• The Car

• Seat Plan & Seats

• Dash & Controls

• Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

• What's Changed

• Features

• Our Opinion

• Other Opinions

• Mechanical

• Safety

• Data

• Buy with Confidence

• Legal Disclaimer

The Car

The Car

Nissan gave the latest Pulsar (codenamed N16 by the factory) a distinctly European look over the conservative earlier model. Only a four-door sedan was available initally but a hatch was announced at the Melbourne motor show in March 2001. The domed roofline and larger glass area adds headroom and brightens up the cabin.

Seat Plan & Seats

Seat Plan & Seats

Seat Plan

Like most small cars, the Pulsar really offers only four seats. Only a lap belt and no head restraint are provided for a fifth occupant. A tilt-adustable steering column and a rest for the driver's left foot are provided.

Seats

The Pulsar's front seat cushions are flat, but offer some sideways support. A higher seat base height makes it easier to enter and exit the car. The Ti's rear seat has a load-through ski port but no split/fold capability. All Pulsars now feature height adjustable headrests. .

Dash & Controls

Dash & Controls

Dash

The Pulsar now has an impressive array of storage bins, trays and holders. The Ti uses two shades of grey plastic on the dash. Cup-holders fold away when not in use.

Controls

The Ti has sporty white-faced instrumentation. Remote boot and fuel filler opening levers are loctated on the floor between the seat and the driver's door.

Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

Wheels/Tyres

The Ti comes with five-spoke, 14-inch alloy wheels as standard, where lower-level models have steel wheels with plastic hubcaps. The Ti's lower-profile tyres still don't fill the wheelarches visually however. A full-size spare is used.

Luggage

The Pulsar's boot space has been increased by 23 litres, to 430 litres. A bag-retaining hook in the boot lining prevents groceries from flying around. Boot hinges intrude into the luggage area when the boot is closed.

What's Changed

What's Changed

The Pulsar now has larger front disc brakes - up from 233mm to 257mm diameter. The car is 150mm longer, 5mm wider and 50mm taller than the model it replaced, giving more interior room, while the body is 30 per cent more rigid than previously.

Features

Features

Stand Out Features

Blanks in the lower spoiler look like they should contain driving lamps - but don't. The chromed grille establishes styling links with the larger Maxima. Broad colour-coded rubbing strips are provided on the Ti. Although alloy wheels are standard, the spare tyre is on a steel rim.

Climate Control

Air-conditioning is standard across the range, with the vents well placed to clear the screen and windows next to mirrors. The fan is noisy on higher settings though.

Sound System

A security-coded AM/FM CD player is factory-fitted. The controls are close to the driver's left hand for safe operation on the move. The sound quality is acceptable, but not outstanding.

Security

A security coded radio-CD unit is factory-fitted. Remote central locking and immobiliser are standard on new Pulsars, and boot release and panic buttons on the key-tag are supplied.

Our Opinion

Our Opinion

We Like:

Neat styling, good build quality

We Don't Like:

Sluggish performance, average refinement levels

Nissan has opted to give its new Pulsar the mini-Max treatment. Viewed from the front, it could be mistaken for a Maxima that has shrunk in the wash. It features essentially the same grille and headlight treatment as its larger sibling and even its overall proportions are remarkably similar. The Pulsar is the first Nissan to be sold in Australia built on the MS platform that has spawned several new models internationally. It shares its floor, engines, transmission, steering, suspension and braking system with the European Almera hatch and Tino people mover. Only a sedan variant has been launched here initially, with the hatchback not expected to lob until 2001. This should not prove too big a handicap for Nissan, as the sedan variant has accounted for about 80 per cent of Pulsar sales in recent times. Four specification levels are offered: LX, ST, Q and the up-spec Ti. The Pulsar has grown in every dimension: it is 150mm longer, 5mm wider and 50mm higher than its predecessor. Incredibly, the Pulsar is now bigger than the Nissan Primera - which in Europe is classed as a larger car. The wheelbase remains unchanged yet interior space is greater thanks to a wider cabin. In relation to Australian models, the Pulsar is bigger than the Toyota Corolla in several dimensions as well as shading Holden Vectra in some measurements.

Under the bonnet, the new Pulsar features either a 1.6 or 1.8-litre engine. Both units are equipped with double-overhead camshafts, 16 valves and micro-finished rotating components, which help cut frictional losses. All except the base model use the 1.8-litre powerplant, which produces 92kW at 5600rpm and 161Nm of torque at 4400rpm. Nissan has equipped both engines with variable valve timing in a bid to provide better response across the rev range. But despite its impressive on-paper credentials, the Pulsar proved a somewhat disappointing performer on the road. The automatic test car provided seemed strangely sluggish, both off the mark and at cruising speeds. This may be partly attributable to its tall gearing and relatively high kerb weight of 1220kg - about 100kg more than its predecessor. The apparent sluggishness was exacerbated by the four-speed auto's reluctance to shift down even under fairly heavy throttle applications. Although Nissan quotes fuel economy figures of 8.0L/100km around town for the automatic, the need to work the engine hard to extract reasonable performance may result in higher consumption in practice. Refinement levels are reasonable, but by no means class leading. A surprising amount of wind noise makes its presence felt at cruising speeds and tyre roar is also noticeable when traversing coarse bitumen. Ride quality is acceptable, but the torsion-beam rear axle can be found a bit wanting over corrugations and suburban speed humps. The chassis delivers capable handling, but it must be said the Holden Astra feels tauter and more agile. Pulsar's braking power is beyond reproach and the Ti model benefits from the added safety levels provided by the standard anti-lock system.

The styling of the new Pulsar is bolder than the previous model, borrowing unashamedly from the Maxima. The vertical-vaned chrome grille is flanked by large, complex surface headlamps that offer up to 50 per cent better night-time illumination. Its flanks are more rounded than before, while its higher bootline gives the car a slightly more wedge-like profile. The overall look is attractive and the improved aesthetics are matched by a more upmarket interior. Facing the driver is a neat, thoughtfully laid-out dashboard featuring high quality plastic finishes and a new two-tone charcoal and light grey theme. The up-spec models feature white-faced instruments, which create a vaguely sporting ambience. The seats are comfortable and generously bolstered at the side to locate and support rather than grip in a vice. Rear seat space is exemplary for the class with adequate head and legroom, even for relatively tall occupants. Older drivers will appreciate the higher hip point of the front seats. This makes it easier to enter and exit the car, since the seat base height is higher than the previous model, making it easier to swing out the legs. There is an assortment of cubbyholes and compartments in which to store odds and ends and the sunglass-holder built into the dashboard is a clever touch. The new Pulsar's longer overhangs help increase boot space to 380 litres, about 23 litres (or six per cent) more than before. Golfing couples will be pleased to know it is now possible to stow two golf bags and buggies in the boot. Another practical touch is a plastic shopping bag retaining hook fixed on either side of the boot lining to prevent your groceries flying around. However, the lack of a split/fold rear seat is a somewhat surprising omission. At least the Ti model gains a ski hatch.

Nissan is at pains to point out the new Pulsar offers superior crash protection thanks to a body shell 30 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. A new front-end structural design using hexagonal tubing aims to dissipate crash energy through the frame, while side impact loads are directed across the floor via strengthening beams. In addition, the roof and B-pillars are reinforced to provide better impact protection. The Pulsar comes extremely well equipped, with a driver airbag, CD player, air-conditioning, remote central locking with immobiliser, power mirrors and power steering and driver's seat height adjustment standard in all models. The range-topping Ti also gains automatic climate-control, alloy wheels, power windows, passenger airbag, anti-lock brakes, seatbelt pretensioners and velour trim. Automatic transmission is the only factory option; cruise control is not available. Those seeking to distinguish their Pulsar from the crowd can order a dealer-fit body kit comprising side skirts, front and rear spoiler and rear valance. The cost includes painting and fitting by the dealer. There are two choices for dealer-fit alloy wheels (both of which are the same 14-inch diameter as the standard wheels).

Overall, the Pulsar is a reasonably competent package that does most things well, although it does not excel in any facet. The new model's more spacious cabin adds to its practicality but the accompanying increase in bulk has taken some of the pep out of the formerly sprightly Pulsar.

Other Opinions

Other Opinions

Sydney Morning Herald: "The Pulsar remains the best-equipped car under $20,000 but there are signs of cost-cutting. A lack of some safety features, the compromised rear seating and the automatic gearbox cancel out is pluses"

Sun-Herald: "Nissan looks to have got it right with the new Pulsar, continuing a trend that effectively balances value with quality. Pity about the grille, though"

Mechanical

Mechanical

Plan Views

The Pulsar continues with the standard small-car configuration using a transverse, front-drive four-cylinder engine layout to help maximise interior space while promoting on-road stability.

Engine

Pulsar's engine is a twin-cam 16-valve unit with variable timing on the intake camshaft, fuel injection and distributorless electronic ignition with a coil for each cylinder. The electronic control module for the engine management system has been lifted from 16 to 32 Bit. Bearing surfaces of the crank and camshafts have been micro-finished to cut friction and a one-stage silent timing chain and new sprockets have helped reduce NVH levels.

Suspension

A combition of MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link beam axle rear suspension is used, in common with new Maxima and Primera. The multi-link system cuts scuffing and jacking of rear wheels under load during braking and cornering. This also allows shorter, smaller rear shock absorbers to be fitted, permitting more luggage space. The new car is also more softly sprung than its predecessor.

Transmission

The Pulsar is available with a five-speed manual, or a four-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter. A new electronic control in the automatic gearbox makes for smoother shifting. Although the design is essentially the same as on previous models, the transmission has strengthened main and planetary gears and there are changes to the accumulator, servo and brake bands. The electronics aim to reduce gear changes when negotiating hills, give a smoother gearshift and improve fuel consumption.

Brakes

A tandem booster brake system is fitted to the new Pulsar. Ventilation slots in the front discs help to dissipate heat rapidly, reducing brake fade even with repeated use. The use of rear drums is becoming rare, but the Pulsar's braking performance is acceptable.

Steering

The four-spoke steering wheel houses the driver's side airbag and horn pad; the column is tilt-adjustable. Power steering makes the car easy to park in spite of its 185/65R14 tyres. Although front wheel drive, the Pulsar's turning circle is a handy 9.2 metres.

Safety

Safety

The Pulsar addresses small-car safety issues with a full complement of passenger-protection gear including door intrusion beams, front and rear crumple zones, fuel tank with roll-over safety valve, dual airbags, belt pre-tensioners, load-limiters and anti-lock brakes. A body shell 30 per cent more rigid than before improves crashworthiness - Pulsar was designed to meet offset crash and side impact tests. The windscreen wipers also now sweep 10 per cent more glass.

Data

Data

Engine:

• All-alloy, twin camshaft, 16-valve transverse front-drive four-cylinder

• Capacity: 1.769 litres 

• Power: 92kW at 5600rpm 

• Torque: 161Nm at 4400rpm 

• Bore/stroke: 80mm/88mm 

• Compression ratio: 9.5:1
  

Transmission:

• Five-speed

• Four-speed auto
  

Suspension:

• Front: Fully independent MacPherson struts

• Rear: Multi-link beam with coil springs
  

Steering:

• Power-assisted rack and pinion

• Turns lock to lock: 3.2

• Turning circle: 9.6 metres
  

Dimensions:

• Length: 4470mm  

• Width: 1695mm 

• Height: 1445mm 

• Wheelbase: 2535mm 

• Track front: 1470mm

• Track rear: 1450mm

• Kerb weight: 1200kg (1220kg auto)                                 
                              

Standard Equipment:

• Dual airbags   

• CD player   

• Climate-control air-conditioning   

• Remote central locking   

• Engine immobiliser  

• Power windows and mirrors  

• Alloy wheels  

• Anti-lock brakes   

• Seatbelt pretensioners  

• Velour trim  

• Height-adjustable driver's seat

Buy with Confidence

Buy with Confidence

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Know your seller

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Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, you may be covered by the Vehicle Purchase Protection program

• Vehicle Purchase Protection: When you buy a car online through eBay Motors, you may be covered for up to $20,000 of FREE Vehicle Purchase Protection insurance*.
  
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Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. eBay is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.

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