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Nissan Pulsar SSS manual and auto 2013 review

During the latter stages of the life of its ill-fated Tiida, Nissan Australia conducted research into the significance of model names to potential buyers. While it came as no surprise that the Pulsar name had been greatly missed, what did raise eyebrows was the fact that the SSS name rated even more highly than that of Pulsar.

That research played a large part in Nissan Australia’s decision to reinstate the SSS model as a member of its just launched 2013 Pulsar hatch range.

Value

Now, much to the delight of its fans, the Pulsar SSS is back, priced at just $29,290, putting it around $10,000 less than models such as the Subaru WRX and Golf GTi, albeit with significantly less performance than they provide.

To distinguish itself from the standard Pulsar, the SSS gets a sportier look with front, side and rear skirts, a modest rear spoiler, front foglamps, LED rear lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Engine and gearbox

This time around the Pulsar SS comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged, DiG Turbo (Direct Injection Gasoline) engine pushing out 140 kW of power, and 240 Nm at just 2000 revs.

The engine comes with a single scroll turbocharger that sends the SSS sharply off the mark with almost no lag. It’s a punchy unit that’s at its best from 2000 rpm upwards. While the engine note can’t match that of its hotter rivals it still adds a bit of character to the car.

Driving

We reviewed both the six-speed manual and CVT variants; the manual is light and smooth with plenty of grunt even in sixth gear for safe overtaking. While the manual is still our transmission of choice the addition of steering column mounted paddle shifts to the CVT makes it almost as much satisfying, although it does add $2500 to the price.

Suspension is firmer than in the other variants without compromising ride comfort while handling and cornering on the wet roads that we encountered were safe with only slight body roll.

There’s excellent interior space in all Pulsar models with well-sized seats and although the SSS does get some extra bolstering it’s not the hip-hugging compression of many similar cars. Pulsar also ticks another of our boxes in that there’s excellent visibility with a large front and rear windscreens and a low beltline.

Verdict

Affordability is the name of the game in the new Nissan Australia lineup and the Pulsar SSS provides plenty of driving excitement at a modest outlay.

Pricing guides

$11,990
Based on 182 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$2,000
Highest Price
$17,380

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
ST-L 1.8L, —, 6 SP MAN $6,930 – 9,790 2013 Nissan Pulsar 2013 ST-L Pricing and Specs
ST 1.8L, —, CVT AUTO $7,480 – 10,560 2013 Nissan Pulsar 2013 ST Pricing and Specs
ST-S 1.6L, —, 6 SP MAN $7,810 – 11,000 2013 Nissan Pulsar 2013 ST-S Pricing and Specs
ST 1.8L, —, 6 SP MAN $6,930 – 9,790 2013 Nissan Pulsar 2013 ST Pricing and Specs
Alistair Kennedy
Contributing Journalist

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.