Nissan makes a welcome return to the family hatchback market with the brand new Pulsar. It looks like a regular 5-seat hatch but it is really a Tardis! We went to Nissan's European launch centre to see if Pulsar really is... a pulsating star - sorry!
The bar is set quite high in this class with VW Golf and it's extended family (Leon, A3 and Octavia) plus there is Peugeot’s 308 and a new Ford Focus to name a few rivals. So can Pulsar do what Nissan's Qashqai did to the competition when first arrived and be a runaway hit? No. The market is simply too competitive now.
Unfortunately Pulsar's arrival reminds us of the bland but successful Almera and unloved Tida it follows on from. In fairness to Pulsar, Qashqai was, and still is a fantastic offering. So if Pulsar catches Ireland's imagination again it would be like Nissan winning the lottery - twice!
Pulsar’s exterior features Nissan's handsome corporate nose while side on there are hints of Lexus CT and even A3 Sportback in its’ long proportions. Styling at the rear show some Qashqai dna but it is quite bland.
Nissan has worked hard on making a refined driving machine that will appeal to buyers who don't need a chunky Qashqai. First up we got into the petrol-powered machine, and yes, it is very quiet and civilised behind the wheel. The interior features styling elements present in the second generation Qashqai and X-Trail. The cabin is wonderfully spacious for its class. Pulsar sits on a long wheelbase (2700mm) and this is the key to the interior roominess of the front-wheel drive machine. Rear legroom is the biggest we've come across in its class and even the class above! In fact rear passenger legroom is better than many large executive cars. The boot is decent too at 395-litres, and is expandable to 1,395-litres when the rear seats down. Unlike Qashqai clever boot Pulsar’s is conventional. There is room for a spare wheel under the floor cover although our test cars came with the much-hated inflation kits.
The cabin ambiance, on a well-surfaced test route, was truly impressive with only some wind noise from the side mirror being noticeable. Under the bonnet Pulsar comes with a choice of petrol/diesel engines that Qashqai uses. The standard six-speed gearbox is precise and easy to use and the whole driving experience is comfortable and also unremarkable - in a good way. Pulsar is a nice cruiser and the long wheelbase and suspension set up gives passengers a comfortable ride. The petrol engine is impressive but the diesel is the best option as it can pull more and deliver super fuel consumption compared to the quite thrifty petrol. Standard equipment is good with air conditioning, six airbags and stop/start on all models. All of the innovative safety systems that we've seen Nissan introduce recently like safety shield etc. are available too. Pulsar comes in three grade namely; XE, SV and SVE.
Prices start at €19,995 for the petrol 1.2-litre, DIG-T, 115hp entry-model while diesel (dCi 110hp/260nm) prices start at an impressive €21,595. We can look forward to seeing a performance Pulsar Nismo sometime next year.
Nissan has no plans for an estate version or even a saloon - although Ireland would love a three box machine! A hybrid is being built but unlikely to come to our shores.
Pulsar is a well-priced refined machine, that is both economical and huge inside!
Michael Sheridan
