Review: Nissan N15 Pulsar (1995-00)

Review: Nissan N15.I Pulsar (1995-98)

Overview

Released in October 1995, the Nissan N15 Series I (N15.I) Pulsar was available as a five-door hatchback or sedan. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Pulsar had a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (Nissan’s GA16DE engine) for the LX, SLX, Q and limited-run Plus variants. The sports-oriented SSS variants, however, had a 2.0-litre petrol engine (Nissan’s SR20DE engine). Transmission options consisted of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Compared to its N14 predecessor, the N15 Pulsar hatchback was 30 mm shorter (at 4120 mm), but 20 mm wider (1690 mm), the same height (1395 mm) and had a 105 mm longer wheelbase (2535 mm). Relative to the hatchback, the N15 Pulsar sedan was 200 mm longer (at 4320 mm), but the other dimensions were the same. The N15 Pulsar was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link beam rear suspension.

Safety equipment

The Pulsar LX variant was not fitted with any safety equipment, though the Pulsar Q and SLX were both fitted with a driver’s airbag as standard; the SSS was further equipped with ABS.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1999 Almera hatchback – as the Pulsar was branded in Europe – that was fitted with a 1.4-litre engine and a driver’s airbag received a two star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 14; the second star, however, was flagged due to unacceptably high risk of driver chest injury in the frontal impact. In the offset crash test, the cabin became unstable and protection for the driver’s feet and chest were rated as poor, thigh protection was rated as weak and head and lower leg were rated as adequate. In the side impact test, abdomen protection was rated as weak.

Features: Pulsar LX, Q, SLX and SSS

Standard features for the Pulsar LX included a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, split and folding rear seats, central locking, power mirrors and a height adjustable steering wheel.

The Pulsar Q was further equipped with a four speaker sound system, while the SLX added air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and a height adjustable driver’s seat.

The range-topping Pulsar SSS was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, CD player, contoured sports seats and front fog lights.

1996 Pulsar Solaire

In March 1996, a limited-run Solaire variant was released; compared to the LX, it was further equipped with air conditioning.

1997 Pulsar Plus

In October 1997, a limited-run Plus variant was released; compared to the LX, it was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels and air conditioning.

Review: Nissan N15.II Pulsar (1998-00)

Overview

Released in March 1998, the N15 Series II (N15.II) Pulsar could be identified by its new grille, tail-lights and wheel covers. Inside, there were also new cabin fabrics.

Safety equipment

Compared to its N15.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the N15.II Pulsar was extended to include a driver’s airbag (previously omitted from the LX). Beyond this, the SLX and SSS variants were further equipped with ABS (previously SSS only).

Features

Standard features for the Pulsar LX were extended to include a four speaker sound system, CD player, air conditioning and remote central locking. Furthermore, the Pulsar Q and SLX variants gained 14-inch alloy wheels and power windows. The SSS, however, was unchanged.

1999 Pulsar Plus

In January 1999, the Plus variant returned; compared to the LX variant, the Plus was further equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Nissan N15 Almera/Pulsar