Pulse is the third bespoke model to be launched by Renault in India following the Fluence and Koleos and enters a highly competitive segment – four out of five cars sold in India are compacts.

Built on the same platform as the Nissan Micra, the Pulse has been designed for ‘young, upwardly mobile professionals’ and features a sporty design, dynamic driving experience and advanced features such as the smart access key. It will also come with a 4-year peace of mind service package and the Renault Complete Care offer.

The model will feature the carmaker’s familiar 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine, which uses technology from Formula 1 cars to improve powertrain and fuel efficiency by reducing friction.

The Pulse has been designed by Renault’s Design Center in Mumbai and, along with the engine, will be built in Chennai in the first dedicated Renault-Nissan vehicle manufacturing plant.

The Pulse will go on sale from January 2012 and will be followed later in 2012 by the Duster and a sedan.