Pulse is the third car from the house Renault for the Indian roads through which the company plans to strengthen its market base in the country. The car gets launched in the small car segment but the price is among the higher class when compared to similar cars in the segment. This seems to be an aggressive move by the biggie to establish itself in the Indian automobile markets. Renault Pulse was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi.
The company says that the car has been designed and developed keeping in mind the Indian driving conditions and the sentiments of the Indian small car buyers. After its previous failures with the launch of the Logan the company has analyzed and worked upon its strategies to improve the image in the subcontinent. The Renault Pulse comes with the K9K diesel 1.5 dCi engine producing 64PS @ 4000 rpm and delivering a peak torque of 160Nm@2000rpm. The car is promising in terms of its mileage which has been anticipated to be anywhere around the 23 kmpl. mark. Renault pulse is powered by the 5-speed manual transmission which is surely much smoother while on a drive.
Renault Pulse though being hyped to be much similar to Nissan Micra will surely create its own identity with the new body colored bumpers, hexagonal frille, a smaller bonnet, and a roundish from all corners. The front end of the car has the big Renault logo whereas the tail lamps could seem to be cuter in looks. The engine sheer has the power to race to the highest speed of 160 kmph. It takes approximately 14.3 seconds 0 to 100 kmph.
The interiors have been almost been kept similar to the Micra with the HVAC controls, automatic climate control, power windows, adjustable steering, rear defogger, leather seats, illuminated engine start and stop button, dash integrated music system, a rear parcel tray and much more. The car is available with the following color options:
• Mettalic Silver
• Solid black
• Pearl white
• Metallic Red
• Champagne Gold colors
• Grey Gold colors
Renault Pulse has been fitted with a 14 inch wheels for the RxL models whereas the RxZ model gets 15 inch alloy wheels. The Macpherson struts in the front end with the coil springs on the rear end adds greater stability in the car that gives a superb driving capabilities to the car.
The models come in four different options, namely:
• Renault Pulse RxL: It is the base variant which comes installed with a power steering, 4 door power windows, air conditioner, rear wiper, headlamps, rear wiper and washer, central locking, etc. The dash has been kept trendy with the use of the plum and black finishing.
• Renault Pulse RxL Optional: The model features the same as the base variant with the only difference of having the driver airbags fitted to it.
• Renault Pulse RxZ: It is a top end model comes with additional features such as the automatic climate control, lock and unlock sensing folding outside mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel, smart access key, roof spoiler, 15 inch wheels, front fog lamps, etc. It has the stylish dashboard fitted with classy equipment.
• Renault Pulse RxZ Optional: This is the same as the top end variant but comes fitted with a driver airbags.
Checking out the safety features the Renault Pulse has 2 airbags, rear seat belts, fog lamps, child safety, adjustable seat fixing points, etc. The best thing which the company is offering is the extended 2+2 year warranty or up to 80,000 kms. This service backup is a complete care package by Renault which includes the Concierge services, Navigation assistance, 24X7 road assistance, etc.
Although the size may seem to be smaller the boot has the capacity of 251 litres. The size of the car is pretty same as the Nissan Micra with the car weighing about 970kgs. The car stretches to 3085 mm in length whereas the width of the car is 1665 mm. It is pretty taller when it comes to height compared to some other cars in the same segment as it is 1525 mm from the ground. Pulse has a wheelbase of 2450mm.
The other fitting which includes the music system and other accessories includes the dash integrated audio system with the CD, MP3, FM/AM tuner and 4 speakers. The car could have been much better in this department of fittings if it came with the Bluetooth and the Aux-in ports. Overall the warranty and the great engine inside the car are the positives which the Indian small car buyers could look forward too. But the fact of lack of service centers and other high end fittings might have to be compromised.
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