We were not alone in thinking there was still a lot of currency in the Pulsar name but it appears Nissan thinks otherwise. Which is why it will embark on a multi-million dollar marketing push to introduce the Tiida – pronounced tee-dah – to Australian consumers in the market for a sub-$20,000 sedan or hatch. Using Sex in the City star, Kim Cattrall, Nissan hopes to erase the Pulsar name with the saucy overtones of the pouting blonde US star. Given her role in the successful sit-com, we reckon she will be able to pull it off. The big news is that the Tiida hatch is expected to make up the bulk of sales, replacing the UK-sourced and expensive Pulsar hatch. The Tiida Q hatch tested has all the elements that should appeal to buyers. It’s roomy, economical, smooth and quiet. There’s also enough room inside for four adults, with a huge amount of headroom and legroom. However, the large glasshouse and upright cabin challenge the car’s visual harmony. Ultimately though, is there enough pizzazz to take on the dynamic trio of the Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Holden AH Astra?
Pulsar
Released: July 2000
Ended: January 2005
Family Tree: TiidaTHERE have been six-generations of the Pulsar range, starting with the N10 and ending with the N16. And there is no doubt the N16 Pulsar was well overdue for a replacement. But since the Pulsar name was launched in 1980 more than 385,000 have been sold so there is a lot of currency in the name. Until now. The N16 sedan was followed by the UK-sourced N16 hatch, which took a little longer to arrive Down Under, reaching our shores in July 2001. There was no SSS version of the hatch, with Nissan offering just the base ST and the Q model. The hatch also benefited from a slightly firmer suspension tune, engine tune and sharper steering than the Japan-sourced sedan. Towards the end of its life Nissan sharpened its price and threw ABS and some other creature and safety comforts at the Pulsar to keep it alive.
Super Test
Facebook Twitter Instagram