Renault Officially Introduces Scala CVT (Automatic) With 17.97 Kmpl Fuel Efficiency (Prices Revealed)

Quite surprisingly, an official mail from Renault has just landed in our mailbox, which reads, “Renault India Launches Scala CVT“.

Amidst all this talk of Sunny coming with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox, its the Renault which has taken precedence for the joint venture of Renault Nissan. Here are the important bits about Renault Scala CVT.

• Scala will come with next-generation X-tronic CVT transmission
• Renault claims, at 17.97 kmpl it offers better fuel efficiency and performance than other sedans in its segment.
• Scala is ARAI rated at an impressive 17.97 kmpl, just shy of 18!
• Scala CVT will be available in RXL and RXZ petrol variants
• Scala was launched in September 2012 and in a span of four months it has sold 3000 units.
• Scala has a market share of 8% in premium sedan segment
• Scala CVT is 30 kilograms heavier than the regular Scala

On the introduction of Scala CVT, Marc NASSIF – MD, Renault India Pvt. Ltd. said, “With more and more cars on the road as well as frequent stop-and-go traffic, India has been seeing an increase in demand for automatic sedans in recent years. However, despite the growing interest for these cars, petrol automatic vehicles are still limited to a 6% share in the premium sedan segment because they deliver lower mileage and higher cost of ownership”.

“The Scala X-tronic CVT aims to bridge this gap by offering class-leading fuel efficiency, reliability and performance. With the next-generation X-tronic transmission, customers will be able to experience a new technological benchmark in automatic transmission, which offers a smoother ride, convenience and savings, making the Scala CVT an attractive choice for those opting for an automatic premium sedan.”

Scala CVT is powered by the same 1498cc mill producing 74Kw (@5600 rpm) and 134Nm (@4000 rpm). Scala CVT joins the leagues of other Automatic sedans in the country. However, Renault has not mentioned the price of the car in the press release. We tried contacting a local dealer here in Pune and he was also unaware and said, he should be getting it shortly.

There two variants of the Scala Automatic,  Scala RXL X-tronic CVT  which is priced at Rs. 8.99 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Delhi); another being the Scala RXZ X-tronic CVT, priced at Rs. 9.89 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

We have seen instances of Nissan Sunny getting caught with CVT monikers and hence we expect it to get this box next and probably soon.

What is X-Tronic Transmission

In Renault’s terms:

The X-tronic CVT combines innovative structure and the flexibility of a CVT transmission to offer world-class fuel efficiency and performance. The transmission’s use of an auxiliary gearbox enables the world’s highest transmission ratio, even broader than 7-speed automatic transmissions, aimed at achieving light weight, compactness, and fuel efficiency.

Currently, conventional CVT transmissions use larger pulleys to achieve higher transmission ratio, but are often constrained by the space limitations of small cars. The new-generation X-tronic CVT overcomes this obstacle and achieves the widest range of transmission ratio coverage (3.46:1) using a sub planetary gear, allowing smaller pulleys to reach higher transmission ratio. It also achieves reduced oil stirring friction by increasing the distance between surface of transmission oil and pulleys. With this pioneering arrangement, the X-tronic CVT transmission produces around 30% less friction and is 10% smaller as well as 13% lighter than conventional CVT models.

In terms of ride quality, X-tronic CVT transmission allows for infinite gear change ratios, leading to smoother gear shifting, accurate speed control, smooth and stable engine braking, better responsiveness to quick throttle and, above all, a smoother driving experience. With its flexibility, the transmission avoids the shift-shock fluctuations in torque transmission experienced with conventional automatic transmission while also maintaining optimum torque.

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