Pulsar sedan revamp

Nissan has given the Pulsar sedan a new look, extra features and improved performance.

There are two Pulsar variants, the 1.6-litre LX and 1.8-litre Q, both with electronic fly-by-wire throttle. The Q gets bigger 15-inch alloy wheels and comes with cruise control as standard.

Visually, there's a new horizontal grille, redesigned twin-cluster headlamps, new front and rear bumpers and new rear end. Work on the rear has increased boot capacity by 40mm in length and depth.

Inside, the Pulsar has new seat trim, including a suede-effect finish on the Q model. A new dash has orange illumination behind the revised instrument cluster for better visibility.

The biggest change to performance is the introduction of Continuously Variable Valve Timing (C-VTC) to both the 1.6- and .8-litre four-cylinder units. Nissan says the new engines offer more useable torque.

Standard features include air-conditioning, keyless entry, CD player, power mirrors and an engine immobiliser.

The LX five-speed manual is priced at $25,995; the better-equipped Q with the same gearbox is $28,795.

A four-speed automatic is a $1400 option on both models.