Nissan Pulsar 2000 Review

Whoever said cars don't ever get cheaper, apart from effect of GST, hasn't been keeping tabs on the small car class over the past several years.

Not so long ago, the starting price for a small car was well over $20,000 and anything with all the extras was well into the high twenties.

This class includes the Corolla, Pulsar, Astra, Laser and 323 and is not to be confused with the light car class of Accent, Festiva, Barina, 121 and others.

Nissan has long set the pace for value and has done it again with its latest Pulsar.

Larger inside and out and more refined, the new model comes with air conditioning, a driver's airbag, CD player, remote locking, power mirrors, an engine immobiliser and cup holders.

Entry level is the manual-only LX sedan at $19,990, up $600 on October 9, but still the same price as its predecessor.

The LX is powered by a 1.6-litre engine, which develops 83kW at 6000rpm and 140Nm of torque at 4400rpm.

These outputs are down a little on the previous 1.6, but the engine is more responsive, thanks to variable valve timing and direct injection.

The manual ST, at $20,790 (up from $19,990 on October 9), has the same equipment as the LX, but gets the 1.8-litre engine, which develops 92kW at 5600rpm and 161Nm at 4400rpm.

Next is the sporty Q manual at $22,590, complete with a rear spoiler, side skirts, alloy wheels and brighter trim.

The top of the range Ti manual at $24,590 comes with a passenger airbag, ABS brakes and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Automatic adds $1800 to all but the LX.

The first of the new Pulsars into the showrooms, wearing mini-Maxima styling, is the conservative looking Japanese-built sedan. The more attractive British-built, five-door hatch arrives early next year.

The new sedan is 150mm longer, 5mm wider and 50mm taller and the body is 30 per cent stiffer to reduce noise and improve crash resistance.

Styling is subtly different – smoother and beefier around the flanks and boot and easily identified front-on by the bold chrome grille.

There are no new technological tricks, but everything about the new model feels bigger, stronger, more secure and well proven.

The interior is longer, wider and taller with the seats set a little higher for better vision.

There is still no split-fold rear seats to expand the luggage space – just a ski port.

Instruments have a fresher look and there is now a push-button electric boot release on the dash and new cup holders on the centre console.

Performance is brisk enough in the 1.6 manual, with enough go to hold its own around town and maintain a relatively relaxed cruising speed on the highway.

Naturally, the 1.8 is stronger and the best and only mate for the optional automatic.

The well-developed suspension has been upgraded with a slightly wider footprint. It feels strong and sure-footed and predictable in all conditions, including potholes and corrugations.

Ride is smooth and comfortable and well insulated from road noise on smooth surfaces, but there is some body rumble on rough surfaces and tyre roar on coarse bitumen.

Steering is light and accurate and the disc-drum brakes more than up to the job. Fuel consumption on test averaged 8.2l/100km in a 1.8 manual Q.

The $19,990 small car will soon be a thing of the past. Prices went up earlier this month and are certain to jump another 2 per cent early in the new year. Importers of Japanese cars say prices should be at least 10 per cent higher than they are.