Nissan Pulsar 2013: Launch Review

Not so much
>> No USB port on ST model
>> No split-fold rear seats
>> Question mark over NCAP rating

OVERVIEW
>> Smooth operator
The new Nissan Pulsar sedan has arrived in Australia -- seven years after the cherished name was killed off. The good news is that it's a big improvement on its immediate predecessor, the Tiida. With smart pricing and a sophisticated rather than sporty feel, Pulsar offers something a little different in the cut-throat small car segment.

Showing off a new look, offering more space and packaged with hard-to-ignore financing deals, the Pulsar gets down to business with sharp sub-$20K pricing, a long list of standard equipment, impressive comfort levels and a charming 1.8-litre petrol engine.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
>> Nice price, median features
The new Pulsar game opens at $19,990 for the entry-level ST model, making it one of the most affordable cars in its class. This buys you a 1.8-litre petrol engine, manual transmission and plenty of extras. If you want more gear the price rises to $23,650 for the mid-level ST-L and tops out at $28,990 for fully-equipped Ti model.

ST and ST-L come standard with a six-speed manual transmission but the Ti is paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The latter is a $2250 option for the non-Ti variants and is probably worth shelling out for as it's one of the best CVTs in the biz.

The entry-level ST model comes with electric windows, LED brake lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking, cruise control with steering wheel buttons, height adjustable driver's seat, cloth trim, six-speaker stereo with AUX input and Bluetooth phone connectivity. However a USB port is nowhere to be seen in the base model which will frustrate those who want to integrate or easily charge their smart phone.

Bluetooth audio streaming and climate control are reserved solely for top spec Ti versions too.

Mid grade ST-L adds velvety cloth trim, the abovementioned USB port and iPod connectivity, a 4.3-inch colour display and premium metallic dash trim. It is also decked out with a more glitzy exterior including LED headlight 'accents' (Nissan refrains from calling them daylight running lamps!), front fog lights and a rear spoiler.

If you want the burger with the lot, place your order for the top-spec Pulsar Ti. It gets everything mentioned above, but adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather accented upholstery and a proximity key fob for keyless entry, unlocking, and engine start.

The Pulsar Ti also features a larger 5.8-inch colour touch screen with satellite navigation and reverse parking camera integration. It's a neat little satnav system too: featuring attractive, high resolution 3D mapping with an intuitive interface.

Lastly you can add dusk-sensing xenon headlights (with auto levelling and washers) and rear window tinting to the Ti's standard feature list.

MECHANICAL
>> Pearler of a powertrain
One of the best things about the new Pulsar is its 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, codenamed MRA8DE. This new dual-cam engine features a long stroke configuration designed to improve fuel economy, which it does (down from 7.8L/100km to 6.7L/100km in auto models). It's a torque-ier, more drivable powertrain to boot.

The engine is near top of its class in terms of refinement. Though the CVT auto is also impressive, the Toyota Corolla does it better with slightly less noise/droning. That said, taken as a package, the Pulsar's drivetrain is better than the Corolla's. Smooth and eager, the engine revs cleanly to its 6800rpm rev limit and doesn't get raspy at high revs like some small four pot mills.

Indeed, the engine is real charmer and makes driving the car more involving thanks to its refined, flexible and amiable character.

Power has dropped from a previously stated 102kW to 96kW at 6000rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4800rpm. This may not sound like much but the car hums along nicely in most situations, getting up to speed with surprising vim.

While there's nothing wrong with the manual transmission, the CVT is undoubtedly the pick here. The days of droning, laggy, spongiform CVTs could be at an end if Nissan's 'Xtronic' is anything to go by. Quieter, smoother and more responsive than most CVTs, it also features a sub-planetary gear set which ensures the car gets up and boogies at low speeds but sips fuel at high speeds.

The car takes off speedily for example, yet at 100km/h the CVT-equipped Pulsar's engine ticks over at an around 1800rpm (which is very low and improves fuel economy), while the manual was looking at 2500rpm in sixth gear - quite a difference.

Not surprising the auto is more efficient then, using 6.7L/100km compared to the manual's 7.2L/100km.

This is all the more imprerssive given Nissan has added up to 100kg to the mass of the Pulsar (when compared to the Tiida).

The chassis is a simple affair comprising independent front suspension (McPherson struts) and a torsion beam rear end, both backed up by stabiliser bars. While the car's handling can't match the likes of the segment's top-selling Mazda3 or the savvy Ford Focus, wallowing slightly when pushed into corners, the chassis' best asset is its ride quality.

Speed sensitive electric power steering is direct if a little dull, ensuring a 10.7 metres turning circle, roughly average for the small sedan class.

Disc brakes at all four wheels provide ample stopping power and a full-sized spare (steel) wheel is standard equipment on all models.

PACKAGING
>> Big and comfortable
The Nissan Pulsar is more aesthetically pleasing than the Noddy-headed Tiida, inside and out. These photos don't paint a luminous picture but the car is a more handsome proposition in the flesh.

In truth, the Tiida was based on a Light car platform and straddled the sizing segments. The Pulsar is a true small car and matches or betters its many of its competitors in most dimensions.

Measuring 1760mm wide, 4615mm long, and 1495mm tall, the Pulsar sedan is 65mm wider, 165mm longer and 40mm lower than the Tiida, and has more interior room as a result.

My notes describe the interior as "massive" and it's a well-presented cabin for the most part -- and not the el-cheapo budget fitout you might expect of a budget-priced car.

Soft touch plastics, clear, concise instruments, good ergonomics - it's all neat and tidy.

Rear seat room is ample for two adults, three at a pinch, with abundant head room and good leg room. The boot is big - 510litres in all - but the shape of the boot is a bit lumpy due to the rear wheel well protrusion, which makes the space less usable.

The lack of fold down rear seats is worse - and particularly bad news for flat-pack furniture aficionados.

The Pulsar incorporates a good number of storage cubbies, including sunglasses holder, cup holders, bottle holders, map pockets, and all models get a fold out rear armrest with cup holders. This fold down armrest also provides boot access via a small ski-hole aperture.

SAFETY
>> Five stars? No comment
Nissan says the Pulsar sedan "bristles" with safety gear, encompassing six airbags (front, side and full length curtain), antilock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction and stability control and three-point seat belts for all five occupants.

Question marks remain over whether the Pulsar is a five-star NCAP vehicle . The small sedan was originally set to be tested by Australian NCAP in February for a crash worthiness rating, but it is understood testing has been pushed back to later in the year. Nissan hasn't said whether it expects to achieve a maximum five-star rating.

COMPETITORS
>> Small ones mainly
The Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Holden Cruze and Kia Cerato are just a handful of the small sedans that stand in the way of Pulsar's national sales domination. That said, all the abovementioned except the Cerato are more expensive vehicles.

Nissan has built a good level of value into the Pulsar sedan and though it's not the best handling, it does have a more refined character than some its contemporaries.

Nissan has attached a three-year, 100,000km warranty with road side assistance and capped price servicing, none of which is segment leading but does offer reasonably good peace of mind for the first few years of ownership.

ON THE ROAD
>> Smooth sailing
Driving the Pulsar sedan is not so much an energetic experience as it is a composed and mature outing. The car has an unexpected level of refinement that that is derived from the much-improved engine and automatic gearbox, quiet interior and smooth ride quality.

Nissan had several test mules running around Australia prior to the car's local release and has adjusted the suspension to err on the side of comfort rather than handling.

And it suits the car to a tee. The Pulsar's tyres and suspension absorb small bumps with ease but just as calmly soak up bigger ruts and holes in the road. It's not magic carpet smooth but it's well above average in this class.

The flipside of the agreeable ride quality equation is that handling suffers, but not as much as you might think. The car has vague steering but predictable handling.

If you throw the car into a corner it tends to sway slightly as the weight shifts to one side of the car, but the Pulsar goes where you tell it to and has good road holding.

Try as I might, the car always gripped the road, struggling for traction only when manhandled in a fashion that many drivers would frown upon. Even when pushed to its limit the car reverts to a safe and slow understeer that is entirely manageable.

During the launch we had the chance to punt the cars around a small motorkhana course on a skidpan, and when driven flat-knacker on a wet surface the car felt soft but responsive and as mentioned had surprisingly good grip.

At freeway speeds the Pulsar is composed and quiet and generally pleasant to drive. The engine and gearbox make for an efficient and smooth journey, and the compliant ride contributes to the car's urbane on-road feel.

At an urban pace the light, sensitive steering works well, matched with crisp response from throttle and brake inputs. It all results in a comfortable, relaxed journey.

Nissan hasn't reinvented the small sedan, but it has developed an easy to live with, comfortable and refined sedan that represents good value.