge this is not something available on my Sunny but can't wait to get back to my car and check first hand. If anyone knows this too off hand please do drop a line.

Thanks

[ajay_satpute]

Watch Renault Scala official launch video LIVE on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/Renault.co.i...6510778?ref=ts

Overall, the CEO is extremely happy and excited that the Duster has given them the required foothold on Indian soil.

[speedmiester]

For people who cannot access facebook in office, try this link on Rediff.

http://www.rediff.com/business/repor...a/20120907.htm

[RavenAvi]

Scala RxE Petrol - 6,99,000/-

Scala RxL Petrol - 7,85,000/-

Scala RxL Diesel - 8,69,000/-

Scala RxZ Diesel - 9,57,000/-

All prices, ex-showroom Delhi.

[vibbs]

Originally Posted by RavenAvi

Scala RxE Petrol - 6,99,000/-

Scala RxL Petrol - 7,85,000/-

Scala RxL Diesel - 8,69,000/-

Scala RxZ Diesel - 9,57,000/-

All prices, ex-showroom Delhi.

A quick comparison with the autocar print magazine tells me that except for the base petrol which is priced at 1 lakh more than the Sunny, all other models are priced at a premium of 50-60K.

I m confused as to what to think about the pricing. Would be interesting to know the views of the experts here on pricing.

[sameerg001]

Originally Posted by vibbs

A quick comparison with the autocar print magazine tells me that except for the base petrol which is priced at 1 lakh more than the Sunny, all other models are priced at a premium of 50-60K.

I m confused as to what to think about the pricing. Would be interesting to know the views of the experts here on pricing.

Petrol -:

Sunny XE - 588,000 Scala RxE Petrol - 6,99,000/-

Sunny XL - 698,000 Scala RxL Petrol - 7,85,000/-

Sunny XV - 778,000

Diesel -:

Sunny XL - 798,000 Scala RxL Diesel - 8,69,000/-

Sunny XV - 878,000 Scala RxZ Diesel - 9,57,000/-

I am not impressed with the pricing at all. Why would i pay around a lakh for Scala over sunny, only sole difference being exteriors.

You see the interiors and i am pretty sure, you won't be able to tell the difference between two, without seeing the exteriors.

Among these two, Sunny is far more VFM.

And don't forget the vento, with the recent addition of new feautres and Price reduction ( highline variant ) Vento should be the ideal choice among the segment.

Cheers,
Sameer

[helloemperor]

I think 50-60 k markup on sunny is fair given the changes in the design and interior minor changes done.

I am looking to pick either Scala or Sunny and for me the decision is boiling down to two things:

1. The looks of the two cars - I like Nissan's front and Scala's rear. Wish they would have merged it . would now need to concede ground somewhere.

2. Nissan vs Renault per se from a long term after sale service and maintenance perspective

Seniors please provide your expert thoughts - Nissan or Renault ?

Thanks.

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Sunny XL - 798,000 Scala RxL Diesel - 8,69,000/-

Sunny XV - 878,000 Scala RxZ Diesel - 9,57,000/-

The XV is not priced well at all. The only extra discerning feature in the Scala is leather seats.

The Scala XL is a little better than the Sunny XL since you get alloy wheels as well as the fine vision meters.

Overall it's not great pricing but not too bad either. Very similar to the Rapid and Vento price difference.

[GTO]

Not impressed with the pricing. Those looking at a workhorse (as I did) would buy the diesel mid-variant. The onroad price difference crosses 60K. I'd rather buy a Sunny top-end with better alloys, pure keyless entry, engine start / stop button, foglamps etc. for another 20K.

The top-variant diesel gets leather (over the Sunny), but asks 70K on the road for it.

The difference in petrol is alarming. It's 1.10 lakhs OTR for the base, and close to 90K for the mid.

Renault is trying to establish itself as a premium brand, but it's lesser known than Nissan. It runs the risk of being branded as an "overpriced" brand....especially if Nissan eventually launches a cheaper Duster. I'd have accepted a price difference of 40K, but this is too much.

The Scala also extends the price difference the Sunny had over the competent Tata Manza (niggles aside).

The VW Vento Highline costs only 30K more! The Scala is down on horsepower, torque, driving pleasure, handling, BRAKES and interior quality. Seriously, between the Scala & Vento at nearly the same price, it's a no brainer (VW's suspect reliability aside).

[vibbs]

Originally Posted by sameerg001

Petrol -:

Sunny XE - 588,000 Scala RxE Petrol - 6,99,000/-

Sunny XL - 698,000 Scala RxL Petrol - 7,85,000/-

Sunny XV - 778,000

Diesel -:

Sunny XL - 798,000 Scala RxL Diesel - 8,69,000/-

Sunny XV - 878,000 Scala RxZ Diesel - 9,57,000/-

I am not impressed with the pricing at all. Why would i pay around a lakh for Scala over sunny, only sole difference being exteriors.

You see the interiors and i am pretty sure, you won't be able to tell the difference between two, without seeing the exteriors.

Among these two, Sunny is far more VFM.

And don't forget the vento, with the recent addition of new feautres and Price reduction ( highline variant ) Vento should be the ideal choice among the segment.

Cheers,
Sameer

Slight difference in prices and one major disagreement.
Petrol
Nissan Sunny XE Rs. 5,93,310/-
Nissan Sunny XL Rs. 7,05,141/-
Nissan Sunny XV Rs. 7,86,471/-

Diesel

XL- Rs. 8,11,888/-
XV-Rs. 8,93,218/-


Which means the base petrol of scala is priced at a premium of 1 lakh.
Petrol XL is at a premium of 80K

Diesels are more closely priced.

XL is at a premium of 58K and XV at 63K

Disagreement over the point that Vento is the ideal choice. As a drivers car, may be, but not everyone, not always buys a car just for the joy of driving, which in itself is highly subjective and varies from person to person. IMO there is no ideal choice in any segment. Its always about compromises and which compromises you are ready to accept and which not.

Originally Posted by GTO

Renault is trying to establish itself as a premium brand, but it's lesser known than Nissan. It runs the risk of being branded as an "overpriced" brand....especially if Nissan eventually launches a cheaper Duster. I'd have accepted a price difference of 40K, but this is too much.

Agree, more so considering the fact that Scala doesn't really come across as more premium than the Sunny. I was looking at the sunny as my probable next buy and the different styling of Scala interested me, but the price difference has dampened the joy. I think if one is deciding to buy a scala, Diesel XL makes most sense. No sense in going for petrol, Sunny is any day a better buy.

[S_U_N]

Originally Posted by GTO

The top-variant diesel gets leather (over the Sunny), but asks 70K on the road for it.

The difference in petrol is alarming. It's 1.10 lakhs OTR for the base, and close to 90K for the mid.

The prices are high, but they also need to factor in the discount season starting October. So, they have already put in some buffer from the word go.
I know this can go the Jazz way, but it is like playing defensive in the game of Chess. Risky business, this automobile thingy.

[satish_appasani]

Nissan sales guy called me at the same time when Renault was launching Scala. He said they are offereing 6.5K cash discount on Nissan Sunny.