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Actually had Nissan has already given up the fight for market share in the compact hatchback sedan segment and preferred to position itself just next to the mainstream lane in the mid-noughties. In the meantime, the Japanese manufacturer is so well established that there is time and energy for an attack in the classic compact class. In this class, the new pulsar encounters cemented power relationships that now need to be cracked. And with the 1.2 turbo four-cylinder, Nissan offers an interesting engine in the Pulsar. A look under the hood is necessary!
So much space is required!
Test and driving report: Nissan Pulsar 1.2T in the test
The pulsar looks visually compared to the new segment beauties Mazda 3 or Seat Leon are a bit full, but the high-build and elongated body offers significantly more space than the competition. Especially in the back, where even two large adults find enough space for their knees and head. Nissan even speaks of the greatest legroom in the segment (692 millimeters). You also believe that without directly entering the next competitor. 385 liters of trunk volume are also a good value. The only annoying thing here is the edge that forms as soon as you fold the back seat. The Pulsar relies too much on the large numbers according to the VDA standard instead of investing in variability. Not only chronic solo drivers would welcome a rear bench that can be moved lengthways. This would enlarge the luggage compartment and reduce the knee space if necessary. Then you could possibly come up with a solution for the deep hold. Because the loading edge is relatively high.
Seat, space, space
The cockpit, on the other hand, is practical. Switches and buttons are arranged in a sensible way and are easily accessible, which also applies to the engine start button in the center console, which is not hidden in the blind spot of the steering wheel, as is usually the case. The choice of materials and workmanship are also impressive. Nissan has taken a big step here. The bottom line is a calm interior, more practical than beautiful, so it is more of a sober workplace than a playful pilot's chair, but that shouldn't bother the target group any further.
As you can see from the first seat test, the pulsar does not want to be dynamic. Instead, he would like to give the dresser glider, which he does well, not least thanks to its long wheelbase. More committed driving is counteracted by the callous steering around the central position and in city traffic the unwillingness to return to the central position with a somewhat jagged speed after exiting a curve is annoying. But the seats are first class. The front seats developed together with experts from NASA take the fright away from long journeys. Nobody has to fear back pain here.
Humming, whistling, hissing
In keeping with the relaxed character, he whispers cultivated 1,2 liter petrol engine just quietly in everyday life. In the interior you can only hear the whistle of the turbo now and then. The four-cylinder unpacks 85 kW / 115 PS and 190 Nm torque when required, but only if you stir hard in the manual gearbox. The small engine in the big car is not a temperament bolt and in gears four to six it can hardly free itself from the clutches of the long gear ratio. However, this is then rewarded with a good result at the petrol station.
Efficiency:
[tabgroup] [tab title=”Everyday driver”]The Pulsar makes “saving” easy. In everyday life, 5.3 liters are the norm rather than the exception.[/tab] [tab title=”Eco Expert”]If you stick to it properly, you will reduce consumption to 4.8 liters per 100 km.[/tab] [tab title =”Without consideration”]The 1.2 Turbo parries full-throttle attacks on the motorway with a tolerable 7.8 liters.[/tab] [/tabgroup]The everyday
On the credit side there are clearly the available space and the successful feel in the interior. The Pulsar plays the unexcited mobility partner and its small turbo petrol engine goes well with this character. The slight turbo smoking pleases, but the long gear ratio is a hindrance to the daily sprint.
With the multimedia display, you could put one or two inches on top, but then again the multi-function display in the cockpit is appealing. The equipment options also fit. Here the Pulsar offers a wide range of safety and assistance systems. This also includes the City Emergency Brake Assistant.
If you throw yourself into the cornering action with the pulsar, animated from the great seat behind the steering wheel, you will be slowed down early by the rather soft chassis. As I said, here you prefer the less hectic number.
And finally ...
Plenty of room - also for a few improvements
Anyone who likes an airy feeling of space will find many arguments for buying the new Pulsar. Otherwise, the compact Nissan offers a more pragmatic average - of all things in a class with such strong competition. Nevertheless, it is justified, at least as a strategic model for the brand's dealers. The pulsar will attract the customers that the fashionable SUV does not appeal to.
And in the end, the customer will probably be drawn to it Nissan Qashqai.
[toggle title=”Engine and Transmission”]
Nissan Pulsar |
1.2 DIG-T 6-speed manual |
| design type | 4-Zyl in-line engine, turbo, direct injection |
| Capacity | 1.197 ccm³ |
| Performance | 115 hp / 4.500 rpm |
| kraft | 190 Nm / 2.000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6 gear manually |
| drive axle | Front |
| Length Width Height | 4.387 / 1.768 / 1.522 |
| wheelbase | 2.700 |
| Empty weight | 1.290 |
| turning circle | 11.3m |
| top speed | 190 km/h |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 10,7 sec |
| standard consumption | 5.0 l / 100 km |
| base Price | 20.580€ |
| Test car price | - |
| Insurance | - |
| Motor vehicle tax | - |
| - | |
| Use Chance | hoch |
| Resale value | medium |
[=” ” ] The photos are Nissan press photos.