VIDEO REPORT: The power of Pulsar at the Paris Motor Show

Read more news from Nissan at Mondial de l'Automobile 2014.

PARIS – Nissan showcased its new challenger to the C-segment at the Paris Motor Show, the Nissan Pulsar 5-door hatchback, and debuted its formidable Pulsar NISMO Concept.

The Pulsar NISMO threads motorsport-level performance and technology deeper into Nissan's lineup. Next to it on stage was Nissan's Pulsar power solution available in Europe next spring: the Pulsar 190 PS 1.6 DIG-T, equipped with a turbocharged 190 horsepower engine.

On the heels of 12 product launches in 12 months, sponsorship of the UEFA Champion's League, and full production capacity at its European plants, Nissan has made Pulsar its latest push on the continent. Built in Barcelona, it goes on sale from Oct. 3.

The model carries the Around View Monitor and Safety Shield Technologies, and Nissan Europe Chairman Paul Willcox says advanced technologies are broadening customer choice and the driving experience.

"Important, as well, is the technology. And we've put into the car similar technology as what we put into our class-leading Qashqai and X-Trail," said Willcox. "The Around View Monitor is available, but also it has the advanced Safety Shield System, which give customers a very clear message about the technology, makes the car much easier to drive, and provides high levels of safety, which we think is really important."

At the Paris Show, Nissan's second pure-electric vehicle, the e-NV200, flanked the Nissan LEAF, the world's top selling EV with sales of 135,000.

CEO Carlos Ghosn says technology is driving Nissan's differentiation and growth in Europe.

"The European market is getting better. That doesn't mean it's in very good shape. The growth is going to be around between 3 and 4 percent following our forecast," said Ghosn.

"The winners in this competition are those who are capable of bringing fresh air, new cars and technology that serves the specific needs of consumers – not only in reinforcing our offer in segments that are growing in Europe like the crossover, but also bringing technology that is specific to the consumer: fuel efficiency, emissions, driving pleasure. That is what our strategy is about."

The European auto market has seen a nascent recovery after last year's low and Paris stands as a benchmark of that rebound.

The Paris show runs through October 19 and will feature over 100 world premieres and some 1.2 million visitors.

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