BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 11th Jul 2003
KEEN pricing saw the N15 Pulsar gain much sales ground, in part due to its agreeable Euro styling, roomy cabin, peppy 1.6 engine and good economy. But the earlier N14's quality seems to have been diluted a little, but it's still a great used small car buy. Central locking and power steering are standard.
FORD KJ LASER 4D SEDAN (1994-1996)
BUILT alongside the Mazda 323 Protege in Japan, the KJ's sweet-revving and reliable 1.6 offers a rewarding drive. Power steering is standard, while the well-made, roomy and comfy cabin combine with sassy styling to make this quality small car a great used car all-rounder. Only high parts prices detract.
MITSUBISHI CC LANCER 4D SEDAN (1992-1996)
SLIGHTLY low tech compared to its newer rivals with a carburettored 1.5 engine and three-speed auto (five-speed manual was optional), the front-wheel drive Lancer is a lower-cost alternative but also a lower-quality one, with noticable engine and road noise and a cheap-feeling interior. But it is durable.
SUBARU IMPREZA 4D SEDAN (1993-1998)
THE Impreza's sassy styling and 1.6 boxer engine make it offbeat, although everything else is pretty conventional. It benefits from being based on the larger Liberty, with a spacious cabin, high refinement levels and impressive strength and durability. But parts can be costly. The WRX connection keeps prices firm.