Renault has launched the Scala
CVT Automatic with the next generaton X-tronic CVT transmission.
It was Nissan Sunny which was expected to come with an automamtic
transmission, but its partner Renault has taken an upper hand by launching the
Scala automatic variant. Renault claims the Scala automatic variant will
deliver 17.97 Kmpl of fuel efficiency. Nissan Sunny might follow soon with an
automatic variant.
With increasing city traffic, automatic variants are slowly
picking up in India. But as of now there is no diesel automatics offered by any
car manufacturers here in under Rs. 10 lakh segment. The Scala automatic is not
different; it comes in only petrol variants. So will the diesel automatics are
the next big thing? We certainly think so...
Some bits about Renault Scala
CVT -
1. It comes with the
next-generation X-tronic CVT transmission.
2. Impressive figures of 17.97
Kmpl.
3. Available in RxL and RxZ
petrol variants.
4. It is just 30 Kg heavier
than the manual variant.
Here is what Marc Nassif – MD,
Renault India Pvt. Ltd. Said during the launch of the car - “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.”
Renault has still not announced the price of Scala CVT, but we guess it will cost Rs. 50,000 more than the regular manual transmission model.
What is X-Tronic Transmission?
According to Renault –
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.
Source: MotorBeam
