Nissan Pulsar SSS returns to Australia with 140kW turbo engine
Nissan revives the Pulsar SSS for Australian buyers, offering a 140kW turbocharged engine, manual and CVT gearboxes, and a starting price of $29,240 AUD.
Nissan has confirmed that the Pulsar SSS will be available to Australian buyers later in 2013, marking the return of the performance badge after more than a decade away. The new SSS arrives with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 140kW and 240Nm, paired to a six-speed manual as standard or an optional CVT automatic. This move brings back a nameplate that was last seen on Australian roads in 2000, and is expected to generate interest among enthusiasts and buyers looking for a sporty compact hatch.
Pricing and Positioning
The entry price for the Pulsar SSS starts at $29,240 AUD, positioning it above the standard Pulsar range and directly against rivals such as the Volkswagen Polo GTI. While the Polo GTI offers 132kW and 250Nm, the Nissan counters with higher peak power but slightly less torque. The SSS’s price reflects its performance credentials and a higher level of standard equipment compared to its mainstream siblings. For buyers seeking an automatic, the CVT is available for an additional $2,500 AUD, broadening the car’s appeal.
Performance and Equipment
Nissan equips the SSS with a body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels and auto-levelling xenon headlights that include a self-cleaning function. The interior features keyless entry and start, leather seat trim, dual-zone climate control, and a 5.8-inch touchscreen for navigation and the rearview camera. Standard equipment also includes a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, USB and AUX inputs, cruise control and front fog lights. These features aim to set the SSS apart from lower-spec Pulsar models and provide a more engaging driving and ownership experience.
| Engine | 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Power | 140kW |
| Torque | 240Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (standard), CVT (optional) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Wheels | 17-inch alloys |
| Starting price | $29,240 AUD |
| CVT option | + $2,500 AUD |
Market Context and Rivals
The SSS badge last appeared on an Australian Pulsar in 2000, when the hot hatch segment was less crowded. The previous Pulsar SSS, priced from 23,470 AUD, featured a naturally aspirated engine, whereas the 2013 model brings turbocharging and a significant increase in standard features. The new model enters a more competitive field, with the Volkswagen Polo GTI a direct rival on price and performance. At launch, the SSS undercuts some larger hot hatches but offers a higher specification than entry-level rivals.
| Model | Power | Torque | Transmission Options | Starting Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pulsar SSS | 140kW | 240Nm | 6-speed manual, CVT (+$2,500) | $29,240 |
| Volkswagen Polo GTI | 132kW | 250Nm | 7-speed DSG | Similar |
- Volkswagen Polo GTI: 132kW, 250Nm, direct rival on price and performance
- Previous Pulsar SSS (2000): 23,470 AUD starting price, naturally aspirated engine
Features and Appeal
Nissan's decision to bring back the SSS is aimed at buyers looking for a well-equipped, turbocharged hatch with a familiar badge. The price increase over the previous SSS reflects the higher equipment levels and the move to a forced-induction engine. The option of a CVT, at a $2,500 AUD premium, broadens the appeal to buyers who prefer automatic transmissions. The Pulsar SSS is the only model in the current Pulsar range with a turbocharged engine and performance focus.
Background and Significance
The return of the Pulsar SSS comes at a time when the Australian small car market is highly competitive, with buyers increasingly seeking not just practicality but also performance and advanced features in compact cars. The revival of the SSS badge taps into nostalgia for earlier models, while the new turbocharged engine and equipment package aims to meet modern expectations. For Nissan, reintroducing the SSS is a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the performance hatch segment and attract a younger, enthusiast-oriented audience.
