Pulse (codename: B58) is highly based on Nissan Micra and it may be noted that the dealers in several parts of India had started receiving bookings for the upcoming hatchback about a couple of months ago. The Pulse finds itself representing Renault in the B+ segment and joins the Renault’s line up for India. Demo cars are already available at many Renault dealerships. Here we talk in detail about every known aspect of the car.
Design and Styling:
Talking about the looks, the basic form of the car, with it’s arched roof and big cabin has been carried forward from the Nissan Micra but it is the Renault’s nose that takes a dramatically departure from the one that Micra sports.The front end is now much sharper and bolder with its raised & crisply styled lights, a really large hexagonal grille and a typically European matt black center section. Similar treatment to grille is also found on almost all Renault cars. The rear is again is almost the same as Micra but with minor alterations to it.Renault hinted that there could be a sportier version of the car and it made me dream of seeing something like a Renaultsport Megane R26 on our roads.
Interiors:
A big let down is the fact that the interiors of the Pulse have turned out to be almost identical to those of the Micra and the similarity extends right down to colours and tones. However, the dash and console that comes from the Micra continues appearing smart and trendy. However, nothing ground breaking in interior department. An Opportunity lost Renault.
Engine:
The Pulse is being produced at Renault-Nissan’s Chennai plant alongside the Micra. The sharing does not ends here. Pulse shares its 1.5 liter oil burner with the Nissan Micra. The 1461cc, 8 valves in line 4 cylinder Diesel motor (codenamed K9K) pumps out a sufficient 64 PS@4000 RPM of power and churns out 160 NM of torque@2000 RPM. The common rail diesel engine is mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox.
Price:
Renault launches the Pulse in two variants– mid-variant RXL at 5.77 lakhs and top-end RXZ at 6.25 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).Renault is offering 2+2 year warranty on the Pulse.
Verdict:
Pulse borrows heavily from the Micra. There are a few areas where Renault could had made quite a departure from the Micra but maybe, the good folks at Renault did not think it to be necessary. The best thing about Pulse has to be the more aggressive front fascia that makes Micra look feminine in comparison. It will be interesting to see how well the french flair battles with the Japs, the Koreans and its own sibling- the Micra.
Photo courtesy: Nitin Gupta
GT-R