Nissan Pulsar returns

Nissan Australia CEO Dan Thompson repeatedly used the Pulsar nameplate when referring to the brand's next small car, though official confirmation isn't expected until the Tokyo Motor Show late this month.

Thompson said last year he expects the Pulsar to be a top-three contender in the small car class and account for 10 per cent of sales.

It will be bolstered with both sedan and hatch styles  and could even pick up a Renault-sourced diesel engine.

"Pulsar has a very special place in our plans and I think in Aussies' hearts and minds," he says.

"We have massive ambitions with Pulsar hatch and sedan."

Next year will be a busy one for Nissan with the arrival of the electric-powered Leaf and the Micra-based light sedan, the Almera, along with the Dualis diesel and new Patrol.

Thomspon says the new models will revitalise showrooms but admits the Patrol will lack a diesel engine at launch. Part of the that reason is Australia had to foot the bill to pay for the right drive conversion, and

would have to dig into its pocket again for an oilburner.

"There isn't a market outside Australia (for a diesel)," Thompson confirms. The Mid-East and America are the other Patrol markets and they want petrol engines."

Thompson also confirms the sporty Juke light SUV won't be added to the portfolio in Australia despite going on sale in New Zealand.

"We've looked at it a few times and it just doesn't fit into the model plan here," he says.

PULSAR HISTORY

• The Pulsar name began in Australia in 1978 under the Datsun badge and was then then locally built until 1992, when the Nissan plant at Clayton, Victoria closed.
• The Pulsar continued as a popular imported model until it was replaced by the Tiida in 2006.
• The Tiida's year-to-date sales of 2593 cars give it a 1.5 per cent market share.
• The Pulsar sold 17,643 units for an 8.2 per cent share of the segment in its last full year of sales in 2005. The Tiida sold 13,756 cars for a  6.2 per cent share in its first year-long sales in 2007.