Nissan has announced the pricing details and trim levels for the new Pulsar, a hatchback with which the automaker intends to take on the perennial C segment favorite, the VW Golf.
Four trim levels and a starting price of $27,446 for the UK market — undercutting the VW stalwart by $1,682 — will begin the assault. The entry level Visia trim comes standard with aircon, a 5-inch color screen, steering wheel mounted controls and Bluetooth.
The Acenta trim, comparable to a Golf SE, comes with a additional mod cons: Nissan’s collision avoidance system, automatic lights and wipers, and smart keys.
The n-tec is Nissan’s challenge to the Golf GT. It adds 17-inch wheels, LED lights, a color back-up camera and a NissanConnect infotainment system that contains smartphone integration and Google’s Send-to-Car technology. At $32,594, it is a significantly better value than the Golf’s $39,458.
Finally, the Tekna tosses in a host of safety features including lane departure warnings, blind spot monitors and Nissan’s class leading moving object sensors for parking assistance.
Though engine choices are currently limited to two engines rather than VW’s ten, the 113hp 1.2-liter ekes out 10 more hp than the VW 1.2. The other option, a 1.5-liter common rail diesel, provides 108hp and 192 lb-ft of torque (the VW’s top-rated 1.6 oil-burner has the same 108hp rating, but with 8 fewer lb-ft).
Where the Pulsar is lacking is a diesel four in the 2.0-liter range, but a turbo 1.6 will join the lineup in early 2015, churning out 187hp and 177 lb-ft. The range should help Nissan with its stated goal of matching the Golf’s specs, but will need further oomph to take on the Golf GTI. The Pulsar will debut this fall, but will not reach US shores.
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