Renault Scala RxE

The Renault Scala RxE is a mid-size sedan that leverages the platform of the Nissan Sunny but with several aesthetic and feature enhancements. It boasts a striking exterior design with a large grille, stylish headlights, and attractive alloy wheels, which set it apart from its Nissan counterpart. Inside, the Scala retains the same interior layout as the Sunny, including a grayish dashboard, circular AC controls, and a twin-pod instrument cluster. The car is known for its spacious cabin, offering ample legroom and comfortable seating for five occupants. The 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine provides robust performance and good fuel efficiency. Safety features include ABS with EBD, ESP, and twin airbags in the top variants. The Scalas suspension setup ensures a smooth ride quality, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruises. Overall, it is a reliable and practical choice for those seeking a comfortable and spacious sedan without breaking the bank.

The Renault Scala RxE was priced competitively in the Indian market. At the time of its launch, the ex-showroom price for the diesel RxE variant was around Rs 8.69 lakh in Delhi. When considering on-road prices, which include additional costs such as registration, insurance, and other taxes, the total would have been approximately Rs 10-11 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing positioned the Scala as a premium option compared to the Nissan Sunny but still within the reach of many buyers looking for a mid-size sedan with good space and comfort.

The Renault Scala RxE, powered by the 1.5-litre diesel K9K engine, offers impressive fuel efficiency. According to ARAI, the manual diesel variant achieves a mileage of 21.64 kmpl, which is quite commendable for a sedan of its size. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage figures close to 18-20 kmpl, making it a cost-effective choice for daily driving and long road trips. This makes the Scala an attractive option for those concerned about running costs and fuel efficiency.

The Renault Scala RxE, while essentially a rebadged Nissan Sunny, offers a compelling package for those seeking a spacious and comfortable sedan. The exterior design, with its aggressive grille, stylish headlights, and new alloy wheels, gives the Scala a more appealing look compared to its Nissan counterpart. However, the interior remains largely unchanged from the Sunny, which might feel a bit outdated. The car excels in cabin space, comfort, and ride quality, making it ideal for chauffeur-driven owners or those needing a reliable family car. The diesel engine, particularly the 1.5-litre K9K, is robust and handles both city and highway duties well, though it lacks an automatic transmission option. Overall, the Scala is a solid choice for practicality and comfort, but it may not stand out in terms of modern features or performance.

Renault India has silently launched the RxE diesel variant of the Scala sedan, priced at Rs. 8.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This base variant is Rs. 50,000 cheaper than the mid-level RxL diesel variant and comes with a 1.5-litre k9K diesel engine producing 85PS and 200Nm of torque. It features a five-speed manual gearbox and basic amenities like one airbag, AC, and internally adjustable mirrors. I think this move could attract more budget-conscious buyers.

The Renault Scala RxE diesel variant lacks some key features compared to the RxL variant, including only one airbag, no rear defogger, and wheel caps instead of alloy wheels. However, it retains the same powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine as the higher variants. This stripped-down version is aimed at those prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability. I believe this could be a smart choice for those on a tight budget.

Renault India had previously discontinued the base RxE variant and automatic variants of the Scala, but the recent reintroduction of the RxE diesel variant suggests a strategy to revamp the models appeal. The Scala is essentially a rebadged version of the Nissan Sunny, and this move might help Renault regain some market share in the sedan segment. I think this is a good step towards making the Scala more competitive.

The Renault Scala RxE diesel variant continues to offer a spacious cabin and comfortable seating, which are significant selling points for this sedan. Despite being a base model, it provides ample boot space of 490 liters, making it practical for daily use. I believe the combination of space and fuel efficiency will be a major draw for potential buyers.

Although the Renault Scala RxE diesel variant is now available, it does not come with advanced safety features like dual airbags or ABS with EBD, which are standard in higher variants. This could be a concern for safety-conscious buyers. However, the basic safety kit includes one airbag and internally adjustable mirrors. I think Renault should consider adding more safety features to this variant.