Renault Launches Somewhat Prettier and More Luxurious Nissan Versa as the New Scala in India

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Looks aren’t one of the Nissan Versa's (or as it's called in other markets around the world, Sunny) strong points. The fact that is heavily based on the Micra sub-compact featuring odd proportions and small wheels doesn't help either.

Nevertheless, Renault's designers were able to make their version of the Versa / Sunny, the new Indian market Scala, look a tad more presentable by applying a few styling tricks.

These include the completely new front fascia sporting the brand's family grille along with different tail lamps connected through a chrome strip and matte black trim for the bumper that takes some weight off the rear end.

It still won't win any styling competitions, but at least in these pictures, it looks better and dare we say, slightly more premium than the Nissan models.

The new Scala that launched today, September 7, is Renault's fifth model for India and follows the Fluence saloon, the Koleos crossover, the related Pulse hatchback (based on the Micra), and the Duster SUV

“With the launch of Scala, Renault India has fulfilled its promise to launch 5 products in less than 18 months and to open a pan India network of 100 dealerships by the end of 2012,” said Marc Nassif, Managing Director at Renault India.

Believe it or not, Renault says that vehicles like the Scala often have a chauffeur in India, which is why the company says it took "special care to ensure the comfort of the driver and rear passengers".

And by this, the French automaker means it added several luxury amenities to the Scala's standard equipment such as leather upholstery, 2 cup-holders in the rear seat armrest, automatic climate control with rear blowers, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors, multifunctional Smart Key, Stop/Start button, and steering mounted audio controls.

Safety features include dual airbags for driver and passenger, ABS with EBD and brake assist, and front fog lamps.

From launch, the new Scala is offered with two engine options, a 1.5-liter dCi diesel producing 84hp (86PS) and a 1.5-liter petrol rated at 98hp (99PS).

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To the Popemobile: Renault Gifts Two Specially Modded Kangoo Maxi Z.E. to Pope Benedict XVI

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The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, has received a new set of wheels, courtesy of French carmaker Renault.

The Pope's new ride is based on the pure-electric Kangoo Maxi Z.E. and was developed in association with the French coachbuilder Gruau, while Renault also donated a second vehicle to the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City.

The two specially modified models were handed over to the Bishop of Rome on Wednesday, September 5, by Renault’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn during a visit to the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

“This donation to His Holiness is a means for Renault to reaffirm its strong and durable commitment to sustainable development and respect for the environment,” said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault Group.

Renault said that the Pope would use the new electric-powered vehicle when he is travelling at his summer residence.

The Kangoo Maxi Z.E. is finished in white with the Papal coat of arms depicted on the doors. It measures 4.6m in length and 1.8m in width with power coming from a 44kW (59hp) electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that offers a driving range of around 170km or 106 miles.

A Vatican spokesman told reporters that the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. won't be replacing the specially modified Mercedes-Benz M-Class as the Popemobile for public appearances as it lacks the necessary security features.

The other Kangoo Maxi Z.E. features a similar design, though its blue livery features a white and yellow stripe along each flank. This car will be used by the Corps of Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City for the Pope’s security.

Thanks to Bruno R. for the heads up!

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