Renault India launched its mass market car the PULSE at the Auto Expo here on Friday. The car which is entirely based on the same platform and essential kit as the Nissan Micra was redesigned to fit the Renault design DNA by the company’s studio in Mumbai.
Renault and Nissan are alliance partners and the Micra and the PULSE are a product of the collaborative development that the two companies are capable of introducing in price-sensitive markets like India.
Strikingly similar to the Micra, the PULSE is also powered by the same diesel engine. The Renault K9K diesel engine ranks among the best-in-class in terms of fuel efficiency and performance. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Renault K9K diesel engine is manufactured locally at the Alliance's facility located in Oragadam on the outskirts of Chennai.
According to ARAI test data, the PULSE achieves 23.08 kmpl. Renault has priced the PULSE at Rs 5.77 lakh for the mid-variant RxL and at Rs 6.25 lakh for the top-end RxZ variant, both ex-showroom, Delhi.
The PULSE was first unveiled to the media at the end of October last year as a part of the first Indian Formula 1 celebrations by F1 drivers Mark Webber and Karun Chandhok in the presence of Carlos Tavares, COO, Renault s.a.s.
Duster
The more exciting new product that Renault is expected to launch later this year will be the new Duster. This is expected to be positioned as a compact, premium, yet affordable sports utility vehicle. Renault officials haven’t announced the price of the Duster and only unveiled the vehicle today.
With the Duster, Renault will hope to broaden its footprint in the Indian market. This mid-size crossover will attempt to combine the comfort of a sedan and the bold styling and performance of a SUV. The Duster will be manufactured with high local content and be available in both Petrol and diesel variants. The Duster will be an affordable and trendy offer for all Indian drivers seeking for an exciting alternative to a traditional sedan, company said.
The company expects to launch the Duster in the second half of the current year, extending its portfolio to four products spread across a broad price spectrum.
Renault India Private Ltd is the fully owned subsidiary of Renault s.a.s, France.