New look, features for updated Pulsar

FRESH from making its QG18DE 1.8-litre four-cylinder standard across the Pulsar sedan range from March, Nissan has given its most popular model a new look, additional features and “improved performance”.

Pulsar sedan sports a new horizontal chrome grille, redesigned twin-cluster headlamps, sleeker new front and rear bumpers and a different rear-end that increases boot dimensions by 40mm in length and depth.

The Pulsar ST gets new-look 14-inch wheel covers and both the ST-L and Q get bigger 15-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, Pulsar now offers new seat trim, including a suede effect finish on the Q model, while a new interior dash colour with orange illumination behind the revised instrument cluster and audio unit has been added for better visibility.

Pulsar sedan also now benefits from cruise control, which comes standard on all automatic transmission models.

A new electronic fly-by-wire throttle has been added to the 1.8-litre DOHC 16-valve engine, which actually reduces peak power output by 2kW to 90kW at the same 5600rpm, while maximum torque has increased 2Nm to 163Nm at the same 4400rpm.

The same basic Pulsar sedan package remains, including air-conditioning, driver’s airbag, keyless entry, CD player, power mirrors and an engine immobiliser.

Pricing for the revised model has not changed, with the Pulsar ST manual still available at $19,990.

The mid-range model, the Pulsar ST-L sedan, which adds alloy wheels and power windows to the ST equipment list, retains its $20,990 price tag for the manual.

The range-topping Pulsar Q sedan, which has all the features of the ST-L plus body coloured bumpers with chrome inserts, chrome door handles, body coloured side mouldings, a lidded dashboard console box, rear headrests, luxury seat trim, rear armrest, rear spoiler, dual airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and anti-lock brakes, is priced from $23,490.

All models can be optioned with a four-speed automatic transmission for $2000.