Nissan Pulsar 1.5 dCi 2014 review - pictures

The Nissan Pulsar is the first family hatch from the brand since the Almera was dropped in 2006 in favour of the Qashqai crossover. 

The Pulsar is available with the same engines and on-board tech as the Qashqai. 

The interior of the Pulsar is incredibly roomy, but the quality of the plastics is consistent. 

In terms of refinement and interior space, the Pulsar is a clear class winner. 

The rear seat has plenty of head and legroom, and will fit three passengers with ease. 

The boot is a generous 385-litres, but its high lip makes it hard to load heavier items into it. 

Like the Qashqai, the Nissan Pulsar comes with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine. 

While the grip and steering are good and precise enough, it rolls in bends and the engines could do with a bit more urgency to keep the car going. 

From some angles, the Pulsar can look slightly awkward.

There's plenty of kit on board, including a multifunction steering wheel, shown in this picture. 

The gearshift is smooth and easy to use in the Nissan Pulsar, but an auto 'box is only available in the 1.2 DiG-T petrol. 

The plastics inside the Nissan Pulsar are not up to the standards of those found in the Ford Focus or Seat Leon.

Despite some lower quality plastics, the dash in the Nissan Pulsar feels well built and the thoughtfully laid-out.

Torque vectoring helps the Nissan Pulsar reduce understeer. 

The Pulsar is very quiet while cruising, however at higher speeds the diesel engine and the wind noise from the side mirrors are noticeable.