Sixteen years ago, in 1996, you could buy a Nissan Pulsar for just $19,990. What will the new Pulsar cost you when it’s launched in February 2013? The answer is simple — $19,990. As the advertising campaign said way back then, the lazy guy in the pricing department hasn’t been doing a lot.
Though imports of the new Nissan Pulsar will begin in February next year, we won’t see the complete range until midway through the year. Indeed, further models may still be released after that. Nissan is remaining tightlipped on details of them.
As previously, Pulsar will be sold in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback bodies. Both are larger than in previous Pulsar generations, with a strong emphasis on interior space. We haven’t had a chance to drive them yet, but our seating tests of cars specially imported before the Sydney motor show showed them to have good legroom, headroom and width in the rear seat. Two adults could sit there in comfort for extended trips.
Just as importantly from the point of view of family car buyers is the huge 510-litre boot in the sedan.
The range will consist of Pulsar ST, ST-L and Ti. A high-performance model will revive the famed Pulsar SSS name and add a bit of life to what can be a fairly dull market segment when it comes to sporty driving.
Equipment levels are high, with even the lowest cost model getting alloy wheels.
The engine in the standard Pulsar range will be a 1.8-litre unit producing up to 102kW of power and 174Nm of torque. The SSS engine is a turbocharged 1.6-litre with 140kW and 240Nm.
Manual six-speed and continuously variable automatic transmissions are offered.
Nissan is making a pre-sale offer on the 2013 Pulsar sedan. With a 10 per cent deposit and a comparison rate of 7.5 per cent per annum, customers who order an all-new Pulsar sedan ST manual now can pay as little as $299 per month with a guaranteed future value. A $1000 ‘Nissan voucher’ scheme is offered to those buying a car outright.
