Yesterday was quite a significant for the Indian automotive industry. Of course, we saw all Formula 1 cars did their qualifying lap for the first ever Indian GP. But something more interesting came our way from Renault.
Renault displayed a production version of their new small car for India in Noida and christened it ‘Pulse’. The reason why its significant is because this will be the first production car by Renault which was finalized in their design studio in Mumbai.
Renault was quite open about their strategy for the Indian market. They showcased the next 5 cars on their website which will be launched in India a long time ago. After the Fluence and the Koleos, it was time for a mass market hatchback to be launched in India.
Although the name ‘Pulse’ was rumored a long time back, no one had actually seen the car before. As internationally, Renault is known for its typical french, quirky design, we were quite excited to get the first glimpse of the Pulse.
So presenting to all our viewers, the first comprehensive set of pictures revealing all the finer details of the Renault PULSE.
‘OH! It looks like a Micra’ was my first thought when the Pulse was unveiled for the first time. Later, when all the information was unwrapped, I realized that it doesn’t ‘Look’ like the Micra, it is a Micra – a Renault’s Micra !
If you were expecting some quirky design traits in the Pulse, then I must warn you that you will be terribly disappointed – there aren’t many. In fact, if you look at the front, it is clearly influenced by the Nissan GT-R, a design touch we adore. So yes, this clearly begs the question – How much ‘Renault’ is there in the Pulse?
Unlike the Micra, Renault decided that the design language of the Pulse should be aggressive and not cute. The front of the car is clearly designed to look very aggressive, the lower half of which somehow reminds me of the Nissan GT-R. Below that bar, one can see two curves completing the front bumper.
The headlamps of the Pulse have a glimpse of Micra in them but overall are brand new. The windshield, hood and wipers are the same.
The Pulse does get a nice 5 spoke alloy wheel design that’s eye-catching. Otherwise the side profile is all Micra and completely untouched.
Now, we come straight to the rear where one can see a set of new tail lamps for the Pulse and a engraved bumper. These are the only design changes done to the Micra to make it Pulse.
Coming to the interiors, Renault has little to differentiate the Pulse from the Micra on the inside. The only 2 changes that we can see are:
- A slightly darker colored dashboard
- Renault badge on the steering
The dashboard has not been touched and so are the seats and even the door handles. There is no increase or decrease in the headroom or the leg room. If you love the Micra’s interior, you will become the Pulse’s fan instantly.
The Micra’s K9K diesel engine will power the Pulse. This 1.5L engine produces a max power of 65ps @ 4000 rpm and a max torque of 160nm @ 2000 rpm. The fuel efficiency rating is about 23 kmpl. Renault will also introduce the petrol avatar using the 1.2-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine. Other mechanical aspects like suspension set up, wheels, tires et all have not been changed.
What was more interesting than the Pulse was the sportier version (from the Renault Sport division) displayed at the event. Renault kept mum and said this is purely a ‘design concept’. They did not confirm or deny any production plans for sportier version. Fingers Crossed!
Renault mentioned in the press conference that it will place the Pulse somewhere between Maruti’s Swift and Nissan’s Micra. It would be interesting to see the price tag of the Pulse. If it is lower than the Micra, it will cannibalize the Micra’s sales.
If it is equal to or greater than Micra, Renault’s main challenge is to convince the prospective customer on the USP of the Pulse. But we will have to wait until January 2012 to know the price.
What do you think about the Pulse? Do you think it will click?
Renault Pulse Image Gallery
how can u compare it better than the swift diesel mail me details
Hi kndly sms or mail me your goa dealer tel nos. need to book the new pulse
edward fernandes
9881887776
pa2000@sify.com
it is not so good as in Indian roads
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[...] may not introduce a sporty version of the Micra for the Indian customer as the Renault Pulse looks very close to one. Nissan recently updated the car with a powerful horn, rear head rests and [...]
Pulse looks great.
Having almost decided on going for micro diesel, I held back waiting for pulse. Initial thoughts looking at the pictures:
1. Doesn’t look like there is the sensor based ingress. The sensor button doesn’t seem to be present on the boot as well.. However, the start – stop button is present. Wierd.
2. The biggest problem of the micra is the lack of Abs on the diesel version. Wonder whether pulse will provide this option.
3. It looks like a ctrl-c ctrl-v of the micra to the smallest detail. If I was the mkting dept I would have to price it a little lower than micra or truly give a stupendous after sales service
Cool design, though it resembles the micra. The pricing seems to be on the higher part, but I hope that it put up good standards.
Perhaps you approach the car with preconceived ideas? The price is not known but you say it “seems to be on the higher part.” Maybe you mean you expect the price to be high for a car in this category…in which case, you could be right. There would have been better reception of this car if its size had been different from the Micra. Let’s wait and see what happens.
How this is different from micra??
its a cosmetically different Micra. The badges, grille, bumpers and lights have changed.
Micra has got ample of leg room than this vehicle i guess, as srk mentioned if there are good pricing available then only we can choose, else this is going to be a show room piece.
Seriously, this car is not worth waiting for or for a good buy, its jus the same micra with renault badge on it, already micra is an average seller, renault must price the pulse below micra. Pulse & Micra are too similar, i think most of the buyers will go for other brands.
I like it.
I was expecting to be disappointed, and Renault did not fail to disappoint. The earlier word was that this would be a “premium” compact hatchback. This does not have a premium feel to it. I am not impressed by the design of the alloy wheels. Well, the wheels of the sports model are great but not the one meant for production. I don’t think Pulse will eat into the Swift share of the market. Those who can afford to buy Swift will go for it. Rather, Pulse will struggle with its own sibling, the Micra, for its share of the market. Anyway, these are only first impressions. We will be able to assess it much better when the price and specifications are released. Oh, I should add that at least Renault has done well to plan diesel engine from the outset.
Except the sporty version I don’t see why one should chose this over the Micra.
If there are cost benefits than that is another thing but I don’t Nissan would let Renault price this anything lower than the Micra.
By the way, If this rebadging thing catches up we might see atleast 2 version of every car then.
renault should bring in the sporty versions of the car to differentiate pulse from micra so that both cars sell without eating into others market. they should also make the interior all black or two tone to show sportiness. micra looks girly and so many young men shy away from buying one.
awesome awesome…. Renault pulse rockzzzz……