Renault launches new Pulse Voyage Edition

Said to be based on the Nissan Micra hatchback, the Pulse is more expensive and has not been able to tap into the pulse of the market. Therefore, Renault India in a bid to boost its flagging sales has announced the launch of a special Pulse Voyage Edition.

The company’s website carries a list on the features of the new edition. The special edition will come only in the diesel version and to make the deal sweeter still, the company has announced that the Pulse Voyage also gets free insurance for two years, a two-year extended warranty and roadside assistance for four years. 

Interestingly, Renault’s list of changes to the car is very small. Externally the Pulse Voyage remains the same, even the paint options are unchanged. On the inside, Renault will offer a touchscreen multimedia system which doubles up as a navigation system and speakers from FOCAL. The website also claims that a Pulse Voyage accessory pack (worth Rs 58,000) will be offered. The accessory pack will include among others Bluetooth and iPad connectivity and a reverse parking camera. The Pulse Voyage pack is applicable only on RxZ diesel variants with exchange benefits upto Rs 40,000 available on all other Pulse variants. Additionally an amount of Rs 6,000 will be charged for the Pulse Voyage Pack.

As is the case with most special editions, Renault has not fiddled with the oily bits of the Pulse. It is being offered with a diesel engine only. The diesel variant is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 63.1bhp and 160Nm of torque.

Renault had priced the Pulse from Rs 4.49 lakh onwards upto Rs 6.88 lakh, hoping to position itself as a Premium Brand in India, but what it forgot was when the Nissan Micra is available with the same features and at a lower price, the Pulse stands less of a chance. Moreover, its competitors -Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, and Ford Figo all enjoy better sales.