Renault Pulse Vs rivals
It’s time to get completed. The French carmaker has launched the awaited Renault Pulse Petrol version in order to strengthen its collection that earlier only had two models in diesel variants. With the introduction of petrol run variants, which has made it look comprehensive, it can now lock its horns with some of the best selling hatchbacks in the country. Previously, about four months back company has launched Renault Pulse Diesel with a promise to present petrol model soon and it has lived up with the same. The price part is tempting one considering the fascinating features that incorporated in it in this new petrol model.
Price: The ‘mannish’ hatchback starts with INR 4.25 Lakh for entry level RXE variant, and ends up with INR 5.55 Lakh for high end RXZ model. While the mid variant i.e. RXL reads INR 4.99 Lakh. All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.
Engine: New Renault Pulse is powered by an inline 1.2L (1198cc), 3-cylinder motor with DOHC 12V that has produces max power of 76PS at 6000rpm alongside peak torque of 104Nm at 4000rpm. This fuel efficient engine that delivers a company claimed mileage of 18.03kmpl is mated to a smooth 5-speed manual gearbox.
Safety: The safety features cover aspects like driver side airbag, Child-proof rear door locks, engine immobilizer and high mounted stop lamp. Moreover, the others include ABS with EBD, Anti-pinch function on driver-side window, Front fog lamps and Head restraints along with Speed sensing auto-lock doors.
Comfort: The inside comfort and convenience factors consists of features like hassle free AC with auto climate control, tilt adjustable steering, start-n-stop engine button with illumination and on board trip computer alongside foldable outside mirrors. The inner seats are made up of decent quality material.
Look: The overall solid appearing exteriors of Renault Pulse are one of the distinguished elements present in the segment. The hatchback comes is 6 vibrant exterior shades that emerge bolder with the presence of 15-inch alloy wheels. There is some ‘real’ space in the interiors that are offered in two tone colors to choose from. Moreover there is electrically powered steering, follow-me headlamps, integrated audio system and smart access key together with rear defogger with timer function.
After sales service: In the after sales service department the France based company lacks a bit, but it is on the verge of improvisation by leaps and bounds in association with its Japanese partner Nissan Motors in the country, which can be rated above par.
Ford Figo
Price: Ford Figo starts with INR 3.81 Lakh for base variant Ford Figo Petrol LXI, mid variant EXI and ZXI cost INR 4.19 Lakh and INR 4.47 Lakh along with top end that comes at INR 4.96 Lakh. All prices are of ex-showroom, Delhi. Here Figo opens with lesser price compared to base model of Renault Pulse.
Engine: The engine capacity is same with 1.2L against Renault Pulse. Here the 1196cc, DOHC 16 valves Duratec Petrol engine churns max power of 71PS at 6250rpm and 102Nm of peak torque at 4000rpm. The figures are better of Renault Pulse compared to Ford Figo. The power train is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox. A mileage of under 17 kmpl can be achieved with this Figo engine.
Safety: The safety elements include ABS with EBD, Smart programmable keyless entry, intelligent central locking, PATS (Passive Anti-Theft system), Rear washer and wiper with defogger and Dual front airbag together with fog lamps. These features are more or less same as Renault Pulse.
Comfort: The inside comfort features consists of decent air conditioning system with heater, power steering, Front power windows, Electrically adjustable outside mirrors, Tilt adjust steering and Driver seat height adjustable.
Exterior and interior Look: The great interior space comes with intelligent features along with enough headroom, legroom and a big boot space. There are dual tone interiors to choose from, while there are elements like Day/ Night inside rear view mirror, Fabric inserts on door trim teamed up with a long list of handy features too. The outside has everything in body color be it the front & rear bumpers, door handles or outside mirror. Moreover there is Chrome finishing on the front grille and stylish set of headlamps.
After sales service: It has been long since Ford Motors came to India. And now they have improvised a lot on the service department. Hence it can be rated as good.
Maruti Swift
Price: Maruti Swift is a pretty tough and head to head opponent to Renault Pulse in this segment as it starts with Rs 4.44 Lakh for base LXI model, while Rs 4.90 Lakh for mid variant VXI and lastly Rs 5.68 for ZXI, the high end model.
Engine: The engine is K-series 1197cc with VVT that produces 87PS at 6000rpm along with peak torque of 114 Nm at 4000rpm. These power output figures are more against Renault Pulse. Maruti Swift engine is coupled with 5-speed manual transmission. An ARAI certified mileage of 18.6 kmpl is offered with this engine.
Safety: Safety part is more or less the same compared to Renault Pulse. It has dual airbags, ABS with EBD function along with other basic ones.
Comfort: The advanced designed seats of Maruti gives a tough fight to Renault Pulse alongside the improved NVH ensures quite cabin, but this is with Pulse too. Here the rear seating space in less than Pulse, so no more cramped legs in Renault Pulse.
Exterior and interior Look: The exteriors are sporty but not appealing enough as Renault Pulse that boasts solid looking ones with its upright imposing stance. While the interiors are well dressed and look premium as compared to Pulse.
After sales service: It has set some gold standards since decades of hardships, for which it Renault will take ages to reach. Maruti Suzuki is a leader in this category too.
Volkswagen Polo
Price: The Volkswagen Polo hatch though being premium one, opens with Rs 4.67 Lakh giving a tough time to Renault Pulse’s Rs 4.25 Lakh for base version. The mid Comfortline and high end Highline are priced at Rs. 5.30 and Rs 6.23 Lakh respectively, which are pretty much above the top end model of Pulse.
Engine: The 1198cc 3-cylinder, in-line petrol engine yields out 75PS at 5400rpm along with 110Nm of max torque at 3750rpm. The engine is mated to 5-speed manual transmission. Although the Polo is available with another 1.6L engine trim too, but that has no competition with Renault Pulse’s 1.2L power train. A fuel efficiency of 17.24kmpl is validated by ARAI.
Safety: The safety features are ABS and Dual airbags for driver and passenger at front along with Fog lamps at front and rear. The other features are somewhat same as in all models.
Comfort: The comfort features are a bit more premium compared to all the competitors mentioned along more neat and polished overall ambience with many convenient features to rely upon.
Exterior and interior Look: The looks are very much orderly and smooth compared to Renault Pulse’s mix of sportiness and solidarity. The interior senses premium-ness with big space all around from inside the cabin to large boot space as it is one of the longest hatchbacks in the segment. It all filled with exquisite features that keep the occupants engaged throughout. While a kind of restriction can be felt in Renault Pulse compared to Polo.
After sales service: The after sales service is pretty civilised but due to limited numbers it creates some sort of stress for the consumers. Overall it can be rated average, considering the costlier one too comparatively.
Read the Ford Figo on Carkhabri.com also browse through the Maruti Swift gallery available on carkhabri.com.
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