Renault Pulse

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Renault Pulse is the third product from Renault’s car basket in India. In an attempt to put its best foot forward, Renault India readied its new car ‘Renault Pulse ’ for mass audience. After it ceased the joint venture with SUV giant Mahindra, Renault chalked out an aggressive strategy for establishing itself in the much competitive car market. In an effort to emerge as an independent identity in the country, the French auto biggie came with Renault Fluence and lately brought into fore the extremely pricey SUV - Renault Koleos. Renault India wants to extend its reach in every car segment. Therefore after launching Koleos SUV for niche audience at Rs. 23 lakh, Renault tried to catch attention of mass audience with Renault Pulse by  positioning the vehicle in the same category as  Maruti Swift. 

Renault unveiled new Pulse car in the year 2011 at a grand event of Formula 1 racing in Noida where Mr.Carlos Tavares, COO of Renault and Marc NASSIF, Managing Director, Renault India and two Formula 1 drivers lifted the covers off. Renault Pulse was officially launched at the Auto Expo, 2012. At the grandiose occasion, the company just released the diesel powered Pulse because of surge in demand for diesel cars in India. Later in  May 2012, three petrol powered variants were launched to complete the Pulse family. The company, which is focusing on the top-down strategy to establish the brand in the Indian market , is simultaneously working on plans to enter the core market which is highlighted by hatchbacks in India. It plans to launch a range of vehicles based on a completely new platform in the A segment. 

Although Renault has a tried and tested market for its hatchbacks in international market, India witnessed the entry of Renault’s small car for the first time. There were so many guesses about the exact name of this hatchback car that everyday a new name used to crop up for this hatchback. But none of them could make up to India and finally Renault Pulse stuck to the name plate. Renault Pulse is specially devised for Indian market and the company has kept the price affordable in order to capture the masses. Renault India has decked up Renault Pulse with all necessary and luxury features to suit the requirements. Renault Pulse is basically a small hatchback car by built, however the emphasis is not on the compactness of the car, rather it is quite spacious and roomy. Renault India is eyeing big business through this small car in India. The widening arms of Renault can be seen from Renault’s investment of a whopping Rs 6.5 crore on promotional activities during Indian GP. 

Renault Pulse is developed for the Indian market by Renault’s Design Center in Mumbai. The Renault Pulse Indian project has been completely handled by Indian designers. The 11 member design team worked for two-and-a-half years when the project was started in 2009. The company worked on the design of Renault Pulse that came out with the Logan, even though the latter was not a success. During these three years, the designers understood the needs, expectations and taste in terms of colours, shapes and features of Indian customers. Based on their research, Renault India decided to position the car a little differently from Nissan’s Micra and therefore, made Renault Pulse more sporty, aggressive and with more character. The quick rollout of product highlights Renault’s commitment to the Indian market. 

Renault Pulse India is based on the V platform also used in Nissan cars like Nissan Micra. The new car osculates some features with Nissan Micra. The Renault Pulse is available with the Renault K9K diesel 1.5 dCi engine with maximum power of 63.12bhp@4000rpm and peak torque of 160Nm@2000rpm that delivers one of the best in-class fuel efficiency of 23.08kmpl as per the ARAI. The Renault Pulse is thus a prime example of the synergies generated by an alliance. With Pulse, Renault has also started the localized production of the K9K engine in India at the Nissan-Renault factory located in Oragadam in the outskirts of Chennai. Renault Pulse takes on Maruti, Hyundai and Tata’s small cars head on and will further intensify the already competitive hatchback market. The Pulse is launched in India in two diesel variants the RxL & RxZ. However, the company soon pulled up its socks and in 2012 three petrol variants were launched. Renault Pulse Petrol variants are powered by 3 cylinders, in-line DOHC 12-valve which generates maximum power of 75bhp@6000rpm with a torque figure of 104 Nm@4000rpm. The 1.2L petrol engine comes with 5 speed manual transmission engine and electronic fuel injection control.

Despite the fact that it shares the same platform with Nissan Micra, Renault Pulse comes with its own identity because of the unique French automaker’s styling. The new hatchback by Nissan has new body color bumpers, a small bonnet and front hexagonal grille besides unique body panels. The front end features huge Renault logo in centre, flanked by chrome underlined front grille and tinted windshield. The side profile of Renault Pulse steals the show and resembles the side of Maruti Ritz with tall appearance and thick C-pillar. The rear end of Renault Pulse showcases a big Renault logo with ‘Renault Pulse’ nomenclature below it and tall tail lamps. Renault has tried to buck-in as much profit as possible by giving Renault Pulse a chic look. 

Furthermore, Renault Pulse inherits the interiors from its sibling Micra. The HVAC (Heater, Ventilation and Air-Conditioner) controls on the dash in addition to an array of other interior features and styling are carried forward to Renault Pulse from the bubble shaped car, Micra. The smart door lock and unlock feature is the centre for attraction. With this convenient feature, there is no need for driver to take out key from his/her pocket or bag to lock/unlock the car. The smart access key has proximity sensors that automatically do the duty. The Renault Pulse India features automatic climate control, power and tilt adjustable steering, power windows, air-conditioner, rear defogger with timer, rear washer/wiper, leather seats, tinted glass, lock and unlock sensing ORVMs , illuminated engine start/stop button,  dash integrated music system and rear parcel tray. The list of features aggravates with roof spoiler and front fog lamps with follow-me headlamps.

The Pulse turns out to be a perfect small car for youth and aspiring Indian customers looking for a bold,fuel-efficient compact car that is fun to drive in the city as well as on the highways. The Pulse is be available in various metallic colors like Pearl White, Metallic Red, Solid Black, Metallic Silver, Metallic Grey and Champagne Gold colors. The Pulse stands and runs on decent 14 inch wheels for RxL and RXE while the top end RxZ gets 15 inch alloy wheels which add considerably to the handling and the aesthetics of the car. Macpherson struts in the front and coil springs in the rear add stability to the ride and give the hatch superb driving dynamics. 

Renault Pulse is high on safety norms. 2 airbags, fog lamps, rear seat belts, Front and rear adjustable headrests and ISOFIX child seat fixing points are standard with Renault Pulse. One good thing about Renault Pulse is the unique 2+2 year or 80,000 Km warranty under the Renault Complete Care package that is offered by the company which also includes sops like Concierge services, 24X7 roadside assistance, Navigation assistance, etc. Renault is also aggressively working on increasing the sales and service outlets of the company to promote the brand and address needs of their customers.

Editor's take : The Pulse gets Renault’s most frugal K9K diesel mill, which is one of the most fuel-efficient oil burners.

Renault Pulse is one of the best cars for the young breed who are in constant search for dainty, sporty and fuel-efficient compact car that is fun to drive in the city and the highway. Renault has carried forward the technologies developed and fine-tuned by its F1 engine specialists. Therefore the K9K diesel engine is fitted in Pulse which inherits the qualities of RS27 engine powering F1 cars. This mighty engine claims to deliver an excellent mileage of 23.08 kmpl, however this might be possible only on highways. The research into improving powertrain and fuel efficiency by reducing friction in Formula 1 cars has been applied to this engine. Another engine option in which Renault Pulse is offered is the 1.2 litre petrol motor which comes with a displacement of 1198cc. The electronic fuel injection control system installed in this 3 pot engine will definitely result in a mileage above average. However, there is no comparison with the diesel train,a fuel efficiency of 14kmpl in city and 18kmpl on highway is what one can expect out of this petrol engine.

Editor's take : The power produced by the petrol and diesel versions of the Pulse are good. The 1.2-litre petrol has low friction improving the engine life.

The mighty and muscular 4 cylinder in-line K9K diesel engine with a displacement of 1461cc specially developed by Nissan-Renault alliance generates 63.12bhp of peak power at 4000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 2000rpm . The engine is seen in many other Nissan-Renault cars. As compared to the biggest rival and segment leader-Maruti Swift which churns out 75bhp of power at 4000rpm, Pulse’s power is lesser despite the fact that Swift runs on a smaller 1.3L engine. However, the performance of engine is no doubt an utter pleasure on road. And why not, after-all, this K9K engine inherits its fuel efficiency, responsiveness and reliability from RS27 engine developed by Renault Sport F1 team. The gears of Pulse are well spaced out and the mid range power is its highlight. One can experience enough power at all speeds and overtaking is always easy on this torquey engine. On the other side of the coin is Renault Pulse petrol engine which has a displacement of 1198cc. The 1.2L DOHC petrol engine churns out of max power 75bhp@6000 rpm and max torque of 104Nm at 4000 rpm. The 3 cylinders arranged in line has total of 12 valves with Electronic fuel injection system which endures great power supply.

These colors are available with all variants of Renault Pulse

Editor's take : The acceleration of the Renault Pulse is good and both the engines have linear power delivery.

Renault India is fully committed to Indian market and claims that India will witness the best product, powertrain, technology and design from Renault. The small hatchback Pulse has a 1.5L four cylinder K9K diesel motor churning 63.12bhp of power. The engine is mated to 5 speed manual transmission gearbox and can attain decent acceleration. In 14.5 seconds the Pulse can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph . The max speed anticipated for Pulse is same as that of Micra’s i.e. 160kmph. Even in the petrol variants of Renault Pulse, 5 speed manual gearbox is fitted which ensures good acceleration and top speed. The acceleration of Renault Petrol Pulse is 14.5 seconds and the top speed is about 160kmph .

View Renault Pulse Exterior Pictures

Renault Pulse is an oblation in the premium compact car segment developed for the Indian market by Renault’s Design Center in Mumbai. Renault Pulse possesses everything that is apt for the rapidly growing Indian premium compact car market and ingrains a dynamic design with boosted features. However, Nissan’s existing V platform is used by Renault to produce Renault Pulse that has enabled to reduce the development costs for Pulse. The front end of Renault Pulse is much sharper, with its elevated crisply styled dual beam H4 follow-me-headlights, Hyundai like hexagonal black color grille and a typical Renault matt black center section. A chrome lining underlines the grille and logo of Renault. Body color bumpers enhance the starting time of a passerby. The bonnet and tinted windshield both are squeezed in length rendering the sub-compact look of Pulse. The side profile is specifically the show-stopper. The smoking red hot model at the launch event in Auto Expo, 2012 looked stunning and grabbed eyeballs with graphics on the doors. Body color door mirrors and pull type door handles with green tinted glass mark the side profile. A and C pillars are extremely curvy and sweep a lot towards each other forming a semi-circle on the side of Pulse. Features like the smart access key are immensely likable as it enables the car to be opened and locked by sensors which work according to one’s proximity to car . Even wheels, steal the show with their sporty appearance. The side profile of Pulse resembles that of Maruti Ritz with tall appearance and thick C-pillar.  Coming to the rear, it has been mildly altered as compared to Micra with curvy and wavy looks and Renault say there could be an even sportier version of the car on the cards too. The rear spoiler with a high-mount stop lamp protects the small rear windshield which has a washer and wiper with defogger. The spoiler along with roof antenna helps increase the aerodynamics of the car and thus proves that Pulse is a sporty mule. The boot seems to be spacious in Pulse with 251 litre and the boot lid has Renault badge with Pulse in the centre. The D-shaped tail lamps are tall and vertically placed above body color engraved bumpers. 

Renault Pulse Exterior Measurements 

Renault Pulse is a sub-compact car made on the lightweight V-platform used by Nissan-Renault alliance. This platform was earlier seen in Nissan Micra. The Pulse just measures 970kg on weighing machine. The length of Renault Pulse is 3805 mm. The width is 1665 mm not occupying much space on road and parking lots and the height of the hatchback is 1525mm while the height of petrol powered variants is 1530mm. All these figures are more or less similar to Nissan Micra, the bubble shaped car. The wheelbase of Renault Pulse is 2450mm.

View Renault Pulse Interior Pictures

Editor's take : The cabin space on the Pulse is good and it doesn’t feel cramped. The interior styling is similar to that of the Micra as both are based on the same platform.

Renault Pulse smart and intelligent interior features helps position Pulse at the top - end of the A-B segment. Gauging at its interior specs, it is clear that Pulse has arched roof and big and roomy cabin. The 5 seater Renault Pulse interiors are done in two different themes to mark the base and top-end variant. While a plum and black dashboard is very suited in the RXL variant, stylish Greige dashboard looks chic in high-end RXV variant giving it a posh feel. The dual tone dash looks decent with HVAC controls, completely foldable four AC vents (two in centre, two in sides) , integrated CD player and a happening unique circular control looks amazing on central console. Leather power steering with diamond shaped Renault logo and steeply placed glove box completes the dashboard. The ample boot space with good legspace and headroom give some extra marks to Renault Pulse. However, the driver seat adjustment is manual. There is a 5 speed manual gearbox wrapped with leather. Other features include keyless entry, Tachometer, chrome handlebars, cup holders for rear seat passengers and two in front, power windows,  folding rear seats with adjustable head rests and thigh support. That said, Renault Pulse is just the reconstruction of Nissan Micra. The Renault Pulse is also positioned as a more premium car than the Micra and hence expect better feel of plastics.

Renault Pulse Interior Comfort 

The smart door lock and unlock feature is the centre for attraction. With this convenient feature, there is no need for driver to take out key from his/her pocket or bag to lock/unlock the car. The company is sure that the customers will like this premium compact car which combines all the luxuries of a bigger sedan with the economy of a small car. Renault Pulse comes blessed with Air conditioner with Automatic Climate Control. Power windows with one touch up and down function on driver side and power+tilt steering will make the drive easy and comfortable. Folding rear seats, green tinted glass, lock/unlock sensing automatic folding ORVMs, central locking, internal release for fuel lid are the interior comfort options in Renault Pulse. Fabric accented front door trim with front door trim pockets, follow-me-home headlamps, engine start/stop button with illumination, on-board Trip computer, front cabin lamp with reading light, key answer back function, trunk room lamp, bottle holders, day/night inside rear view mirror, dual front vanity mirror with lid, 3 assist grips and a 12V power outlet will dress the interiors of the car and make it look like a mini luxury hatchback.

Interior Measurements

The car has exceptional legroom and boot space of 251 litre. The very first hatchback from Renault’s stable qualifies in terms of being spacious and thus cajoles Indian customers. Since the car is made for India and is India specific, space is one of the important features in the hatch.

Editor's take : The 65bhp diesel and 75bhp petrol engines aren’t just good on paper, but even have good performance.

The Pulse epitomizes Renault’s philosophy of bringing affordable cars with innovative technology and design. As everyone knows, Pulse is a copy of Nissan Micra in Renault’s robe. The platform of Micra is shared by Pulse, so are the engines. The Pulse is also plied by the K9K (diesel) and XH5 (petrol) engine that ranks among the best-in-class in terms of fuel consumption and performance. The K9K engine in Pulse with common rail diesel injection has been proven highly popular not just in India, but around the world. The K9K is a family of straight-4 diesel engines co-developed by Nissan and Renault at its plant near Chennai. The petrol powered Pulse comes with 3 pots, in-line DOHC 12-valve engine that comes with a displacement of 1198cc with a capacity of 1.2L, whereas Renault Pulse diesel models has a displacement of 1461cc with a capacity of 1.5 litre.  The 1.2L petrol engine yields 75bhp of peak power at 6000rpm with a torque figure of 104Nm at 4000 Rpm. The petrol variants will suit those who have lower running in a year. Coming to the 1.5 dCi diesel engine, it generates 63.1bhp power at Rpm with 160Nm torque value.  Both 1.5L dCi ranks among the best in class for daily city driving. Hence, Pulse is low on fuel consumption—essential for the Indian market—and it does not come at the expense of driving pleasure. This in-line 4 cylinder engine takes some cues from RS27 engine developed by Renault Sport F1 , which powered Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel to the double crown of the constructors’ and drivers’ title in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Both petrol and diesel powered Renault Pulse comes mated with 5 speed manual transmission with a fuel tank capacity of 41 liters. A zippy performance is assured by Renault with its first premium hatchback, Pulse that is also low on carbon emissions. The mileage of Renault Pulse petrol version according to ARAI is 18.06 kmpl whereas the diesel version gives 23.08 kmpl .

The 5-spoke wheels is be attractive peppy part of the hatchback which renders chic look to Pulse. The mid variant sports 14 inch steel wheels while high-end variant sports 15 inch alloy wheels . The tubeless tyres are of the size of 165/70 in Renault Pulse RXL which has full wheel caps. The size for Renault Pulse RXV tyres is 173/60.

Editor's take : The Pulse has been tuned for better ride, hence the handling isn’t as good as a European competitor.

Renault Pulse is gestated with front ventilated disc and rear drum brakes. ABS and EBD is missing from this premium hatchback. The turning circle radius is just 4.65 meters and power steering making it a good city car . The suspension system is same as that of Micra. Pulse runs on MacPherson Strut type suspension and rear Torsion Beam type forks that not only allow a comfortable drive but also support the vehicle's stability on the roads.

Editor's take : The safety features on the Pulse include airbags and ABS.

The Pulse carries forward the Renault’s DNA of safety, quality and innovation. Among the two variants released by the company, one has a driver side airbag as an option and another has passenger side airbag in option along with driver side as standard fitment. Fog lamps are very much visible in the top-end variant but are missing in Renault Pulse RXL. EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) coupled with ABS (Anti Lock Braking System)are certainly a miss in all the models of Renault Pulse .However, safety features like front seat belts with rear seat belts, anti-pinch safety function for driver side window, child proof rear door locks, engine immobilizer, head restraints for front and rear seats, high-mount stop lamp and speed sensing auto door locks come as standard. Handling will also be child’s play with Pulse. Formula 1 engine used in the Pulse greatly reduces the friction in car and presents a butter-smooth drive. That said, Pulse is a city car and will perform well on Indian roads.

Editor's take : The accessories list on the Pulse is long as it gets keyless entry, start stop button, electrically folding ORVMs and in-built music system.

Top notch music system with good speakers and sound quality is stuffed in Pulse. Renault has always taken care of the entertainment of its passengers and dash integrated audio system with CD, MP3, FM/AM tuner with 4 speakers is given in Pulse . However, Bluetooth and Aux-in ports are absent in Renault Pulse.