Nissan’s Golf GTI fighter revealed

Nissan unveiled its first look at a Nismo-tuned Pulsar hatch at the Paris motor show - but left out one major detail.

Although the company has previously shown off a Pulsar sedan Nismo concept in the US, this is the first hatchback given the Nismo makeover.

But amid the details of its bigger alloy wheels, satin grey paintwork and aerodynamically enhanced body there was no mention of what is lurking beneath the bonnet.

The company admits the suspension has been "tuned" by Nismo and the steering is "sharper" for "more agile handling" the press release was light on technical details - suggesting Nissan isn't ready to unleash a Nismo Pulsar into the world just yet.

It is worth noting that Nissan has also revealed today that it has added a 140kW 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder engine to its Pulsar range, suggesting any potential Nismo engine would be well above that figure.

While adding a Pulsar to the Nismo line-up - that already includes the GT-R, 370Z and Juke - is considered highly likely, it must be pointed out the European Pulsar seen here is different to the Japanese-designed Pulsar offered in Australia.

However, as previously reported by Drive, Nissan Australia is determined to see a wide range of Nismo models available in Australia, not just the three current models.

A Nismo Pulsar would give the Japanese brand an entry into a booming hot hatch segment that already includes the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Subaru WRX.

Nissan also revealed an updated Nismo range in Europe that includes the addition of the Juke Nismo RS. It is powered by an updated 1.6-litre turbo engine with 160kW that either sends the power to the road via a four-wheel drive system, or the front-wheels via a new limited slip differential.

The Juke Nismo RS also gets a stronger body and revised suspension settings for sharper handling and larger front brakes.