Watchout: here comes Renault Pulse!!!

Exterior Superb looks. Head turner. Entices you to 'hey, come let's go & drive!'  Has a more macho look than it's cousin the Micra. Looks like a toad with bulging eyeballs, as someone lovingly suggested upon taking the first look of my Pulse.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Well done interiors. The chrome plated door opening levers create an impression of luxury. Climate control takes the stress out of driving. The fan is powerful enough to make the driver reach for a comb if set on 'high'. Parents who are often forced to take the back seat by enthusiastic youngsters will appreciate the legroom.

Drivers who frequently misplace keys need not fear: key-less entry has made life less miserable. A whole lot of alarms make driving a pleasure. Renault engineers are so sure of their technology that they have not bothered to give an engine temperature gauge.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox The 1500cc diesel engine forces you to appreciate that cars like the TATA Manza and Suzuki Ertega are underpowered, especially if driven in the city fully loaded, with the AC turned on.

It a diesel hatchback with the sound of a petrol engine. Unbelievable. Breathtaking. It purrs like a cat.

Excellent pick up, very useful when overtaking those buses & lorries.

Thrifty engine. Cut fuel costs folks.

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality has to be seen to be believed. The Renault engineers knew how bad road engineering is, in India & Madhya Pradesh. Absorbs bumps & jolts like a veteran.

The electric power steering works nicely to make driving less effortful. Zips on the road with sureness.

Final Words Take a test drive & you will agree. Also occupy the back seat with someone else driving & you will know more.

Areas of improvement Knowing the heat & cold of India, it would have been better if the designers had provided a display for outside temperature.

A feature rich car, excellent fuel economy, good style, tailored for Indian driving conditions.The clutch lever seems to be too high.