Renault India is planning to launch the petrol variant of its hatchback car, Renault Pulse in India, which would make it the second of Indian model line-up to come with a petrol engine by the firm. So far, Renault India has been keeping its focus on the diesel cars, as it is not a hidden secret that there is a sky rocketing demand for diesel cars in the country. The first car Renault India brought on was Renault Fluence sedan, which was available in both diesel as well as petrol variant. Then, the company came up with its flagship SUV, Renault Koleos that is only offered in diesel version. The third one on the list was Renault Pulse hatchback powered with K9K diesel engine.
The petrol variant of Renault Pulse is expected to come with 1.2 litre, 3 cylinder petrol engine that would produce 80 BHP of power. What would be more interesting is the price strategy of Renault India for the Renault Pulse petrol as the company has priced the Renault Fluence petrol higher than its diesel version. However, the petrol version of Renault Fluence sedan has automatic transmission, whereas the diesel version has been bestowed with the manual gearbox. Therefore, there is a slight possibility that Renault Pulse petrol variant might be blessed with an automatic gearbox.
If it happens, the price of the petrol variant of Pulse will automatically go up and higher than Nissan Micra, which is the base of Pulse and an average seller in the Indian auto market. Renault manufactures all its cars at the Nissan-Renault manufacturing facility located in Chennai. This common manufacturing unit and widespread sharing of car parts via rebadging cars is likely to provide Renault certain cost benefits. Apparently, another rebadged car by Renault is expected to be launched in the end of this year. This product will probably be based on Nissan Sunny sedan.
Also see – Very bad trend catching-up in Indian car market
2012 Auto Expo – Renault launched the Pulse & unveils the Duster SUV
