Hit showrooms next month by 2012 Renault Pulse

Announcement came from Renault India that took the wraps off the Renault Pulse in October 2011, that their new premium compact car will hit showrooms, starting January 2012. The Pulse is expected to be priced slightly higher than the Nissan Micra. 

 The Renualt Pulse will don a 1.5 dCi diesel engine (codenamed K9K) which currently powers the Nissan Micra, Nissan Sunny and the Mahindra Logan. The K9K engine claims to return a fuel economy of 23 kmpl. The mid-size hatchback is based on the V-platform that underpins the Nissan Micra and in terms of design and styling it looks like a slightly face-lifted and masculine version of the Micra hatchback as majority of the body panels and elements have been derived from the Nissan hatchback. The small car was designed by Renault's Design Center in Mumbai and is being produced at the Nissan's plant in Chennai, which also manufactures the K9K engine.

 Currently, Renault India has two distinct models on sale in the country, the Fluence sedan and the Koleos soft-roader. Renault Pulse is the company's third model that will be officially launched at the Auto Expo. Next in line for a nationwide debut will be the Renault (Dacia) Duster, followed by a fifth model which Renault suggests will be a major surprise.