Pulsar more distinctively styled

NISSAN is gearing up to introduce a bigger, more distinctively styled Pulsar on July 13.

Pricing for the new Pulsar range is yet to be announced but expect the base model to retain a sub-$20,000 price.

The new Pulsar is sleeker and more rounded than the existing model, which made its Australian debut in October, 1995.

Known as the Sunny in some Asian markets, the newcomer features slanty headlights and a vertical-vaned grille that endow it with a look not unlike its larger Maxima sibling.

Its roofline has been rounded while the higher rump features more contemporary looking tail-lights.

Interior space should be appreciably greater than before thanks to its increased dimensions: overall length is up from 4320mm to 4470mm, width is up from 1690mm to 1695mm and height is raised from 1395mm to 1445mm.

In line with the larger dimensions, the new car will be slightly heavier than the current model, but not by much. It should tip the scales around 1100kg.

As with the current model, the base models are expected to be offered with a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine that cranks out about 88kW at 6000rpm and 147Nm at 4000rpm.

The range-topping SSS is likely to again be powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine.

Suspension is by independent MacPherson struts and coil springs with transverse links at the front, while a multi-link beam set-up is used at the rear.

Nissan has opted to stay with a beam rear axle even though its chief rivals - the Toyota Corolla and Mitsubishi Lancer - use independent rear suspension.

Stopping power comes from discs at the front and drums at the rear in the base models, but the range-topper features four-wheel discs.

The launch of the new model should provide a useful stimulus to Pulsar sales, even though the ageing current model continues to perform well.

According to VFACTS, it notched up 22,591 sales last year, a figure eclipsed only by the newer Toyota Corolla in the small car segment.

The Corolla range was freshened up at the end of last year, so a replacement for the Pulsar has been a long time coming.