As a child, I distinctly recall leafing through a brochure of the 1995 Nissan Pulsar. I loved the way they looked, even after being on the market since 1991. I loved the sheer variety of trim levels and its clean, well-proportioned styling inside and out. I was later dismayed at how bland its upcoming replacement looked. Now that I’m older, I still haven’t driven a 1991-95 Pulsar but upon learning more about the car, I have even more of an appreciation for them.
1990-92 Nissan Pintara TR.X
As I covered in my article on the Nissan Pintara, the N14-series Pulsar was the final Nissan to be manufactured in their Clayton, Victoria factory. Nissan’s Australian operations had been struggling for some time due to a history of poor assembly quality, mediocre cars (Pintara, rear-wheel-drive Bluebird) and heavily incentivized vehicle sales. Towards the end, Nissan was starting to make a concerted effort in improving their Aussie-built vehicle range. In fact, $AUD362 million dollars was invested in improving the Australian factory for the launch of the new Pulsar. But Nissan’s Aussie operations had been bleeding cash and Clayton would be shuttered in 1992.
1991-92 Pulsar GLi sedan
Accordingly, the 1991-95 Pulsar story can be split into two chapters: the first two years of Australian production from 1991-92; and the imported Series II from 1993-95. There was not much difference between the two series other than some minor trim details. Quality was also improved upon the switch to the imported model, although Nissan Australia had noticeably lifted their game for their final new model and the gap wasn’t as wide as it could have been. Still, better fit and finish saw the Pulsar rocket to the top of a 1993 Wheels magazine quality survey. Both the locally manufactured and imported versions proved to be very reliable as well as strong sellers. Because of this, I’ve managed to photograph every trim level in a short space of time as they are easily one of the most common compacts of that era on the roads.
The range launched in 1991 in two body styles: a smart five-door liftback and a more conservative four-door sedan. There were two twin-cam four-cylinder engines available: one manufactured locally and one imported. The former was a sweet, iron-block 1.6 (108hp and 108 ft-lbs) with a form of variable cam timing on the inlet camshaft; it offered a compelling mix of fuel economy and low-end flexibility. The latter was a punchy all-alloy 2.0 that still offered great fuel economy, but also class-leading performance with 140hp and 132 ft-lbs at 6400rpm and 4800rpm, respectively. Either engine could be had with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
N13 Pulsar hatch
The N14 Pulsar wasn’t entirely new, though. Underneath, it retained the vertical strut rear suspension of its 1986-90 N13 predecessor. The wheelbase was also identical. Up front, the Pulsar employed a strut suspension like much of its competition.
Sadly, not from the brochure I cherished as a child but have misplaced. Photo courtesy of Pulsar.org.au
The interior was a marked improvement over the angular, indifferently-assembled cabin of its predecessor. A center stack oriented towards the driver, good quality plastics and contemporary, flowing lines made the cabin a nice place to be. The high-spec Ti even had velour seats with an almost loose-pillow effect.
’93-95 Pulsar SSS
The base GLi sedan and hatch were available only with the 1.6, and came standard with central locking and a cassette player. The Q hatch (1.6 or 2.0) added power mirrors and steering, sportier trim and four-wheel disc brakes. The Ti 2.0 sedan and hatch had premium sound and cruise control, while the performance oriented SSS 2.0 had 14-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, sports steering wheel and sports suspension with stiffer front springs and a larger rear sway bar. The SSS also featured the Nissan Integrated Security System as standard; it comprised an immobiliser, remote central locking and an alarm.
Pricing was competitive, too. In 1991, the base GLi opened at approximately $AUD17k and undercut even the cheapest Hyundai Lantra, a car that was well screwed together but dynamically off the pace. The range topped out at around $23k for the sporty SSS, just tapping at the door of base models of the big Aussie sixes but undercutting sporty variants of the Civic and 323.
Critical praise was glowing. The Pulsar and Honda (Acura) NSX were the first dual winners of the 1991 Wheels Car of the Year competition, arguably Australia’s most prestigious automotive award. The judges remarked the Pulsar offered a better ride/handling compromise than any other compact, with a firm yet compliant and well-controlled ride and balanced and enjoyable handling. The 2.0 engine was at the top of the class, performance-wise, but the 1.6 was still praised for its overall competitiveness. One judge even remarked that the Pulsar transcended its segment and was getting closer to mid-size cars in terms of all-round ability.
1993-95 Pulsar LX
The new-for-1991 Honda Civic was also an entrant in COTY, but its lack of refinement and, in base trim, performance meant it failed to advance to the final round. The Pulsar (and NSX) ended up besting the BMW 3-Series, Mazda 929, Nissan Skyline GT-R and Mitsubishi Magna/Verada (Diamante).
Some were unimpressed by the Pulsar’s styling, but it really wasn’t any more inoffensive than its main rivals. The chief criticism of the Pulsar, and one that would feature in every review and comparison test, was its lack of rear-seat room. Despite that, the Pulsar would go on to beat rivals in multiple comparison tests.
1993-95 Pulsar Ti
A Ti 2.0 bested the Civic, 323 and Lantra in a 1992 Wheels comparison test, with the authors especially praising the gutsy engine (0-60mph in approximately 9 seconds) and proclaiming its performance to be “out in front by the proverbial country kilometre” and its “sizzling superiority… never challenged”. The aging 323 stood up well, but the other two battled for last place. The Pulsar’s suspensions were deemed to be well-matched and had plenty of travel, providing good road-holding and a comfortable ride. The 323, though, was rated the sportier drive despite being less powerful. Zoom-zoom, indeed.
1991-92 Pulsar Q
You needn’t have ponied up for the 2.0 models if you wanted a competitive small car, however. Although the 1.6 was sometimes overwhelmed by the Pulsar’s curb weight (2300lbs), it had plenty of low-end flexibility and a slick-shifting manual transmission. A 1.6 Q took home the gold in a 1993 comparison test against the Ford Laser, Mitsubishi Lancer and Toyota Corolla, besting its rivals in fuel economy, ride, handling, although the Laser and its Mazda underpinnings put up a solid fight in the handling stakes. Once again, though, the authors pointed out that the Pulsar’s rear seat was no place for full-grown adults.
The switch to the imported model saw only minor trim differences and shuffling of options, such as the SSS losing its trick security system. The GLi became the LX, and the 2.0 engine was removed from the popular, mid-range Q’s options list. All models swapped the grille’s honeycomb inserts for a simpler bar design.
1994-98 Mazda 323 Astina
Although it still stacked up well against its rivals until the end, the Pulsar’s packaging flaws had begun to date it by 1994. That year, Motor pitched the enjoyable SSS against the laughably overpriced Toyota Corolla Sprinter and the impressive new Mazda 323 Astina, the latter armed with a silky 2.0 V6. Although almost identical in horsepower and torque figures, the Astina boasted better top-end performance.
1994-98 Ford Laser Liata
More importantly, despite its swoopy styling, it had more rear legroom than the Pulsar. Time was marching on and the Pulsar was facing rivals with more spacious interiors, important safety features like airbags, and less NVH.
N15 Pulsar Q
1996 would see the arrival of the new N15 series Pulsar. As mentioned earlier, it wasn’t as pretty as the N14 and echoed a trend in Japan towards chunkier, blander cars like the new Honda Civic, Accord and Legend (Acura RL), although the American market missed out on the even more egregious examples like the rebodied Mazda 929/Sentia. Where the N15 suffered aesthetically, it made up for in packaging. Most of the mechanicals were carried over from the N14, except for a new multi-link rear suspension which, coupled with a stretch in dimensions, resulted in a better packaged Pulsar and addressed the N14’s only prominent flaw. The end result was an improved Pulsar that still stacked up well against its rivals in Australia’s most competitive segment: a testament to the excellent platform of the N14 Pulsar.
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Very nice write-up of a car I would have overlooked, probably because the styling seems rather tepid and generic to me. But I do like that the bubble hatch version looks a bit like a three-quarter Saab 9000.
I really enjoy learning about cars outside the Western Hemisphere from your articles. Ironically, as far as sheer aesthetics go, that Astina is the car I keep looking back at. It’s quite nicely worked out for a smallish 4-door. They did a nice job on the side window seams for a nice flowing look.
It is a clean greenhouse design. It’s also quite reminiscent of the future 2004 Pontiac G6 from this angle. 🙂
As a satisfied previous owner of a N12 coupe, I read this with interest despite this car never being offered in the US. Although I’m not taken with the design, it sounds like a car I would have enjoyed otherwise.
I really like the looks of the ’93-’98 Mazda Astina, that’s a handsome car.
The Mazda was called Lantis in Japan and I think 323F in Europe. There were both sedan and coupe versions (both with four doors — the difference was that the sedan had a longer tail and sort of a quasi-notchback profile). Some had the BP-ZE engine shared with the contemporary Protege and Escort, with the Type-R grade having the KF-ZE V-6. (I think that was essentially a larger-displacement version of the engine in the Presso/MX-3 coupe, which was sold in the U.S.)
Evvvaaaaaah-buddies diff’nt.
Very popular here in South Africa as well. We got the sedan which was called “Sentra” and the hatch which was called the “Nissan Sabre” , the Pulsar name not very popular here after the early 80s cars. To confuse things even further , I don’t think that we received that N13 model here , as prior to this we had another “Sentra” which looked totally different. Did Nissan actually have multiple contenders in this class around the world ?
Anyway , I liked the styling of these cars early on , but much preferred the Civic , and especially the Astina. Also , the Corolla , Golf and Opel Astra pretty much ruled this class sales wise in SA during that period. I also remember many enthusiasts complaining that the 2.0 motor in these had some issues.
What you might not know is that these were built in SA right up until 2000 , with a restyled front end around about 1997. I’ll try to find a pic.
Here you go
Interesting!
Fascinating — I’m mystified by the way Nissan started shuffling around its familiar nameplates in different markets.
I recently off loaded a 93 Sentra/Pulsar wagon a body style Aus didnt get it had the twin cam carbed 1500 and 5speed Jap built sold NZ new air swteer power windows alarm remote locking 14 inch alloy wheels all the fruit as the dealers say, got $300 for it paid $200 and got 8 months use out of it spending nothing on repairs and I removed the CD head unit fitted the speakers to my Hillman and stole the 175/60 tyres from the front for my Hillman all i all a good car. Not bad to drive a bit gutless on the highway it handled well at town speeds but at 100kmh the chassis is approaching its limits on twisty roads, bear in mind I’m comparing it to my Citroen which was THE best handling hatch of the 90s against a Jap runabout so not fair or reasonable but of the numerous 90s small cars Ive driven that emanated from Japan it was one of the better ones and light years of a improvement on earlier Nissan efforts like Bluebirds and those rubbish Skylines that really only sold on the back of the 4WD GTR the plain jane fordors are just woeful.
Nissan has just launched the latest version of the Pulsar in Europe. While the styling isn’t too bad looking (to my eyes), the British magazine CAR has panned the car.
Wasn’t there a GTi model of sorts sold in some markets? It was a 3 door hatchback.
Yes, it was sold here as a Nissan Sunny GTI-R. It had a 2.0 liter engine with a turbo and an intercooler, good for 220 hp in Europe. Plus AWD.
The GTi-R was popular in NZ among the ‘boy-racer’ brigade. An aquaintance owned one about 10 years ago and said it was an incredible rocket-ship. All our seemed to be grey.
The intercooler on top of the engine.
I never even knew this car existed. I remember the really ugly late ’80s model used in the Farrah Fawcett movie Small Sacrifices. I remember thinking it was possibly the ugliest car of that era.
That lovely red Mazda is a Lantis – the Astina was the previous model with folding lights. Of course they were both 323Fs in Europe….
The Pulsar was called a Sunny here, we had a 2.1 litre diesel model on the company fleet, which I drove sometimes. We had two actually, as a co-worker wrote-off the first one. The Sunny/ Pulsar was OK – there were no turbos on diesels in those days so it was hardly brisk, but drove alright if the back seats were empty – with four people the rear springs were too soft.
The later Almera drove much better.
Both generations were badged Astina here, and then the subsequent 323 generation’s hatch although by then the two lines were much more closely linked and the silky V6 was long gone.
Interestingly, Mazda has brought back the Astina nameplate as a trim level on the Mazda3 hatch. We get some odd trim level designations here; witness the Toyota Camry’s Atara, Altise, Ateva nonsense.
Back when small cars were small! They have grown a lot since. The Laser/323 was a little bigger, the Civic and 323 Astina were more expensive. A Pulsar SSS was a pretty good thing at the time. Howard you are probably thinking of the GTiR which had a 280hp turbo and awd for Grp A rally homologation.
GTIR are quite common they have the 2L motor most seem to be non turbo automatics there wasc a special homologation model but most are just a tedious 3door shopping trolley.
Nice piece. When I was doing work for a Nissan dealer, it had just been announced that the Pulsar was to be replaced with the Tiida. The sales guys were ropeable; all that goodwill demolished by a global decree on the model name. And a stupid name at that. I remember when Nissan shut down manufacturing here; market share went from 15% to 8% in no time.
I hired a Tiida in 06 to get home from a job I drove it over a favourite road and was hugely unimpressed gutless with poor roadholding and uncomfortable to boot I hope subsequent models have been an improvement because that one was awful.
Hey, I used to live a block away from the N13 pictured in Arthur St! I had an N13 derived EXA coupe which was a good driver. I’ll agree about the awful Tiida too- possible the worst seats I have sat in for years, and the rest wasn’t much better.
Great write-up William. The N14 was very popular here back in the day; as Bryce said, we got the station-wagon version too. We also got loads of the 3-door hatch version ex-Japan; a friend owned one last year, it was a fun and zippy wee thing.
Nissan had some extremely well-designed and built cars from about 1988-94/5; a number of their models got bland and de-contented after that.
Was the silver N14 shot in Redcliffe, QLD?
Looks like Wynnum or Manly, maybe?
Close. Sandgate; Flinders Parade at the Shorncliffe end.
Small world! I’m south of Brisbane.
The N14 was a very, very good car. Good-looking, comfortable, mechanically bulletproof and no stupid electrical issues. I should have bought one.
Ooooooooooh *-*
The N14 Nissan Sunny (sorry, eurofag here!) was the first car I bought, and I really enjoyed it. Reliable, practical, sometimes fun to drive. It was the 1.6 SLX, with the 95 hp GA16DS (carburetor version!), and intermediate trim between the base LX and the sporty GTI: well equipped with power steering, 4 power windows, audio system… I sold it 3 years ago with 228 kkm, and no major problem – not even rust. Here are the pics I did for the ad : https://picasaweb.google.com/101101528457137744881/20120520VenteSunny?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIbEgLrAzZao0wE&feat=directlink