Renault Scala is the new kid on the block and has been launched at a very interesting price of Rs. 6.99 lakhs for the base petrol variant. Renault is offering the Scala in four variants including two petrol and two diesel. One more Petrol automatic variant of the Scala will be launched in early 2013 in India. Enough of attention is being gained by diesel cars now a days but since Renault has introduced the Scala petrol variants at very luring prices, we are so very interested in comparing the same with one of the best petrol sedans till date, the Honda City. Since the city comes with petrol engine only, we will compare only the petrol variants of both these cars in this article.
Exteriors Comparison
Scala from Renault is the new entry in the entry level sedan segment and I have to say that Renault has done a good job. Renault and Nissan are now one not just on paper but to the core. Both the companies have adopted the strategy of rebranding each other’s products and sell them with their own name. I am telling you all this because Scala is nothing but the Sunny. Except for the exterior look, the Scala is completely a Sunny.
Coming to the looks now, it is indeed better than the Sunny. From the front it resembles the Renault Pulse while the rear has been reworked by Renault and to an extent they have made it better than the Sunny. It looks huge and has the touch of elegance to it.
Now Honda City is serving the market for a really long time and the latest 2012 model isn’t any different from the i-VTEC which created a stir with its uber cool looks. It is sharp, sporty and very modern and has a brilliant road presence. The 2012 model has a new grille, new tail lamps, restyled bumpers etc.
Renault Scala Dimensions
- Length: 4425 mm
- Width: 1695 mm
- Height: 1505 mm
- Wheelbase: 2600 mm
2011 Honda City Dimensions
- Overall Length: 4440 mm
- Overall Width: 1695 mm
- Overall Height: 1485 mm
- Wheelbase 2550 mm
If you look at the length, height and wheelbase of the two cars, you would notice that Scala is marginally ahead. Of these the most important is the wheelbase of Scala which is quite good and will ensure better interior space.
Interiors Comparison
image – Renault Scala Interior
To maximize revenues Renault and Nissan are sharing majority of components and it is very much evident from the passenger cabin of Scala. If you have seen the Sunny from inside, then you will easily make out that Scala and Sunny are exactly same. The only difference you would notice is the steering wheel with a Renault logo. The Scala is a better car than the Sunny in terms of features ad the list includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, rear arm rests with cup holders, dual airbags, antilock braking system (ABS) with EBD and brake assist, engine immobilizer, fog lamps, rear defroster, audio system with 4 speakers AM/FM, steering mounted audio controls etc.
image-2011 Honda City Interior
The City was recently updated with a number of features which make it even more appealing. The comfort level is great and the added features complement it to the fullest. The list of features include Cruise Control, Better Quality Seat Fabrics, Blue Meter Graphics, Chrome garnished central console, Chrome door handles and silver linings on interior door trims, New Integrated audio system starting from E Variant with USB, iPod support with remote control, Aux-input, MP3, AM/FM Radio and speed based volume compensation, dual front SRS airbags, ABS with brake assist, EBD, G-CON, ECU immobilizer system, rear defogger etc.
Petrol Engine Comparison Of Renault Scala Vs Honda City
Renault Scala Petrol Engine
- XH2 MPFI petrol engine
- Displacement: 1498 CC
- Max Power of 98 BHP @ 6000 RPM
- Max Torque of 134 Nm @ 4000 RPM
- 5 Speed Manual Transmission; Automatic Transmission (CVT) model to come later
- ARAI certified mileage of 16.95 KMPL
2011 Honda City Petrol Engine
- SOHC 4 Cylinder 16 Valve i-VTEC VVTI Engine
- PGM-FI 1.5 Litre MPFI Petrol Engine
- Displacement 1497 CC
- Max Power of 118.4 BHP @ 6600 RPM
- Max Torque of 145 Nm @ 4800 RPM
- 5 Speed Manual Transmission or 5 Speed Automatic with Grade Logic Control with torque converter
- ARAI tested mileage of 16.8 KMPL
Scala features a XH2 1498 CC petrol engine that is good for 98 BHP of max power and 134 Nm of peak torque. On the contrary City’s 1.5 litre engine delivers slightly better power and torque figures; 118 BHP and 145 Nm. Mileage wise both the cars are at par with 16.9 KMPL and 16.8 KMPL for Scala and City respectively.
Performance & Handling – Renault Scala Vs Honda City
The City has shown major improvements in various areas over the past two years and handling is one of them. It is sharp at corners and has a brilliantly tuned suspension that ensures comfort and stability. The Scala is again a very good car and is very comfortable but as far as handling is concerned it may not surprise you as City does.
Price
Renault Scala Price
- Renault Scala Petrol RXE with MT is priced at Rs. 6.99 Lakhs
- Renault Scala Petrol RXL with MT is priced at Rs. 7.85 Lakhs
- Renault Scala Petrol RXL with AT (CVT) is expected to be priced at Rs. 8.50 Lakhs (Estimated)
Honda City Price
- Honda City Corporate: : Rs. 7.25 lakhs
- Honda City 1.5 E MT: Rs. 7.82 lakhs
- Honda City 1.5 S MT: Rs. 8.35 lakhs
- Honda City 1.5 V MT: Rs. 8.88 lakhs
- Honda City S AT: Rs. 9.09 lakhs
- Honda City 1.5 V AT: Rs. 9.62 lakhs
- Honda City 1.5 V MT Sunroof: Rs. 9.72 lakhs
- Honda City 1.5 V AT Sunroof: Rs. 10.46 lakhs
Renault Scala RXE Vs Honda City Corporate
The City Corporate and Scala RXE are have a price difference of about Rs. 26,000 with the former being on the expensive side but interestingly the Scala, despite having a cheaper price tag offers almost same features of as the base City. Scala RXE comes with driver airbag, audio system, ABS + EBD with brake assist, speed sensing door locks and a handful of other. Contrastingly the City Corporate has dual airbags and all the other safety features as standard, so for us it’s a tie.
Renault Scala RXL Vs Honda City E MT
In addition to the features that are present in Scala RXL, you get automatic climate control with air filter, height adjustable driver seat, steering mounted audio controls, outside temperature display, passenger airbag, rear window defroster, chrome outside door handles, electrically adjustable ORVM and alloy wheels. Coming to City E, features such as alloy wheels, electrically adjustable ORVM, steering mounted controls are absent and with a price difference of mere Rs. 3000, Scala is definitely a better car to own.
There are no other Scala variants to compare with City as the remaining variants of the latter are either pricier or feature an automatic transmission. The Scala automatic is yet to arrive and we will update this section as soon as the official pricing is available.
For people who want to get extra premium features such Sunroof, you must not look beyond the City as it is the only car in its class to have sunroof as an optional feature.
Car Blog India Verdict – Renault Scala Vs Honda City
The Scala is spacious, cheaper and is very comfortable. On the other side of wall, City has better looks, similar features but at more price, better power and torque output and better driving dynamics. So it is up to you which aspects you consider but we will strongly suggest that you should go and test drive both the cars on your own before taking a decision. We find both cars to offer good value proposition.
