Auto Expo 2012: Images of Pulse and Duster grab attention of onlookers at the Renault Pavilion at 2012 Auto Expo

Renault India showcased its new PULSE at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo on 6th January 2012. According to us, this car reflects the manufacturer's ethos of combining modern technologies, sporty design and user friendliness in one affordable package. We believe that this premium hatchback will set new benchmarks in its segment due to its emphasis on safety, comfort, performance, power and fuel efficiency. The company will include this car under its Complete Care Package that has a 2+2year/80,000 Km warranty and offers advantages like Concierge services, 24X7 roadside assistance and Navigation assistance to buyers. Some of the features and specifications of this car are as follows:

Renault K9K diesel 1.5 dCi engine in both variants RxL & RxZ

Maximum power of 64PS@4000rpm

Peak torque of 160Nm@2000rpm

Top speed of 23.08 kmpl (ARAI test data)

Dual airbags

Illuminated engine start/stop button

Lock and unlock sensing folding outside rear view mirrors

Automatic climate control

Smart access key

Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

Rear defogger with timer

Roof spoiler and front fog lamps

Macpherson struts in the front and coil springs in the rear

Standard RxL has 14 inch wheels, while top end RxZ has 15 inch alloy wheels

For the standard RxL variant:

Driver airbag

Power steering

Front and rear power windows

Central locking

Air conditioning

Integrated audio system

Rear wiper and washer

Follow-me headlamps

14 inch wheels 

Along with the Pulse, we also saw the new mid-size crossover Duster at the Expo. We feel that the company has put together a good package that brings together the opulence of a sedan and ruggedness of a SUV. The manufacturer announced that it will offer the car in petrol as well as diesel versions and launch the vehicle in India some time after June 2012. According to us, the features, seating, power and performance of the car will attract a number of buyers to Renault, give them an option against conventional sedans. 

Talking at the event, Katsumi NAKAMURA, EVP Asia Africa, Renault s.a.s., commented, “India is an integral part of our global growth strategy and we are gratified with the way Indian customers have accepted Renault products. The successful launching of three quality products within 8 months is a milestone for Renault not only in India but globally. Renault India is all set to take another firm step towards its commitment and pleased to announce the launch of Renault PULSE in India.”

Marc NASSIF, MD Renault India, quipped, “We have come a long way to what we had committed two years back to our Indian customers on the previous Auto Expo. The PULSE is a product designed and developed by our India design studio at Mumbai, focusing on the Indian customer’s aspirations, tastes and preferences. We are very optimistic about the performance of Renault’s first mass segment product and expect the PULSE to add a new chapter to Renault’s growth story in India.”