- Durable powertrains
- Comfortable front seats
- High standard of interior fit
- Soft suspension provides comfortable ride…
- … but is upset by larger bumps
- Indecisive automatic transmission at freeway speeds
- Light steering lacks feel
- Limited rear seat legroom
- Lap-only centre rear seat
- Rear seat doesn’t fold
Review: Nissan N16.I Pulsar sedan (2000-03)
Overview
Released in July 2000, the Nissan N16 Series I (N16.I) Pulsar was initially available as a small, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Japan, the N16.I Pulsar sedan was available with 1.6- and 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines – with double overhead cams and variable valve timing – that were mated to either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Furthermore, the N16.I Pulsar sedan range consisted of LX, ST, Q and Ti variants. In March 2003, the N16.I Pulsar sedan range was updated – the 1.6-litre LX was discontinued and the ST-L variant was introduced.
The closely-related N16 Pulsar hatch was released in June 2001 and exported from England – as a result, it had different equipment levels and has been reviewed separately.
Compared to its N15 Pulsar predecessor, the N16 Pulsar sedan was 150 mm longer (at 4470 mm), 5 mm wider (1695 mm) and 50 mm taller (1445 mm), though wheelbase length was unchanged (2535 mm). Furthermore, body rigidity increased by approximately 30 per cent. The N16 Pulsar was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link beam rear suspension.
| Engine | Variant | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6-litre petrol I4 (QG16DE) |
LX | 2000-03 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
83 kW at 6000 rpm | 140 Nm at 4400 rpm |
| 1.8-litre petrol I4 (QG18DE) |
ST, Q, Ti |
2000-03 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
92 kW at 5600 rpm | 161 Nm at 4400 rpm |
| ST-L | 2003 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the N16.I Pulsar consisted of a driver’s airbag. The Ti variant was further equipped with a front passenger airbag, ABS and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, while the Q variant was also fitted with these items from March 2003.
Features
Standard features for the Pulsar LX and ST included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, power mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.
The Pulsar ST-L was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels and power windows; beyond this, the Q was added side skirts, a rear spoiler and body-colour side mouldings. The range-topping Pulsar Ti was distinguished by its climate control air conditioning system.
2002 Pulsar Plus editions
In May 2002, Plus editions were released of the LX and ST variants. Compared to their standard counterparts, the Plus editions added alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and ‘Plus Special Edition’ decal.
Review: Nissan N16.II Pulsar sedan (2003-05)
Overview
Released in July 2003, the N16 Series II (N16.II) Pulsar sedan introduced an updated engine, electronic fly-by-wire throttle control and subtle cosmetic updates. The 1.8-litre engine featured variable valve timing for greater mid-range response, though peak outputs were largely unchanged. In May 2004, the N16.II Pulsar sedan underwent a minor update.
| Engine | Variants | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8-litre petrol I4 (QG18DE) |
ST, ST-L, Q |
2003-05 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
90 kW at 5600 rpm | 163 Nm at 4400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Safety equipment for the N16.II Pulsar sedan was initially unchanged when compared with its N16.I predecessor. From May 2004, however, all Pulsar sedans were equipped with dual front airbags and ABS.
Features
Compared to their N16.I predecessors, the Pulsar ST-L and Q variants gained 15-inch alloy wheels, while all automatic variants were fitted with cruise control. From May 2004, the Pulsar Q was also fitted with a sunroof and front fog lights.
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