N12 Series IV

Another round of trim changes inside and out, revised five-speed manual gearbox ratios, new colours, a stripped-out DX model, a change from GX to GXE and the introduction of a bigger four-cylinder engine in the non-turbo models (now a 52.2kW 1.6) summed up the ’86 Pulsar range.

The 1.3 engine disappeared. Improved performance and driveability were claimed since the new 1.6 engine’s torque peak occurred lower in the rev range.

Meanwhile, the ET turbo’s change to unleaded fuel saw its 1.5-litre motor drop 2.5kW to 74.5kW, but gain a turbo water cooler for increased efficiency and durability.