Sedan Reviews

While Nissan stuck with what had been a very successful nameplate in Australia and continued to use the Pulsar badge for its new N16 model, it was renamed the Bluebird Sylphy in its homeland.Following the end of local production, the Australian Pulsar was, by 2000, a fully imported model, with sedans sourced from Japan and hatches coming from the UK.The N16 Pulsar was still a small, front-wheel-drive car, but with greater demand for small vehicles from a market rapidly downsizing, the little Nissan grew a little in size and sophistication to better meet this need head on.Compared to the N15 that went before it, the new-generation Pulsar was longer, wider, taller, and better equipped.The N16 Pulsar was launched in sedan form in 2000, and the hatch followed in 2001.Opening the five-model range was the LX, which was only offered as a four-door sedan with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and the option of a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual gearbox.Standard features consisted of air-conditioning, an adjustable steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors, power steering, an immobiliser, cloth trim, and a radio/CD player with four speakers.Safety features were limited to seat belt pretensioners and an airbag for the driver.The ST was available as a sedan or hatch; it had a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and either a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual gearbox.It was similarly equipped to the LX, but had the extra protection of an airbag for the front seat passenger.The Q was a popular model with its strong value-for-money proposition. It was available as a sedan or hatch, it had a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, and the choice of a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual gearbox.Standard features that made the Q so popular included alloy wheels, power windows, and a rear spoiler.Safety features in the Japan-sourced Q sedan were a driver's airbag and seat belt pretensioners, while the UK-sourced hatch also had an airbag for the front seat passenger.The ST was likewise available as a sedan or hatch; it too had a 1.8-litre engine, and the choice of automatic transmission or manual gearbox.ST standard features included air-conditioning, an adjustable steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors, power steering, and a radio/CD player with four speakers.Like the Q, the ST sedan had a driver's airbag and seat belt pretensioners, while the hatch boasted airbags for both the driver and the front seat passenger.The Ti was at the top of the range, and befittingly had the most when it came to standard features.Available only as a sedan, with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, and the choice of automatic transmission or manual gearbox, the Ti boasted climate-control air-conditioning, alloy wheels, remote central locking, immobiliser, power windows and mirrors, power steering, and a radio/CD player with four speakers.It was also the best equipped when it came to safety features; they included airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, seat belt pretensioners, and ABS anti-lock braking.An update in 2003 saw the release of the Series II which introduced a raft of changes across the range.The LX and Ti disappeared from the range, so all models then had 1.8-litre engines, which were revised, and the ST-L was introduced.Only offered in sedan form, the ST-L came with the 1.8-litre engine, and an automatic transmission or manual gearbox.Standard features of the ST-L were air-conditioning, alloy wheels, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, power steering, and a radio/CD player with four speakers.In other revisions, the ST got standard cruise control, while the Q got ABS braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, larger alloy wheels, and a sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel.Predating Bluetooth, it wasn't possible to connect an iPhone or an Android device, there was no touch screen, sat nav, or parking aids such as a reversing camera, parking sensors, or a park assist system.The spare tyre was full-sized.With its larger dimensions, the N16 offered greater comfort and head and legroom to those in the front or rear seats.The cabin was well laid-out, the materials used had a quality feel and appearance, and the seats were comfortable.The rear seat was a split/fold one to add to the flexibility of the cabin, with plenty of luggage space available when the seat was folded.Cupholders were provided for those in the front.Lap/sash seat belts facilitated the fitment of a baby car seat, but the N16 predated the requirement of ISOFIX mounting points.At the launch of the N16, the entry-level LX model had a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the rest of the range had 1.8-litre four-cylinder engines with 16 valves.That changed in 2003 when the LX was dropped from the Series II range. Thereafter, all models boasted the smooth, flexible performance of the 1.8-litre engine.The 1.6-litre engine was capable of putting out 83kW – 111 horsepower – at its power peak, and 140Nm when at its point of maximum torque.While the 1.6-ltre engine was a smooth, capable little engine, the 1.8-litre engine was the star of the show. At its performance peaks it put 92kW – 123 horsepower – and 161Nm, which endowed it with greater zip, but more importantly better flexibility for smoother driveability.Post 2003, the 1.8-litre engine had slightly reduced peak power of 90kW, but a little more maximum torque of 163Nm. Both engines ran on 91-octane regular unleaded petrol. They were offered with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission - the latter the most popular.With MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a multi-link beam rear suspension, the N16 Pulsar handled, steered, and stopped with assurance.It wasn't sports car precise, but it did what it was intended to do and didn't cause anyone a moment's distress.The 1.6-litre engine used in the LX in the Series I range was nice enough, but it lacked the performance modern day traffic demands. In contrast, the 1.8-litre engine was sufficiently powerful to get the job done in the bustle of town life.There was sufficient torque to deliver the flexibility and smooth driveability that makes the day-to-day driving experience a pleasant one, even with the limitations of a four-speed automatic transmission.For those in the cabin, the ride was comfortable, and there was little wind or road noise to cause any concern.Comprehensive standard safety equipment was bit of a work in progress when the N16 was launched. When released, safety features consisted of an airbag for the driver and seat belt pretensioners - it wasn't until the Series II update in 2003 that a front passenger's airbag became standard.It was a similar tale of woe when it came to the very important ABS anti-lock braking, which only became standard in the Series II update.ANCAP rated the Series II at three (out of five) stars for safety.Owners and mechanics agree the reliability of the N16 Pulsar is exemplary.There is nothing to be concerned about with the N16, even if it's done high mileage, providing it has been well cared for and is in good condition.Nothing beats regular servicing to keep a car in tip-top shape, so it's critical that the seller provides a service record to show their car has been properly maintained.Older cars are often neglected by owners not wanting to spend money on a car they see as of little value. If there's no service record, and the car appears neglected, walk away.Look for signs of wear and tear, such as oil smoke from the exhaust, oil leaks around the engine and transmission, and coolant leaks.The engines have cam timing chains, so there's no requirement for servicing them.Being a conventional automatic transmission, there are none of the issues that have plagued new-tech transmissions like dual-clutch and CVT gearboxes. But it's important as the kilometres climb to check the auto is working smoothly and engaging gears without flaring or hesitation.Nissan covered the N16 Pulsar with a three-year/100,000km warranty when new, and recommended it be serviced every 10,000km or six months.The recommended oil is 5W-30.Capped-price servicing was yet to be introduced, but there's nothing in the N16 Pulsar to make the service costs expensive.The N16 Pulsar is affected by the Takata airbag inflator recall, so check with the seller to see if their car has been recalled. If it hasn't, check with the dealer to see when it will be.If anything crops up, you'll probably find it on our Nissan Pulsar problems page.Belinda Rogers: "I've had my 2004 Pulsar for 14 years and it's still going strong. It's been a real little beauty, and has never let me down."Allan Savage: "We bought our Ti used in 2010. It's now done 420,000 km and has not caused us a moment's trouble."Ellen Chadwick: "I've had my ST for three years now and have found it very practical. There's plenty of room in the back, the doors open wide enough to make it easy for older people to get in and out, and it's cheap to run."Jack Billings: "I've had my ST for two years, and in that time it's cost me nothing apart from regular running expenses. It's a great car for someone wanting cheap transport."Marion Baldwin: "I love my ST, which I bought used in 2013. It's roomy, economical, and is nice to drive."Toyota CorollaSound and reliable, if in tip-top shape.3 starsMazda3A class act and drives nicely, but it can be thirsty.3 stars.Ford FocusA great handler let down by bland interior and lacklustre engine.2.5 stars.Reliable small car, a sensible cheap used buy.Rating: 3.5 stars.

So highly rated was the N14 Nissan Pulsar that one leading Australian motoring magazine gave it equal car-of-the-year status with the high performance Honda NSX sports car.

The updated 2018 Kia Optima range sees some notable changes, including price drops, equipment adjustments and new safety gear added on both models in the range. We're testing out the Si and GT.

The Kia Optima Si is the entry-grade of two models, and it comes in at $33,290 plus on-road costs - an $1100 drop over the previous version.

The Kia Optima GT model lists at $43,290 plus on-roads - a $1200 price drop compared to the pre-facelift model. Over the Si, the GT has a new 8.0-inch media screen with extended smartphone connectivity and in-built sat nav (with 10 years of maps included and SUNA live traffic updates), and it also gains redesigned LED headlights but they lose the smart auto high-beam assistance of the old model. Other standard kit in the GT includes leather seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment with memory settings, smart key (keyless entry) and push button start, a sports body kit, a Harman Kardon audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, wireless phone charging (Qi) but no WiFi hotspot, rear sunshades (but no tinted windows), different interior trim finishes, a heated steering wheel, and a colour driver-information screen. But compared with the pre-facelift model, there are some missing items: the front passenger seat is now manually operated (previously electric), the cooling/ventilation of the front seats has been deleted, and the panoramic sunroof of the previous model is gone, too. And while it rides on 18-inch rims with a new design, the tyre-pressure-monitoring system has been removed.Safety for the GT includes driver-fatigue monitoring and an active lane-keeping assistance system (in place of the old lane-departure-warning buzzer). It also has auto emergency braking (AEB), a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.The Optima GT is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 180kW and 350Nm. It also has a six-speed auto gearbox, and is FWD. Fuel use is claimed at 8.5L/100km.

So, the BMW 750Li's not quite fast enough, or luxurious enough for you? Time to step right up to the 330km/h Alpina B7 monster limo, then. If you're game.

The C-Class has become a top-seller for Mercedes-Benz, nudging some mainstream players for volume in the mid-size segment in Australia. So, this new model is a critical one for the three-pointed star.

So focused was Ford on selling the Falcon that it lost sight of the Focus after its initial launch in 2002. With minimal marketing the LR Focus failed to excite the market, so there was plenty riding on the new LS model that arrived in 2005.The lack of backing for the LR was a sign Ford was throwing everything at the locally produced Falcon at the expense of all else at a time the market was beginning to tune in to smaller cars.Those who failed to see the first Focus missed out on a good car, one that deserved more attention than it got.The new LS Focus delivered European driving dynamics in a sophisticated, but still value-for-money package.The LS Focus was a more rounded car than the LR that preceded it.While the LR was lauded for its sportiness, the LS won more plaudits for its sophisticated feel, roominess and improved interior.There were two body styles, a five-door hatch and a four-door sedan, with two levels of trim, the CL and LX, available in each.In addition there was a sporty Zetec hatch and a luxury Ghia sedan.The LS was wider than the LR, its wheelbase was longer, and it was a little stiffer.Ford's designers moved away from the soft, rounded forms that were a feature of the LR and gave the LS a sharper, more chiseled look.The CL opened the door to the LS range. It was available as a sedan or hatch, it came with a 2.0-litre engine and there was the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.It also boasted plenty of standard goodies to please the small car buyer.Standard features included air conditioning, remote central locking, front fog lights, power steering, power front windows, a radio/CD player with four speakers, a trip computer, rear spoiler (hatch only), and there was an option pack that included 15-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, and cruise control.Safety features consisted of airbags for the driver and front passenger, and seat belt pretensioners.Like the CL, the LX was available as a sedan or hatch, it had a 2.0-litre engine, and was available with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission.Standard features included air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, remote central locking,  front fog lights, power steering, power mirrors and windows, a radio/CD player with four speakers, an immobiliser, and a trip computer.Safety features consisted of airbags for the driver and front passenger, side front airbags, ABS anti-lock braking, and electronic brakeforce distribution.Ford of Europe has long been renowned for building cars that steer and handle brilliantly and the Focus was no exception.The Ghia was only available as a sedan with a 2.0-litre engine and four-speed automatic transmission.Befitting its position as the leader of the pack the Ghia had a host of standard features, including climate control air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, radio/CD player with four speakers and a six-disc stacker, remote central locking, front fog lights, power steering, power windows and mirrors, power drivers seat, and a trip computer.Safety features consisted of airbags for the driver and front passenger, side front airbags, seat belt pretensioners, ABS braking and electronic brakeforce distribution.For those looking for a sportier ride Ford offered them the Zetec hatch with the 2.0-litre engine and the choice of five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.Standard features of the Zetec were climate control air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, fog lamps, immobilizer, power windows and mirrors, power steering, leather trim, power drivers seat, and a trip computer.Giving it a sporty flavor were 17-inch alloy wheels, a body kit, a rear spoiler, and sports suspension.Safety features consisted of airbags for the driver and front passenger, side front airbags, seat belt pretensioners, ABS anti-lock braking, and electronic brakeforce distribution.New to the range was the XR5 Turbo hot hatch with a turbocharged Volvo-sourced 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.It had a full complement of standard features, including air conditioning, radio/CD player with eight speakers and a six-stacker, remote central locking, front fog lights, leather steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, power driver's seat, and a trip computer.Sporty features were 18-inch alloy wheels, sports-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, and sports seats.Safety features included airbags for the driver and front passenger, head airbags, side front airbags, ABS braking, emergency brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, and traction control.The big news in 2007, when Ford updated the Focus, was the introduction of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine option.Sadly, the TDCi was only available with a six-speed manual gearbox until a subsequent update in 2009 when it also became available with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.By then the Ghia was gone, but the range of sports models was expanded and now included the Zetec, the XR5 and the RS.The 2009 update also brought Bluetooth and the capability of connecting an iPhone or Android device, although it wasn't available in the base model CL.While Bluetooth technology was available there was no touchscreen, parking sensors, reversing camera, or a park assist system. Also absent were sat nav and a sunroof.The spare tyre was a temporary use space-saver.Fresh air fiends were covered with a coupe-cabriolet released in 2007.With a folding hardtop the CC offered the best of both worlds, open air with the roof folded and the security of a fixed-roof coupe with the roof up.The downside was the limited boot space with the roof folded.The Focus cabin had five seats in a conventional layout, with the hatch rear seat a split-fold deal to expand the capacity to carry luggage.Everyone had good head and legroom, and travelled in relative comfort.Some were critical of the comfort of the seats, which were typically firm in the European style.There were plenty of storage options spread around the cabin, and those in the front seats had the use of cupholders.Lap-sash seat belts facilitated the fitment of a baby car seat, but ISOFIX mounting points weren't fitted.The main engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-cam petrol unit that produced 107kW (143 horsepower) and 185Nm when working at its respective power and torque peaks.It was available with a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or a conventional four-speed automatic transmission.The performance choice was the 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine Ford sourced from its (then) Volvo arm.It required the use of 95-octane premium unleaded to achieve its ultimate performance, which saw it put out 166kW (222 horsepower) and 320Nm.When at its best it was capable of completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.8sec.Ford met the demand for a diesel engine in 2007 with the launch of the TDCi, which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel that boasted 100kW of maximum power and 320Nm of peak torque.Initially it was only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, but the option of a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was added in 2009.The appeal of the Focus was its driving dynamics. Ford of Europe has long been renowned for building cars that steer and handle brilliantly and the Focus was no exception.Aside from the trouble with the dual-clutch transmission in the TDCi the reliability of the Focus is generally good.A combination of MacPherson Strut independent front suspension and 'Control Blade' independent rear suspension finely tuned by Ford's suspension experts meant anyone looking for a rewarding driving experience could do no worse than settle into a Focus.It might have been a conventional front-wheel drive, but it was a delight to drive.The agile and responsive handling didn't come at the cost of ride comfort; the ride was smooth and supple.Road noise was an issue, particularly in hatches.The Focus was well equipped with safety features for the time.All models in the range had airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side front airbags became standard in 2008.ABS braking was standard on the Ghia from 2005, and across the range from 2007.ANCAP rated the Focus four stars out of five.In recent years the Focus badge has become tainted by the problems that beset the 'Powershift' dual-clutch automatic transmission.The only model fitted with the dual-clutch auto in this generation of the Focus was the TDCi when the Powershift auto was released on the diesel engine in 2009.Anyone considering an automatic TDCi should think long and hard before buying one. History now tells us that the dual-clutch is trouble, and should be avoided.But the automatic transmission used across the rest of the range was a conventional automatic and that is trouble free.Aside from the trouble with the dual-clutch transmission in the TDCi the reliability of the Focus is generally good, but of course buying a used car demands careful inspection.The best buy is always the one with the fewest kilometres with a known history of ownership and service. Tick those boxes and you won't go far wrong with the Focus.Build quality was a concern with the Focus; it wasn't as good as those cars coming from Asia.With that in mind check all electrics in the car to make sure everything is working.Brakes tend to wear out quicker than some cars; it's a factor of the 'driving' nature of the car.A cam timing chain eliminated the need and extra cost of replacing a belt.Capped price servicing didn't apply to the Focus, but there's nothing that should make it an expensive car to maintain, and using an independent mechanic can contain service costs.Ford recommended servicing the Focus every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever came first.The warranty was for three-years/100,000 km, but that has long since expired.There was a recall for a batch of turbo-diesels built between 2007 and 2009 without an exhaust system heat shield.Another one was for some cars built between 2008 and 2009 with a potentially faulty brake booster.MORE: If anything crops up, you'll probably find it on our Ford Focus problems.Kim Odgers: I bought my CL hatch new in 2007 when it caught my eye at the dealer. All these years later I still have it and love it. I love driving it, and it has been very reliable.Kerry Hampton: We've had our CL for years and have had not trouble to speak of. It's good to drive, and easy to manoeuvre and park.Billy Ahrens: I've had my 2007 Zetec hatch for three years. It's a lovely car, easy to drive, parking is a breeze, it's comfortable, but the road noise is awful.Michael Firth: I owned a 2006 LX for two years, but sold it because the seats were uncomfortable, the road noise was high, and the build quality was awful.Toyota CorollaDurable and reliable as they come and holds its value well.3.5 stars.VW GolfA car you want to love, but more likely will loathe because of the troubles with the DSG gearbox.3 stars.Mazda3A favourite small car that ticks all the boxes.3.5 stars.A car you can enjoy driving, if you avoid the Powershift transmission.

There was a time in the 1980s when Ford’s Mazda-based Laser ruled the small car market, but by the end of the ’90s it had become uncompetitive.

The Kia Cerato Sport is a five-seat, four-door small sedan that's offered in a single mechanical specification. It sits above the S and below the Sport+.The front-drive sedan costs $23,690, and comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 112kW/192Nm, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.All Ceratos are equipped with AEB, lane departure warning and forward collision warning as standard. The Sport is additionally equipped with a reversing camera and front/rear sensors, along with standard air conditioning, 17-inch alloy rims, sports cloth trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, an six-way adjustable driver’s seat and an 8.0-inch screen with sat nav, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.