Renault plans to introduce its own version of the Nissan Sunny in the second half of 2012. The re-badged saloon will be called the Scala, and will be mechanically identical to the Sunny. Which means that the Scala should come with the same 1.5-litre 84.8bhp diesel motor that powers the Sunny, but it’s not clear whether Renault will offer the 1.5 petrol at launch.
The Renault Pulse, re-badged Micra, is currently available with only a diesel engine. Just like the Pulse, the Scala is expected to come with some cosmetic changes to give it a Renault identity and distinguish it from its Japanese sibling. However, these changes are likely to be minor, limited only to parts such as the bumper and grille.
Keeping with brand positioning within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, the Scala is expected to be priced marginally higher than the Sunny.
Renault is hopeful that the Scala will boost the Renault brand in the same way the Sunny did for Nissan.