Renault Scala

You've probably heard that the Renault Scala is a rebadged Nissan Sunny. Yes, it is. The French carmaker hasn't had budget-busting development costs to roll out their fifth car in fifteen months as it's a Sunny in disguise. But hey, look again — although it looks familiar, Renault has thrown in some smart design cues to make it a unique product. Let's go into detail.

Design

Up front, the Renault Scala looks much better than the Sunny. The large hexagonal grille with chrome-plated bars and Fluence-inspired headlamps stay true to the 'lozenge' logo. The Sunny roots are more obvious in profile, however, the Scala gets trendy alloy wheels and chrome beading around the glasshouse. There's a decent amount of Renault-isation at the rear, too. The tail lights are of the same shape but have a different design. The white strips on the tail lights join a large chrome garnish across the boot lid. As we saw on the Duster, the name 'SCALA' is embossed on the chrome strip. Overall, Renault has done a neat job of disguising the Scala's origins.

The interior of the Renault Scala is not in the first flush of youth. Except for the chrome logo on the steering wheel, the cabin is pure Nissan Sunny. But does that mean it's a bad thing? No! Never were plaudits more deserved than those showered upon Sunny's cabin space, so it's no wonder Renault decided not to mess with the winning formula. Although space is Scala's USP, lack of rear seat thigh support impinges on comfort. Top variants come with leather seats and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The interior is up to contemporary standards.

Features

Scala is available in three trims — RxE, RxL and RxZ and the features are similar to the ones of Sunny. The RxZ variant which I drove came with adjustable steering column, electric folding mirrors, rear defroster, rear comfort fan, push start button, keyless entry, climate control and steering mounted audio controls. My only quibble then was the absence of USB or Bluetooth supported audio system. The multi-info display shows tripmeter, instant consumption, average consumption, outside temperature and distance to empty. No compromise is made on safety as well; the Scala is equipped with ABS and driver airbags on all variants. Top variants get passenger airbags, too.

Performance, Ride and Handling

Scala buyers have the choice of a 1.5-litre dCi engine or a 1.5-litre petrol. The familiar K9K diesel engine produces 86 PS @ 3750 rpm and 200 Nm @ 2000 rpm, making Scala a quite responsive car once past some initial turbo lag. Yet, a little more oomph would be nice, especially when pulling out of a trafficky junction in second gear. Refinement is good, however, the diesel engine can be heard noisily in the cabin. The company claims a mileage of 16.95 kmpl for the petrol and 21.64 kmpl for the diesel.

Ranault had chosen a perfect test drive route from Chandigarh to Shimla. Thanks to the slightly tweaked suspension, the Scala hangs on well through sharp bends and feels stable on the highway. I was impressed with its ride quality and the way the suspension soaked up the gnarliest of roads. The steering is not as light as the Sunny but is responsive. However, Scala has a tendency to fishtail when thrown sharply into corners.

Renault is planning to launch Scala in the first week of September. Expect it to be roughly Rs. 30,000 costlier than its Sunny equivalent. Now you probably wonder why spend that extra money, but the Renault Scala certainly has sportier looks and better dynamics that make every extra penny worth the purchase.

Renault R-Space concept car

R-Space, unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor show, represents the "Family" stage in the company’s new life-cycle Design strategy. With a silhouette that is both sporty and sculptural and a playful interior, R-Space proves that a MPV can be cunning and innovative. It is also environment-friendly, as it is powered by a petrol concept engine that previews the new range of modular TCe engines, Energy TCe, that will be launched by Renault in 2012. Source: Renault.com

  The tapered profile of the side windows emphasises the dynamic profile, while the large windscreen and panoramic roof – the thickness of which gradually changes – transform the passenger compartment into a cosy cocoon of shade.

 Third phase of Laurens van den Acker's Design strategy, R-Space is a simple, sensuous and welcoming family vehicle. It also draws back to the sensuality of the first concept car of the cycle of life, DeZir.

Four settings can be programmed, from an all-flat surface, to a booster seat, a table or a random configuration (only when the vehicle is parked) for children games.

The cube in R-Space’s cabin is very much in evidence – to the extent of even forming the covering for the floor and door casings.

    R-Space is powered by the Energy TCe Concept engine. Packed with advanced features, this direct-injection petrol engine previews the new range of modular TCe engines that Renault will launch onto the market in 2012.

With a capacity of 900cc, this three-cylinder concept-engine is a product of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Mated to an automatic EDC double clutch gearbox, it provides the performance of a 1.6 litre engine, with a peak power of 110hp/80kW and 160Nm of torque.

   The Energy TCe Concept engine offers technologies such as direct fuel-injection, radio-frequency spark plugs, an Exhaust Gas Recirculation Boost system, a pulse Stop&Start system – and even a variable-displacement oil pump. Its reduced CO2 emissions have been kept to only 95g/km, equivalent to a fuel consumption of only 3.7 litres/100km, without sacrificing performance.

  R-Space is also equipped with the Visio-System, a forward-facing camera sending information on the vehicle’s surroundings (traffic lights, pedestrian crossings etc), to the "DRIVINGECO²" function that indicates the best way to drive economically in each situation.

    At the end of the journey, the "DRIVINGECO² Score" function rates the driver’s eco-driving performance, detailing various parameters such as the use of brakes and engine braking.

.    The fun side of improving one’s eco-driving performance is something that can also be shared in real time with the passengers : children in the rear playing video games on the seat screens automatically receive bonus points if the driver achieves a particularly good eco-score on a section of the journey.

    This family car features double doors which, unobstructed by any central pillar, give clear access to a spectacular interior designed to trigger strong emotions from the very first glance, and a feeling of space and openness.

    With a capacity of 900cc, this three-cylinder concept-engine is a product of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Mated to an automatic EDC double clutch gearbox, it provides the performance of a 1.6 litre engine, with a peak power of 110hp/80kW and 160Nm of torque.

   The theme being that of the family, it was the image of the family Sunday breakfast that provided the inspiration for R-Space’s colours and materials. The tenderness and warmth of these shared moments find their expression in tones that are warm and "sweet".

1.    The nose of R-Space adapts the new visual identity (centred on the large, vertically-oriented Renault lozenge), already used on DeZir and Captur.

  In terms of interior design, the family likeness to the DeZir concept car is clearly visible at the front in the forms of the dashboard and seats.

  The driver enjoys a cockpit-like environment, with a section of the seemingly floating dashboard being specifically dedicated to driving functions.

    The interlinking movement suggested by the front seat backrests is a return to the idea of a couple in love.

   The rear area of the vehicle revolves around children. With a flexible and infinitely versatile play space, it is shaped by twenty-seven cubes, powered by miniature motors.

Renault R-Space concept car importance :

Four settings can be programmed, from an all-flat surface, to a booster seat, a table or a random configuration (only when the vehicle is parked) for children games.

1.    Third phase of Laurens van den Acker's Design strategy, R-Space is a simple, sensuous and welcoming family vehicle. It also draws back to the sensuality of the first concept car of the cycle of life, DeZir.

2.    This family car features double doors which, unobstructed by any central pillar, give clear access to a spectacular interior designed to trigger strong emotions from the very first glance, and a feeling of space and openness.

3.    The theme being that of the family, it was the image of the family Sunday breakfast that provided the inspiration for R-Space’s colours and materials. The tenderness and warmth of these shared moments find their expression in tones that are warm and "sweet".

4.    The tapered profile of the side windows emphasises the dynamic profile, while the large windscreen and panoramic roof – the thickness of which gradually changes – transform the passenger compartment into a cosy cocoon of shade.

5.    The nose of R-Space adapts the new visual identity (centred on the large, vertically-oriented Renault lozenge), already used on DeZir and Captur.

6.    In terms of interior design, the family likeness to the DeZir concept car is clearly visible at the front in the forms of the dashboard and seats.

7.    The driver enjoys a cockpit-like environment, with a section of the seemingly floating dashboard being specifically dedicated to driving functions.

8.    The interlinking movement suggested by the front seat backrests is a return to the idea of a couple in love.

9.    The rear area of the vehicle revolves around children. With a flexible and infinitely versatile play space, it is shaped by twenty-seven cubes, powered by miniature motors.

10.  Four settings can be programmed, from an all-flat surface, to a booster seat, a table or a random configuration (only when the vehicle is parked) for children games.

11.  The cube in R-Space’s cabin is very much in evidence – to the extent of even forming the covering for the floor and door casings.

12.  R-Space is powered by the Energy TCe Concept engine. Packed with advanced features, this direct-injection petrol engine previews the new range of modular TCe engines that Renault will launch onto the market in 2012.

13.  With a capacity of 900cc, this three-cylinder concept-engine is a product of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Mated to an automatic EDC double clutch gearbox, it provides the performance of a 1.6 litre engine, with a peak power of 110hp/80kW and 160Nm of torque.

14.  The Energy TCe Concept engine offers technologies such as direct fuel-injection, radio-frequency spark plugs, an Exhaust Gas Recirculation Boost system, a pulse Stop&Start system – and even a variable-displacement oil pump. Its reduced CO2 emissions have been kept to only 95g/km, equivalent to a fuel consumption of only 3.7 litres/100km, without sacrificing performance.

15.  R-Space is also equipped with the Visio-System, a forward-facing camera sending information on the vehicle’s surroundings (traffic lights, pedestrian crossings etc), to the "DRIVINGECO²" function that indicates the best way to drive economically in each situation.

16.  At the end of the journey, the "DRIVINGECO² Score" function rates the driver’s eco-driving performance, detailing various parameters such as the use of brakes and engine braking.

17.  The fun side of improving one’s eco-driving performance is something that can also be shared in real time with the passengers : children in the rear playing video games on the seat screens automatically receive bonus points if the driver achieves a particularly good eco-score on a section of the journey.