Renault Pulse 2012-2014 RxZ Optional

The Renault Pulse RxZ Optional was first unveiled at the Formula One race held in Noida, India in 2011. The official launch was done later at the 2012 in Delhi Auto Expo. This offering from Renault comes with a K9K dCi, 4-cylinder, 8V engine that increases the cars performance without sacrificing its efficiency. The 1461cc engine delivers an excellent power of 64 bhp and a torque of 160Nm at 2000rpm. Interestingly, the diesel variant of the Pulse was released prior to the petrol variant due to the rising demand for diesel based engines, due to the ever increasing prices of petrol in India. The Pulse RxZ Optional has been especially designed by an Indian team of engineers for the Indian consumer market looking at the road as well as the environment conditions. Essentially a hatchback yet the Pulse RxZ Optional cannot be termed as a small car. It is spacious on the inside and can get good points for the comfort and features that it offers. It is a comfortable ride for 5 passengers. It comes loaded with features like adjustable steering column, air conditioner, heating, alloy wheels, central locking, child lock, day and night rear view mirror, keyless entry etc. Further enhancing the looks of the car are the various colors that it comes in. The colors that RxZ optional comes in are solid black, champagne gold, metallic silver, metallic grey, metallic red and pearl white. The Nissan Micra Diesel and Maruti Swift ZDI are the main competitors. The Nissan and Maruti have an edge over Renault due to better service centers and easy availability of spares, Marurti being the leader in the segment.

Exteriors

The Renault Pulse RxZ Optional is a breathtaking hatchback to look at. One can make out the quality the space of the car by looking at it. With its 3805mm length, 1665mm width, 1525mm height and a wheelbase of 2450mm, the car ‘looks' as comfortable from the outside as it actually is from the inside. The car is based on Nissan's V platform to help price the car better for the Indian markets. The front of the Renault Pulse RxZ Optional comes loaded with excellent features like adjustable headlights along with rear window wiper and washer, alloy wheels etc. A few examples of additional features that the car sports are the stylish H4 follow-me-home headlamps , a hexagonal shaped grille with the traditional Renault logo placed at the center. Body colored front bumpers tag under the grille gives a pleasing shape to the car. The side profile of the Pulse RxZ Optional features chrome pull-type door handles and green tinted windows that enhance the appearance of the car. The 14inch wheels give an air of sportiness that definitely helps in increasing the aesthetic appeal as well as plays a very vital role in enhancing the comfort levels. The rear of the car lives up to the standards of the front and side profile as well. To add a bit to diversity to the looks of the car, Renault India have added some gentle curves to the rear. The spoiler comes with high mounted stop lights along with a wind screen wiper and washer.

Interiors

The interior of the Renault Pulse RxZ Optional is no less interesting. This is thanks to roomy and comfortable interior designing and unavoidable looks. The Pulse RxZ Optional is a 5-seater hatch that features dark upholstery with a matching dashboard and console. This along with appropriately placed A/C vents gives a pleasing tone to the interiors. The air-conditioning is powerful with its cabin air re-circulation facility to give optimum temperature, adding further to the luxury. The dashboard also sports HVAC controls with integrated CD player . The steering is spectacular with the Renault logo emblazoned onto the leather outfitted wheel.

Engine and Performance

The Renault Pulse RxZ Optional incorporates the K9K dCi engine that generates a whopping 63bhp at 4000rpm and 160Nm of flat torque at 2000rpm. The engine compromises of 4-cylinders and an 8V SOHC valve configuration and complies to the BS IV emission norms. The Renault Pulse RxZ Optional comes with the CRDi system for fuel efficiency and has a fuel tank capacity of 41-litres . The mileage on the Renault Pulse RxZ Optional is an extremely efficient 19.4mpl within city limits and 23.8kmpl out on the highways . The top speed that the Pulse RxZ Optional is capable of, 158kmph and this can be achieved within a span of roughly 16 seconds. For a hatchback, that is rather good. The hatch comes with a front Wheel Drive and a 5-speed manual transmission .

Braking and Handling

The Renault Pulse RxZ Optional features the sporty looking ventilated frontal disk brakes and the rear comprises of Ventilated drum brakes . The wheels are 14 inch stainless steel , sized 165/70 R14 radial type . The suspension on the Pulse RxZ Optional features the ever popular McPherson Strut suspensions with single coil and Torsion beam suspensions at the rear.

Safety Features

The Renault Pulse RxZ Optional has safety features to satisfy even the most strict car buyer. The Pulse RxZ Optional features both, driver and passenger airbags, engine immobilizer, auto lock doors, anti-pinch safety system, child proof door lock systems, xenon headlamps for clear visibility during extreme conditions, seat belt warning, door ajar warning, centrally mounted fuel tank and many more. The Auto lock door is based on a speed sensor for addition comfort and ease . All in all, this hatchback has a whole host of safety features to ensure a safe and secure journey through out, making it a perfect family car.

Comfort Features

The Renault Pulse Optional several comfort features to make your trips as enjoyable as possible. The entertainment system comprises of an excellent music system with a set of four front and rear speakers . Additional features include a roof antenna for clear radio reception, a trip computer, key less entry, key removal reminder beep system, door ajar- warning system and other additional features to delight its driver and passengers.

Pros

Excellent Mileage, Comfort features

Cons

The usual minimal number of Renault service centers, Missing ABS safety system.