A premium edition of Renault’s Pulse has been launched silently in India on 20th November 2013, named as Pulse Voyage Edition. The company’s strategy behind this new launch seems obvious i.e. to increase the sales of this hatchback and to raise the tough competition in car market. With this new launch, Renault has brought the same ongoing Pulse with addition of few more luxuriant features.
Price:
In this new Pulse, an accessory package worth Rs. 58000has been added in its interior. Hence, while the current price of Pulse diesel is 6.19-6.74 lakhs, the new cost is expected to be 58k more than this.
Engine:
No reportedly changes are done in its engine but this new voyage edition would continue with only diesel variant as of now. It is equipped with same 1461cc, 1.5 liter, K9K dCi diesel engine along with 5-speed manual transmission gearbox and provides max output of 63bhp and 160Nm.
As engine is remained untouched, the fuel efficiency would be same too. It offers the mileage of 23.08km/l (ARAI certified).
Space & Dimension:
This hatchback carries the same dimension i.e. 3805mm in length, 1665mm in width and 1525mm in height with the boot space of 251 liters and offers seating capacity for five passengers.
Interior & Exterior:
While the outside glimpse has not revised a bit, it’s the inside cabin where the above discussed Voyage accessory package has fixed which contains a multimedia system (touch screened) and Focal speakers etc; the remaining features are same as in ongoing Renault Pulse.
Safety & road handling:
As per the safety is concerned, company has made some renovations and now this new premium Voyage Edition of Pulse would offer two years of free insurance worth Rs. 35000, extended warranty for two years and roadside assistance for four years which is quite interesting though.
The ride of Pulse is decent especially on city roads but handling can’t be termed as much impressive coz ABS, EBD systems are missing which somehow lead to less controlled brakes. Though, it has an impressive turning radius of 4.65 meters which assists the car in cramped areas. It accelerates 0-100km/h in 16.2 seconds with the top speed of 145km/h which could be obviously better accord to now-a-days demands.
Verdict:
Though, company has tried its best to attract the customers but somehow still it’s impossible to beat its on-top competitor Maruti Swift which is ruling in this segment undoubtedly with its comparatively cheaper price, more luxuriant, better performance and last but not least Maruti’s excellent after sale services. Needless to say, Renault Pulse is far behind than other same segment cars in all above terms especially from Maruti Swift.
