Expert comparision Hyundai i20 [2020-2023] & Renault

Cartrade Comparison Test

The Renault Pulse is Renault’s rebadged version of the Micra. The rebadged strategy may not appeal the consumers but then it makes sense for the dealers as they have more products to display from a particular manufacturer. The Nissan Terrano ends the rebadging in India. Renault started its stint with the Logan which went down and the Koleos which was launched for the niche segment. The Pulse is a premium hatchback which comes in petrol and diesel engine trims and is priced between Rs. 4.41 - Rs. 6.77 lakhs.

The Hyundai i20 was and is still an important product for Hyundai as this was the car which shook Maruti’s confidence and dominance on small cars. The i20 was pitched head on against the Swift. Not only did it do well, the i20 also got more popular among the masses with its styling and features. The new i20 also gets Hyundai’s classic fluid styling and is priced between Rs. 5.08 - Rs. 8.25 lakhs.

Hyundai i20 Vs Renault Pulse Exteriors

Redesigned headlight assembly with sharper lines helps the Pulse to get the smarter look. The same can be seen on the bonnet too.

The chunky Renault logo sits firm between the body line and the honey comb radiator grille. The Nissan Micra has cute styling but the cuteness has been shed off for the Renault Pulse with the exposed and butched twin radiator grille with chrome lines.

Hyundai i20 Vs Renault Pulse

If Nissan Micra had a shy face, then the Renault Pulse looks to have an evil smirk. The jaw line, which holds the fog lamps, gives a good front profile with teeth like arrangement covering the radiator.

The Hyundai i20 chooses to look very urban with its flowing contours. The bold face of the new Hyundai i20 with sweeping headlamps along the raising waistline makes it look very athletic. On the side profile, the car has been left untouched. The turn indicators are now embedded in the tail lamp assembly. The i20 was not completely transformed except for a minor facelift.

Hyundai i20 Vs Renault Pulse Interiors

Inside the Renault Pulse RxL, you won’t be greeted by a leather wrapped steering wheel but the one that comes in stock is not too depressing either. A standard 3- spoke design. Instrumentation cluster has been kept really simple and basic. It looks directly ripped off from the Nissan Micra. It features a tachometer, speedometer and a digital info display screen which informs you on the trip information, average fuel consumption and distance to empty. Walnut colored trim have been replaced with plum and black as a shade on the dashboard.

In addition to the modern exteriors, the interiors didn’t get any substantial update as this one gets better trims, more chrome, a dapper instrumental cluster. The seats on the new i20 feel more comfortable and the leather wrapped steering wheel feels a lot premium.

Hyundai i20 Vs Renault Pulse Performance

The Renault Pulse has a 4 cylinder 8 valve1461cc Renault K9K engine. The engine produces a peak power of 64 bhp at 4000 rpm and 160Nm torque at 2000 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission governs the unit. The gear shifts are smooth in normal city conditions as well as highways. The transmission got little jittery, when we tried playing with it on ghat sections. It is not a very zippy car but even then it managed to get our praise.

Hyundai i20 Vs Renault Pulse.

The Hyundai i20 spoils the consumers with many options. It offers a 1.2L Kappa Petrol engine which churns 84 PS at6000 rpm and a produces a torque of 11.6Kgm at4000 rpm. It also has a 1396cc CRDi unit which produces a power of 90PS at4000 rpm and a torque of 22.4 Kgm between1500 to 2750 rpm. The i10 also comes in an automatic option with a 1396cc petrol engine producing a power of 100 PS at5500 rpm and a torque of 13.9kgm at4200 rpm.

Hyundai i20 Vs Renault Pulse Conclusion

The Hyundai i20 clearly wins over the Renault Pulse with it being a premium offering. The premium fit and finish of interiors score superbly over the French offering. Renault has not been in the country for long to be churning popular and successful models but till then its i20 all the way.