Renault Pulse is the first hatchback from French auto giant for the Indian market which shares platform with Japanese partner’s Micra hatchback. Positioned in the B segment, the hatchback is akin to Micra in terms of looks, featuring mild changes. Pulse range is available in petrol as well as diesel engine choices-1.2 litre, three pot, in-line petrol engine and 1.5 litre, 4 cylinder, in-line, dCi unit. The petrol engine is good for 75bhp whereas the diesel mill yields 63bhp, both the engines come mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The ARAI rated claimed fuel economy for the petrol engine is 18.06km/l and 23.04km/l for diesel variants. The hatchback gets eminent safety and comfort features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, front fog lamps, automatic head lamps and automatic climate control etc on the top-spec trim.

Renault India's first roll out in the populous hatchback segment was Pulse, this was also the first volume segment model from the stables of Renault. Prior to Pulse, Renault had brought two D segment offerings-Fluence and Koleos in Indian market and hence the company had a lot of expectations from Pulse in terms of sales. Launched at the 11th Auto Expo in Delhi, Pulse was initially introduced in diesel engine followed by petrol variant later that year (May 2012). Sharing platform with Nissan Micra, Pulse looks an alter ego of its Japanese cousin featuring almost similar exterior and interior. Mechanically also, these two cars have a lot in common, this is due to the platform sharing concept which turned out to be a fiasco in India.The cost saving initiative by car makers in India just did not go down too well with the customers, or rather we can say the rebadged engineering flopped miserably. Agreed that Pulse shares comprehensive similarities with Micra but on the whole the hatchback is a great mix of looks, performance and features. Coming to the engine line-up, Pulse is available in three cylinder petrol and four cylinder diesel engine. The petrol mill is a 1198cc, in-line, DOHC unit producing 76PS at 6000rpm along with 104Nm at 4000 rpm. Diesel engine on the other hand is a dCi unit displacing 1461cc developing 64PS at 4000rpm and 160Nm at 2000rpm. Two toned interiors are inspired from Micra and feature piano black finish on centre console.

Renault Pulse Exterior
 

Based on the same platform as Micra, the exterior styling of the Renault Pulse hatchback is evocative of its Japanese cousin Micra. The hexagonal grille in front looks bold with a large blacked out section and the headlamps are placed a tad higher than the usual. Lower side of the bumper is equipped with round fog lamps and air-dams. Rear is again reminiscent of Micra hatchback with similar looking tail lamps and integrated spoiler.  

Renault Pulse Interior 

Interior styling is carried over from Micra with similar design and key styling elements. Cabin is comfortable in terms of space, especially the rear side. Central console with round AC vents on top and a round large dial beneath audio system reminds of Micra. There are multiple storage points like cup holders, bottle holders, coin holders, glove-box etc. 

Renault Pulse Engine Specifications & Transmission

Engine options include a 1.2 litre, three cylinder, in-line petrol engine putting out 75bhp along with 104Nm of torque. Diesel powered variants get 1.5 litre, four cylinder, in-line diesel unit churning out 63bhp along with 160Nm of torque. Both the engines come mated to the conventional five-speed manual transmission. 

Renault Pulse Features

Externally, the hatchback gets front fog lamps, chrome accentuated front grille, rear defogger with timer, rear wiper and washer etc. A 12V power outlet, piano black finish on centre console, dual tone interiors and premium blended leather gear shift know and steering wheel are some of the vital interior features. 

Renault Pulse Performance & Mileage

Claimed fuel economy for petrol powered Pulse is 19.06km/l and diesel variants can deliver 23.08km/l. 

Renault Pulse Accessories & Infotainment

An integrated audio system  with CD player, MP3, FM/AM Tuner, AUX-in, four speakers Bluetooth connectivity and USB connectivity is offered on the top-of-the-line variant. 

Renault Pulse Braking & Handling

Force to retard speed comes from ventilated disc brakes in front and drum units at rear. 

Renault Pulse Safety & Security

Pulse range gets driver side airbags, anti-pinch safety function on driver side window, child proof rear door locks, engine immobilizer, head restraints for front and rear seats, high mounted stop lamp and speed sensing auto door locks as standard. Anti-lock-braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist is available from mid-level trim onward, whereas the passenger side airbag comes only on the range topping variant. 

Renault Pulse Comfort & Convenience

In comparison, Pulse is much more loaded than rivals with key features like electronic power steering, automatic headlamps, follow me home headlamps, steering mounted audio and phone controls, height adjuster for driver’s seat, remote sensing auto fold/unfold mirror, electrically adjustable ORVMs, engine start/stop with illuminated push button, window one-touch up & down function on driver side, keyless entry, on-board trip computer automatic climate control system among others. 

Renault Pulse Wheels & Tyres

Entry level variants of Pulse get tubeless radial tyres with full wheels caps and alloy rims are restricted to the top-spec trim. 

Renault Pulse Competition

Renault Pulse competes with some of the best-selling models in its space like Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Figo and Hyundai Grand i10.

Upcoming Models are the Arkana and Kardian