Review Of Nissan Pulsar - Up close, you may think you are looking at Nissan's Qashqai, X-Trail or Juke. But no, this isn’t a crossover, it’s the new Nissan Pulsar hatchback. Nissan has catapulted it into the market to tackle models like the Ford Focus, giving Nissan fans their first hatchback since the Almera disappeared in 2006. First off, because the Pulsar is an all-new model, its handling doesn’t feel as seasoned as the Ford Focus or VW Golf. Instead, Nissan has decided to give the Pulsar a drive to match its family hatchback name tag, and that means it is all about comfort. The Pulsar does deliver in this department it's got to be said, with a quite cabin and supple suspension. The steering can be a little unresponsive at times, but it is very easy to live with and well-weighted. Its engines are also family-friendly as they offer low running costs. From launch they include a 113bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol, great if you need a small engine to potter about town in, and a 109bhp 1.5-litre diesel, both of which are borrowed from the Nissan Qashqai. The diesel we are testing emits just 94g/km of CO2 and returns around 78mpg, which should cut down on trips to the pumps, but it still has decent shove when you feather the accelerator, and that’s handy when it comes to overtaking on the motorway.
The Nissan Pulsar’s interior is incredibly ergonomic, with easy to understand buttons and toggles. The floating console effect and swooshing design across the dash also gives a really funky look. Equipment levels are pleasing too. All models get cruise control, all-round electric windows, air-con and Bluetooth, while more lavish models like this N-TEC trim get satnav and a reversing camera. If you go for the flagship Tekna trim, you get Nissan's new-fangled Safety Shield system, offering everything from object detection to a cool 360 parking view of the car. When it comes to being a family car, good over the shoulder visibility, a tall windscreen and some convenient cubby holes, just make things that bit easier.
Nissan has made a point of saying the Nissan Pulsar is one of the best in its class when it comes to rear passenger space, and well, They were right to. As you can see there is more than enough head and leg room here. Boot space is also worth shouting about, at 385 litres, there is more room in here than the both the Golf and Ford Focus – it is smaller than the Civic though. You do however get a bit of an awkward loading lip here, and a lip when you fold the seats down as well. So, while we’ll be intrigued to try the hot hatch version, which is coming by the way, the standard Pulsar hasn’t really got the fun factor. But it’s still a great car, especially if your family is looking for something comfortable and kitted up to the eyeballs with interesting gadgets. Thanks for coming and read Review Of Nissan Pulsar.
