– By Rod Fuller –
When I was told that I was getting a new Pulsar SSS Turbo to drive, my first thoughts were of Nissan Pulsars’ past, such as the EXA and ET Turbo of the mid-eighties that were the ‘excitement machines’ of the time for Nissan.
They were fast, edgy, a dream to drive and did so much to change the image of the Pulsar from ‘just another’ small front wheel drive. So how would this new Pulsar compare? A dream or just another small front wheel drive?
At first glance it’s just another front wheel drive sedan. But once behind the wheel the 2015 Nissan Pulsar SSS Turbo, has all the power and torque you need with 140kw and 240nm on tap (although it does require premium 95 RON fuel), with only a few of the less attractive traits of Pulsars of the past.
It was well-appointed on the inside with dual zone climate control, easy to connect Bluetooth and leather seats. Very well positioned and easy to operate controls on both the steering wheel and the dashboard, as well as a nice position with good visibility out of the vehicle.
Whilst the driving position is comfortable, disappointingly for a top of the line model, the seat adjustment is all mechanical, not electric as is the case with many rival vehicles and no lumbar adjustment for the driver. And there was only one power outlet in the cabin, so you will be taking it in turns to charge your phones or tablets.
For a small car it has quite a large boot space, which unfortunately can’t be expanded, as there is only a ‘ski-port’ through the back seats or split fold option in the sedan like in the hatchback version.
For the performance flagship of the range, I found it’s styling a little too reserved for my taste, and felt given its performance potential the SSS should be a bit more “loud and proud” rather than just a cheeky red SSS badge and a speed bump sized spoiler on the boot-lid.
On the road however is where the SSS turbo starts to shine. The car rides comfortably and the steering is very light and responsive, although I do feel it is under tyred with 205/50R17 Continentals (with a steel spare) given the power that is available under your right foot. I would have liked a wider tyre to help explore it’s roadholding like a 215/50R17 or even 225/45R17.
When the power of the turbo kicks in and you feel that this is such a fun car to drive. It’s really quite strange when you punch it hard. It doesn’t scream at you. There’s just a constant urgent whir from the engine (CVT winding up – I suspect the manual would be even more fun) and it doesn’t push you into the back of the seat. But when you look at the speedo, …..WOW!
This car is deceptively fast and it doesn’t quit, it just keeps going! This car will shred your licence is you’re not careful as it doesn’t feel fast, but make no mistake – it is.
And when you think about it, it makes sense. The SSS doesn’t make that much of a song and dance to stand out from other models in the Pulsar line up, so why would it when pushed hard.
It is both subtly stylish and devilishly deceptive for the small sized performance car that it is. And that may well be its greatest strength.
If you’re interested in a small performance vehicle for a novated lease but are conservative by nature, this ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ might well be the solution you seek.
