Reference Auto

Renault seems to be accelerating its presence in the Indian market in a big way: Just after launching its sedan Scala, it is gearing up to bring in an automatic gearbox version dubbed as the Xtronic (which is similar to the automatic gearbox model of the Honda City) in may be a couple of months, which will bring cheer to auto buffs.

There will be two trims of the new Scala – the RxL and RxZ – and the prices are likely to be Rs 8.99 lakh and Rs 9.89 lakh respectively.

The new automatic Scala is also sold as Nissan Versa in the American market in place of the ‘inefficient’ torque-convertor-type automatic gearbox.

The new version will have a belt-and-pulley type Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT gearbox, which is more hi-tech and increases acceleration and mileage of a car.

But the traditional torque-type may be a bit old fashioned in design and function, but is cheaper to maintain than modern automatics.

India is among the first nations to make use of the CVT technology. The current version of the Scala comes in a 1.5 litre petrol or a similar diesel engine and is slugging it out in a segment where there is intense competition amid surging sales in the recent past.

The engine of the new Scala is a 1,498 cc four-cylinder one and the petrol version comes with 97 bhp@6,000 rpm of maximum power and maximum torque is 134 nm@4,000 rpm.

According to ARAI, the Scala Xtronic has fuel efficiency of 18.64 km per litre. But if we get more realistic, the actual fuel efficiency could be around 12 km per litre, which can be dubbed as a tad higher than average.

Talking numbers, the Xtronic CVT transmission gearbox produces nearly 30 per cent less friction, is 10 per cent smaller and 13 per cent lighter than conventional CVT cars.

The Xtronic will also pave the way for unlimited gear change ratios, resulting in smoother gear shifting, accurate speed control, smoother and stable engine braking, quick responsiveness to quick throttle and a smoother drive.

The Renault Scala Xtronic comes with automatic climate control with air quality filter, tilt adjustable electric power steering, height adjustable driver seats, rear blowers for comfort and electrically adjustable and foldable outer rear view mirror.

Many companies like Honda did have a go with CVT tech but reverted to the traditional gearbox. A reworked CVT version has also been used on the Teana, which is smoother during gear shift and more fuel efficient compared to conventional torque converter cars.

So, with Xtronic technology giving such marvelous and myriad results, the new Renault Scala could be in the radar of car buffs, who may want to buy it in place of the old Scala, even though Renault is yet to make a big splash in the Indian market.