Evolution Nissan Pulsar 2000-06

The Age

Saturday June 7, 2008

Bruce Newton

THE last Pulsar small car was introduced to Australia as a sedan in June 2000 and as a hatchback 12 months later.

The Japanese-built sedan came in four specifications: LX, ST, Q and Ti.

The LX used an 83 kW/140 Nm, 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine, while the rest had a 92 kW/161 Nm 1.8-litre unit.

A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, with a four-speed auto an $1800 option. The $19,390 LX included a driver's airbag, air-conditioning, remote central locking, single-CD audio and power mirrors. The $19,990 ST added the larger engine. The $21,590 Q added alloy wheels and a sports body kit. And the $23,590 Ti included dual airbags, ABS brakes and climate control.

The British-built hatchback was offered in ST and Q specifications with the 1.8-litre engine. Pricing started at $21,690 for the ST and $23,990 for the Q; the four-speed auto added $2260.

Both models included dual front airbags, air-conditioning, remote central locking, power mirrors and single-CD audio. The Q added power windows, a more luxurious seat trim, alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler and a leather steering wheel.

In November 2002, Nissan added ABS to both hatchbacks, and in March 2003, it dropped the LX and Ti sedans and released the $20,990 ST-L to sit above the ST.

In May 2003, the sedan range gained a new grille and headlight cluster, cruise control for all autos and bigger wheels for the ST-L and Q. An electronic throttle reduced power by 2 kW to 90 kW, while torque increased 2 Nm to 163 Nm. One year later, ABS and dual airbags became standard across the sedan range.

The Tiida replaced the Pulsar in February 2006. -- BRUCE NEWTON

OUR PICK

The last Pulsar was a dull car, but from May 2004 onwards it at least included dual airbags and ABS. ST is the value choice.

© 2008 The Age

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