Renault has launched the petrol version of the Pulse hatchback in three variants – RxE, RxL and RxZ. The diesel powered Pulse is not available in RxE variant. The French automaker is quietly slipped in the gasoline version, which is powered by a 1.2-litre, 12-valve, 3-cylinder engine. This DOHC unit produces 76 PS of peak power output at 6000 RPM and 104 Nm of peak torque output at 4000 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and the vehicle weighs just 970 kgs.
RXE, RXL and RXZ. The French automaker is quietly slipped in the gasoline version, which is powered by a 1.2-litre, 12-valve, 3-cylinder engine. This DOHC unit produces 76 PS of peak power output at 6000 RPM and 104 Nm of peak torque output at 4000 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The base RxE variant does not get front and rear power windows, central door locking, keyless entry, audio system, speakers, tachometer, 12 V power outlet, rear wiper and washer, wheel caps, auto door unlocking. The other two variants get the same features present in the diesel RxL and RxZ variants. There is no ABS on offer on any variant (except the RxZ petrol variant), while driver side airbag is standard on every variant.
The Renault Pulse petrol is priced at Rs. 4.25 lakhs for the RxE variant, Rs. 4.99 lakhs for the RxL variant and Rs. 5.55 lakhs for the RxZ variant (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). Renault has been doing good numbers with the diesel version of the Pulse. India being a diesel dominated market loves diesel car. The fantastic 1.5-litre k9k engine is a gem and has excellent driveability and high fuel efficiency. It remains to be seen how well the petrol powered Pulse does vis-a-vis the competition, which offers 4-cylinder petrol engines with variable valve technology.
