Renault Launches Micra Twin – Pulse At Indian GP

Published: Monday, October 31, 2011, 13:27 [IST]

Renault yesterday launched its new small car for India, the Pulse at the Indian Formula 1 Grand Prix. The event was quite a launch pad that calls itself a small car specially made for India. In fact the Renault Pulse appears to be no more than a twin of the Nissan Micra.

Renault and Nissan's CEO carlos Ghosn chose the first Indian Formula 1 Grand Prix to launch the french carmaker's most ambitious car for India. The production ready Pulse will be built at the carmaker's plant in Chennai.

Renault and Nissan have been long time joint venture partners and they have shared technology, platforms and engines consistently. But this might be the first time a car has been completely copied. But for some minor exterior tweaks, the Pulse will remain a Micra.

We initially thought the Pulse had similar looks of the Micra but realized after a closer look the Pulse was in fact nothing more than the Micra. It is powered by the same set of engines and is built on the same V-platform. This is cost cutting to the fullest. Renault is selling a car which we have already seen, driven and liked in the form of the Micra.

What next? A Nissan Sunny with the badges of a Renault? Renault has also said it would be launching two more models by 2012. If the future models are also rebadged Nissan's then it will definitely take some more time for us Indians to have a closer look at the famous French cars from Renault.

More updates on the Pulse will be made public in a few days time.