Datsun’s Pulsar quiet, economical

Press, 10 December 1981, Page 25

Datsun’s Pulsar quiet, economical

By THEO VAN DONGEN The Pulsar, a latecomer to the popular five-door hatchback market in New Zealand, faces strong opposition, but should be able to hold its own in a very competitive market.

My impressions, gained in a week-end’s driving of a Pulsar in and around Christchurch and to Arthur’s Pass, were that the frontwheel drive 1.3 litre car is pleasant, quiet, and economical.

Datsun had claimed an average fuel consumption of 19.28 km/1 (54.5 m.p.g.) in a road test, but I did not expect to achieve this. I was.

however, surprised to find that I had averaged 17.96 km/1 (50.7 mp.g.). I had used fifth gear wherever possible, but had taken no particular pains to accelerate very slowly.

In addition, the car I drove had covered only 3000 km, so the engine was still possibly a little “tight.” With a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres, the Pulsar’s range would seem a useful 900 km (540 miles).

Another noteworthy feature was the quiet engine. Only when I dropped down to second gear near the top of Porter’s Pass did engine noise become obtrusive. On a

long'trip, in fifth gear, the Pulsar’s engine is very, subdued.

The Pulsar’s front-wheel drive gave no trouble for most of the time, and became apparent only when the car was pushed too fast into a corner.

I felt that the Pulsar was a little cramped compared with the Mazda 323 or Ford Laser. My head barely cleared the plush cloth headlining and legroom was restricted in the front and back. But otherwise the seats were comfortable and everything the driver needed fell to hand readily. The only criticism I had of

the interior was that the steering-wheel was of hard plastic with grips unnaturally low. A soft-grip wheel would have been appreciated. I liked the interior release for the rear door and petrol cap, and also the variable.

speed wipers (with adjustment from four seconds to 12 seconds on intermittent). The general level of finish throughout was very good, and at $10,995 the Pulsar seems a good buy. (Test car from Tench Brothers).