It’s the return of the Pulsar name to Australia – Nissan showcased the car bearing the name in both sedan and hatch guises at the AIMS in Sydney. Sales are set to begin in February next year, with the sedan kicking off things, followed three months later by the hatchback.
The B17 sedan form – more familiar to us as the Sylphy – made its world debut in Beijing earlier this year, will be available in 1.8 litre form, with the MR8A8DE offering 137 hp and 174 Nm.
Meanwhile, the Pulsar hatch, including a sporty SSS variant, is powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged, direct injection gasoline (DIG) engine. Coincidentally, the arrival of the SSS nameplate will mark the return of a name familiar to a generation of drivers and enthusiasts.
For Australia, the Pulsar sedan will be available in three trim versions, ST, ST-L and Ti, with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional Xtronic CVT transmission, the last standard on the Ti.
Equipment includes dual-zone air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and a colour display for the audio system, The Ti adds on integrated satellite navigation to the list, and as for wheels, 16-inch alloys are standard on the ST and ST-L, while the Ti rides on 17-inch units.
Safety kit include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD and brake assist, traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control, as well as front, side and curtain airbags.
Closer to home, the new Sylphy was launched in Thailand at the end of August – we were there for the launch of the car.
