It was a hot hatch favourite back in the 1990’s and made a reappearance in recent times after years of absenteeism, now the famous Nissan Pulsar SSS badge can also be found on the Series II sedan. It replaces the previous Ti model in the line-up and scores a 1.6L DIG Turbo engine, bodykit and rear park assist. EFTM has a quick motoring fix as we put the spotlight on the Nissan Pulsar SSS Manual Sedan.
Make: Nissan
Model: Pulsar
Variant: SSS
Engine / Transmission: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol. Six-speed manual
Vital Stats: 140kW/240Nm
Nissan Claimed Fuel Economy: 7.8L / 100km
EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 8.4L/ 100km
Price: From $26,990
Wow Factor: A fun, free-revving engine. One of the few cars around where you’d be better off with the manual. The 1.6-litre has a great spring to its step and lulls the driver into having a bit of a go.
Most Impressive: Plenty of interior and luggage space, the boot will fit plenty at 510-litres. Very well kitted out with Keyless Entry, leather trim, and decent sound system, 5.8-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, dual-zone air-conditioning and reversing camera.
Least Impressive: Unfortunately you can’t just place a boosted engine into a fairly mundane sedan and expect great things. Too softly sprung, ungainly through corners thanks to narrow wheels, lifeless steering, tends to stray off centre at highway speeds. You’d say none of that if it wasn’t for the SSS badge, it’s all good under the nose but not improved in other areas to live up to any sporting pretentions.
The Sweeping Statement: The Nissan Pulsar SSS Sedan is a strange one, spirited under throttle but underwhelming elsewhere from a keen driver’s prospective. I’m not sure who you would market this to?
