Renault PULSE, the premium compact hatchback of Renault India Private Ltd., was finally launched in the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012. The PULSE was first showcased by Karun Chandhok, along with F1 driver Mark Webber and Carlos Tavares, COO, Renault s.a.s at the formula 1 event held in October 2011.
Renault India expects the PULSE to set a benchmark with its performance, fuel efficiency and safety attributes. The PULSE will be part of the auto giant’s commitment to provide world class automobiles to Indian customers. The company made its debut in May 2011 in the Indian automobile market with the appealing Fluence. However, it went ahead and launched the Koleos, which is a luxury SUV. Before the end of 2012, the company aims to launch five new products in India.
Speaking to the media, Katsumi NAKAMURA, EVP Asia Africa, Renault s.a.s. said “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.”
Mr. Marc NASSIF, MD Renault India said “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”.
The PULSE is an initiative of the company to bring sporty cars with innovative technology at affordable price tag. Designed locally at its studio in Mumbai, the PULSE is a stylist hatchback. The car is loaded with a K9K diesel engine, which is manufactured at the Renault – Nissan Alliance factory. On the outskirts of Chennai, this facility is located in Oragadam. In terms of performance and fuel economy, the Renault K9K diesel engine excels. Further, 5-speed manual transmission is also provided in the car to boost its performance.
As per Renault, the 1.5 dCi engine of PULSE will deliver peak torque of 160 Nm at 2000 rpm and generates 63 hp at 4000 rpm contributing towards its better fuel economy. The PULSE attained 23.08 kmpl as per the ARAI test report.
In India, Renault PULSE would be provided in two variants, namely RxL and RxZ, which will be powered by K9K diesel engine. The RxZ is the high end variant of PULSE, which would be equipped with lock and unlock sensing, folding outside rear view mirrors, illuminated engine start/stop button, rear defogger with timer, automatic climate control, roof spoiler and front fog lamps. For driver and passenger’s safety, the variant will have dual airbags. Other highlighting features of this variant are leather wrapped steering wheel, smart access key and gear knob.
The RxL variant of Renault PULSE has air conditioning, integrated audio system, central locking as well as front and rear power windows. Other standard features of this variant are follow-me headlamps, rear wiper and washer, and power steering. Driver airbag is also provided by the company for maximum safety.
Targeting youth, Renault has launched the PULSE in India and provided it a compact and stylist look. Pearl White, Metallic Grey, Metallic Red, Solid Black, Metallic Silver, and Champagne Gold are the colour options provided by the company.
Two types of wheels are provided in the variants of PULSE. The top end RxZ will be available with 15 inch alloy wheels, whereas the RxL variant will have standard 14 inch wheels. For maximum stability, coil springs are provided in the rear and McPherson struts in the front.
Like Renault's earlier models Koleos and Fluence, the PULSE is covered under the Renault Complete Care package, which ensures reliability. In this package, the company offers benefits like 24X7 roadside assistance, Concierge services, and Navigation assistance along with 2+2 year/80,000 Km warranty.
The RxL, which is the mid-variant will be available with a price tag of Rs. 5,77000, whereas the top end variant RxZ will be priced Rs. 6,25000 (Delhi Ex-showroom prices).
Apart from launching of PULSE in the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012, Renault unveiled the DUSTER, which is a mid-sized crossover. The company plans launch the DUSTER by the second half of this year to strengthen its roots in India. Manufactured in India, the car would be available in both diesel and petrol variant. The DUSTER will exhibit style and power of a SUV along with the comfort of a sedan.
With its powerful performance, comfortable seating and fuel economy, the DUSTER will be instrumental in opening a new segment in the Indian automobile market. Those who seek something different from a traditional sedan will be attracted towards this car from Renault.
Established in the year 2005, Renault India Private Ltd. is the Indian subsidiary of the automobile giant Renault s.a.s. Entering India, the company collaborated with Mahindra & Mahindra and jointly manufactured the sedan Logan. However, in April 2010, the company decided to move ahead in India on its own and launched its premium sedan Fluence in May 2011.
At present, Renault has only three cars under its belt, which include the luxury SUV Koleos, the Executive sedan Fluence and the newly launched PULSE. The facility of the company is located at Oragadam on the outskirts of Chennai, where all Renault cars are manufactured. Annual production capacity of this plant is 200,000 units. Currently, there are 35 dealerships of Renault in India, which the company plans to increase to 100 by the end of 2012. Across segments, Renault India will have five products by the year end.
Renault has a rich history and since its establishment in 1898, the company has been offering quality vehicles. In 18 countries in five continents, the company manufactures cars and light commercial vehicles. Renault has earned many accolades in various countries like the first to introduce mass produced turbocharged car and the first hatchback.
Till date, the €40 billion (US$55 billion) Renault Group has successfully manufactured and designed many powerful and environmental-friendly vehicles. The company uses innovative technology in its vehicles and marks its presence in 118 countries. Renault, Dacia and Samsung are the three brands under which Renault markets its products.
In 1999, Renault entered into an alliance with Nissan and became the fourth largest automotive group in the world. For quality, technology and profitability, the Renault-Nissan targets to be ranked among the top three automotive groups of the world. Recently, a range of full-Electric, Zero Emission cars was unveiled by Renault, which would be available in Denmark and Israel initially. However, the range would later be introduced in other European countries.
Its presence in countries like Russia, Brazil, India and China, will contribute towards the growth of the company. Renault has been able to fulfil the requirements of the customers across the globe due to its strategic partnership. In terms of safety, Renault is Europe's leading brand and this vehicle manufacturer is the only one to have nine cars in its fleet with maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating. With Red Bull racing, Renault became the winner of the Formula 1 World Championship for Constructors and Drivers for two consecutive years 2005 and 2006, as well as for the third time in 2011. For offering quality cars, this automobile group is backed by a team of around 122,000 employees worldwide.
