Nissan Pulsar Ti 2013 review

The name ‘Pulsar’ is back in the Nissan fold, replacing the much-unloved ‘Tiida’ tag to the delight of just about everyone in any way connected with Nissan in Australia - be they owners, buyers or sellers.

Value

The subject of this road test is a top-of-the-line 1.8-litre Pulsar Ti sedan. Four doors are the only body type on offer at this time. Pulsar hatch, including the sporty SSS, powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged, direct injection engine is due downunder mid year.

The five new Pulsar sedans range from just $19,990 to the $28,990 Ti we drove, and there is plenty to choose from both in features and price. The new Pulsar comes in three specification levels: ST, ST-L and Ti.

The Pulsar Ti has all the advantages of hands-free Bluetooth and MP3/iPod connectivity, six-speaker audio, touch-screen colour display, reversing camera with guide lines and satellite navigation.

Technology

Explore the 2013 Nissan Pulsar range

• Nissan Pulsar 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar auto sedan 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar sedan 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar sedan and hatch 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar ST manual and Ti 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar Ti sedan 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar ST-L sedan 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar Ti 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar ST-S and SSS 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar hatch 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar SSS hatch 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar SSS manual and auto 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar Ti auto 2013 review: snapshot
• Nissan Pulsar SSS manual 2013 review
• Nissan Pulsar SSS 2013 review

Pulsar’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine develops peak power of 96 kW and maximum torque of 174 Nm. It’s mated with a CVT, resulting in a quiet, continuous delivery of power. 

They can be ordered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or Nissan’s new Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) offering smoother acceleration and broader gear ratios than a conventional automatic. The Ti we tested comes only with the CVT.

Smart Revolution Control keeps engine speed constant even if a driver operates the accelerator pedal roughly under gentle acceleration, while it also smoothes irregularities of vehicle speed on undulating roads. Without the driver noticing, it all adds up to minimising fuel consumption and enhancing drivability.

During extended open road cruising ‘our’ Nissan Pulsar Ti used five to six litres per 100 kilometres. In town it recorded nine to ten litres per hundred. While most of the automotive world measures fuel consumption in litres per hundred kilometres, the Japanese do so in kilometres per litre, which is shown in Australian import’s dash displays of current Pulsars. Hopefully, Nissan Australia will have this corrected on future models.

Design

The Pulsar has Nissan's new style trapezoidal radiator grille and large wraparound headlights. Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, the Pulsar Ti’s low stance and belt line add to its appearance of length.

Interior space is impressive. New Pulsar has a longer cabin than its main rivals, making for extensive rear-seat legroom than can carry two adults in comfort.

Pulsar has a co-efficient of drag of just 0.30, this is partly due to the attention paid to the vehicle’s underbody, with air flow funneled by a large front spoiler past the front and rear wheels via strategically-placed deflectors.

A stiff body structure is designed to maximise occupant protection and minimise vibration, while mechanical and road noise have been isolated by sound absorbing materials.

Soft-touch segments – dashboard and driver’s door armrest - plus leather seat accents imbue the cabin with a feeling of quality, while the Ti must have close to the most comfortable seats in class. Not nodding off comfy, but long-distance comfy.

Gauges, set out on an instrument panel that curves outwards to the doors, are backlit, even in daylight, making them easy to read.

Safety

Safety systems include front, side and curtain airbags; ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; traction control and vehicle dynamic control.

Driving

The CVT transmission has what Nissan calls Smooth Start Assist control. This irons out any accelerator pressure imperfections, which makes the car accelerate in a smooth and fuel-efficient manner.

During extended open road cruising ‘our’ Nissan Pulsar Ti used five to six litres per 100 kilometres. In town it recorded nine to ten litres per hundred. While most of the automotive world measures fuel consumption in litres per hundred kilometres, the Japanese do so in kilometres per litre, which is shown in Australian import’s dash displays of current Pulsars. Hopefully, Nissan Australia will have this corrected on future models.

Verdict

It’s still early days, but it’s already looking as though dumping the Tiida and reintroducing the Pulsar is paying big dividends in sales. It’s not just the name change that’s doing the work, our week in the Pulsar has impressed us with its competence in many fields.