Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018) Review

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
If space, practicality, comfort and efficiency are your priorities, the Nissan Pulsar is a worthy alternative to the Skoda Octavia.

+Refined and comfortable hatchback, huge amounts of rear legroom, quiet engines even at motorway speeds, good equipment levels as standard.

-Ordinary to drive, drab interior, doesn't stand out from the competition.

Insurance Groups are between 10–13
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure

The Nissan Pulsar is a five-door family hatchback that puts the family first. Launched in 2014, the Pulsar’s key selling point in a crowded market is the amount of space for rear-seat passengers. Legroom in the back would shame a car from the class above – your children have plenty of growing room. The Pulsar also comes with a good level of equipment, if you avoid the entry-level model. We’re just not sure these are enough for it to topple the class leaders, especially in a segment dominated by the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

Remember the Nissan Pulsar? Probably not. After telling us that it had turned its back on the hatchback market in favour of crossovers like the Qashqai and Juke, Nissan launched the Pulsar. It was designed to slot into the place formerly occupied by the Nissan Almera, rivalling the likes of the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Auris.

With the benefit of hindsight, Nissan should have let sleeping dogs lie. It’s not that the Nissan Pulsar is a bad car, it’s just that it didn’t add anything to a particularly crowded segment. While the Qashqai and Juke seemed genuinely innovative, the Pulsar just seemed, well, a bit ‘meh’.

Notice the use of past tense. In 2018, just four years after its launch, the Pulsar was axed from the UK, with the car causing little more than a ripple in the new car market. So why is it worthy of consideration in 2020?

One word: space. It might seem like an unlikely unique selling point, but the Nissan Pulsar boasts the largest amount of rear space in its class. Back-seat passengers are treated to limo-like levels of legroom, while all passengers benefit from a huge amount of elbow room. Forget family hatchback, the Pulsar feels more like a luxury car in the back.

This doesn’t come at the expense of boot space. At 385 litres, it’s five litres larger than the Volkswagen Golf, plus you have the option of extending this to 1,395 litres by folding the rear seat. Seriously, if you’re after a spacious family hatchback, the Pulsar should be on your shortlist.

It’s also well-equipped, especially if you avoid the entry-level model. Many buyers opted for the flagship Tekna trim, which offers an excellent level of equipment, even if the infotainment system is a bit basic by today’s standards. It’s also a bit sombre in the cabin, but the level of quality is surprisingly high.

It should be cheap to run, thanks to a range of punchy and efficient engines. The 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel is the economy hero, offering terrific long-legged efficiency with a useful amount of punch.

Don’t rule out the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which provides peppy performance in the city, with diesel-like efficiency on a long run. There’s also a 190PS 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which offers hot hatchback levels of poke, without the hot hatchback levels of ability.

This is a car that majors on ride comfort. The long wheelbase helps to iron out all but the worst road imperfections, especially if the Pulsar is riding on 16-inch alloy wheels. It’s also remarkably refined and quiet at high speeds, making the Pulsar a relaxing place to be on a long journey.

So maybe it did add something to the market. The Nissan Pulsar might lack the glamour and excitement of some of the other family hatchbacks – not to mention the glut of family crossovers on sale in 2020 – but not everybody demands excitement from a car.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018) handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Nissan Pulsar’s relatively long wheelbase helps to deliver great ride comfort, especially on cars with smaller alloy wheels.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Handling and ride quality

It handles bumps with ease, soaking up all but the worst imperfections in the road. It’s also good on the motorway, with the diesel version delivering excellent long-legged comfort and efficiency.

It’s just a bit soft and unengaging. The steering is indirect and imprecise, there’s no sense of what the front wheels are doing, and there’s plenty of roll if you attempt to take a corner too fast. Tackle a B-road in the way you would, say, a Ford Focus, and your passengers will be begging for a sickbag. It’s not a car to be hurried.

Some buyers will appreciate the ride comfort and quietness. Others might prefer something with a little more bite.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Engines

The familiar Renault-sourced 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel is arguably the engine of choice in the Nissan Pulsar. It delivers a healthy 110PS to provide an excellent blend of performance and economy. It settles down to a quiet idle when cruising, but there’s plenty of mid-range punch when you require a burst of acceleration.

Not that the entry-level 1.2-litre DIG-T four-cylinder petrol engine should be ignored. The 115PS provides a surprising amount of pulling power from low revs, feeling peppy in town, with a willingness to rev when required.

It struggles when the car is loaded with passengers and their luggage, which is why the diesel makes more sense.

The 190PS 1.6-litre DIG-T petrol engine is a bit of an oddball. It’s quick, hitting 62mph in less than eight seconds, but the car doesn’t have the tools required to cope with the performance. It’s also more costly to run than the other pair.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Safety

The Nissan Pulsar was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating when it was crash-tested in 2014. Front and side airbags are standard, although neither extends to the rear. The Pulsar also features stability control and a standard speed limiter, while autonomous emergency braking and a lane-keep assist system are optional.

N-tec models have a 360-degree parking camera, while top-spec Tekna models come with the Nissan Safety Shield system. This includes a blind-spot warning system that scans beyond the blind-spot, warning you if something is approaching from behind.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Towing

The 1.5-litre dCi engine is the best choice if you intend to tow, although the 1,200kg towing capacity means you’re unlikely to pull anything larger than a light caravan. A fixed tow bar was available as an option when the Pulsar was new.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.2 DIG-T 54–57 mpg 10.7 s 117–118 g/km
1.2 DIG-T Automatic 55 mpg 12.7 s 118–119 g/km
1.5 dCi 74–79 mpg 11.5 s 94–118 g/km
1.6 DIG-T 37–50 mpg 7.8 s 134–138 g/km

Real MPG average for the Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

79%

Real MPG

32–73 mpg

MPGs submitted

212

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018) interior

Interior Rating
There’s nothing premium about the quality, but the Nissan Pulsar is far from downmarket.
Dimensions
Length 4387 mm
Width 2017 mm
Height 1520 mm
Wheelbase 2700 mm

Full specifications

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Practicality

We have to start this section by focusing on its unique selling point: space in the rear. Thanks to a long wheelbase, the Nissan Pulsar is blessed with limo-like space in the back, with plenty of legroom, even for the tallest of passengers. The feeling of space is accentuated by the amount of elbow room for people sitting in the outer seats, along with the large rear door openings.

The rear space doesn’t come at the expense of luggage capacity, with the Pulsar boasting a 385-litre boot. Fold the rear seats and this extends to 1395 litres, which is excellent for a car in this segment. The rear bench splits 60/40, but there are no levers in the boot.

It would be harsh to say that space is the Pulsar’s single redeeming feature, but it’s probably the best reason to buy one.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Quality and finish

The cabin feels robust and hard-wearing, while the buttons and switches operate with a good feeling of solidity. It’s just let down by an absence of soft-touch and high-quality materials. It’s all so… adequate.

The thing is, the Pulsar doesn’t feel any more downmarket or upmarket than a Qashqai. But the raised driving position seems to elevate the Qashqai to a higher level, while the Pulsar just seems so ordinary.

There’s a reason why Nissan turned its back on the family hatchback market in favour of SUVs. The lofty cars feel more special.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Infotainment

Avoid the entry-level Visia and Acenta trims, as these have to make do with a tiny screen, Bluetooth, CD player, USB port and aux socket. It’s a comically basic setup that’s lacking any sort of functionality. Poor in 2014, inexcusable in 2020.

N-tec and Tekna models get a NissanConnect2 touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav. The 5.8-inch display is small by today’s standards, but features include smartphone integration, DAB digital radio and a 360-degree parking camera. The graphics are dated, the mapping is lethargic, and it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it adds a semblance of modernity to the Pulsar.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018) value for money

Value for Money Rating
the 1.5-litre dCi is an extremely economical engine, even if the claimed 78.5mpg on a combined cycle is a tad optimistic.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Prices

The Nissan Pulsar was pretty good value when it was new. Prices ranged from £16,000 for the Pulsar DIG-T 115 in Visia trim, to £22,500 for the DIG-T 190 in Tekna trim. The mid-range N-tec trim cost in the region of £20,000.

Anyone who bought a new Pulsar might be regretting their decision. Depreciation wasn’t a strong point, which means values plummeted faster than most rival hatchbacks. Good news if you’re buying a used Nissan Pulsar in 2020.

Prices start from around £5000, although we’ve seen some examples available for less. Nissan didn’t sell many Visia models, but it’s easy to find Acenta and N-tec cars. Most used examples tend to be the flagship Tekna model, so at least your used Pulsar will come with the right equipment.

The most you need to pay is £12,000. This is enough to secure a 2017/2018 Tekna model with up to 15,000 miles on the clock. Given the level of standard equipment – not to mention the amount of space inside the Pulsar – this is great value for money.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) deals start from around £100 a month. This is based on a 2015 Pulsar costing in the region of £6,500, a deposit of £1000, and 48 monthly payments. A newer model should cost no more than £300 a month, based on a car worth £11,500.

Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018): Running Costs

The fuel economy figures were sourced using the old and less reliable NEDC test cycle, so you’re unlikely to achieve the official results.

Real MPG data suggests something in the region of 60mpg is likely for the 1.5 dCi. The 1.2 DIG-T 115 offers a claimed 56.5mpg when fitted with a manual gearbox, or 55.4mpg with an automatic transmission. Finally, the 1.6 DIG-T 190 could achieve 49.5mpg when riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, or 47.9mpg if the car is fitted with 18-inch rims.

Insurance should be affordable, with groups ranging from 10 to 18. There’s more good news when it comes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), because some diesel models are exempt from road tax. Other versions are £20 to £30 a year, but the 1.6 DIG-T 190 weighs in at a hefty £150 a year.

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Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018) models and specs

If you’re in the market for a Nissan Qashqai, the Pulsar is unlikely to change your mind. Aside from the rear legroom and ride comfort, there’s no reason to recommend it over one of the many family hatchbacks you could buy. The Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3, Skoda Octavia, Seat Leon and Kia Ceed offer more than the Pulsar.

However, if you can’t stomach the idea of a crossover, and you’re after a family hatchback that will see your children through from primary school to university, the Nissan Pulsar is a fine choice. We’re even quite fond of the 190PS version.

Dimensions
Length 4387 mm
Width 2017 mm
Height 1520 mm
Wheelbase 2700 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1205–1330 kg
Boot Space 385–1395 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 12500–18000 miles
Costs
List Price £13,280–£22,845
Insurance Groups 10–13
Road Tax Bands A–E
Official MPG 37.2–78.5 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until July 2019

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.2 Dig-T Acenta 5dr £16,280 56.5 mpg 10.7 s
1.2 Dig-T Acenta Xtronic 5dr £17,730 55.4 mpg 12.7 s
1.2 Dig-T Business Edition 5dr £16,395 56.5 mpg -
1.2 Dig-T Business Edition Xtronic 5dr £17,845 55.4 mpg -
1.2 Dig-T N-Connecta 5dr £17,930 56.5 mpg 10.7 s
1.2 Dig-T N-Connecta Style 5dr £18,330 56.5 mpg 10.7 s
1.2 Dig-T N-Connecta Xtronic 5dr £19,380 55.4 mpg 12.7 s
1.2 Dig-T N-Tec 5dr £17,995 56.5 mpg 10.7 s
1.2 Dig-T N-Tec Xtronic 5dr £17,845 55.4 mpg 12.7 s
1.2 Dig-T Tekna 5dr £19,330 54.3 mpg 10.7 s
1.2 Dig-T Tekna Xtronic 5dr £20,780 55.4 mpg 12.7 s
1.2 Dig-T Visia 5dr £13,995 56.5 mpg 10.7 s
1.2 Dig-T Visia Limited Edition 5dr £13,280 56.5 mpg -
1.2 Dig-T Visia Xtronic 5dr £16,330 55.4 mpg 12.7 s
1.5 dCi Acenta 5dr £17,860 78.5 mpg 11.5 s
1.5 dCi Business Edition 5dr £17,995 78.5 mpg -
1.5 dCi N-Connecta 5dr £19,510 78.5 mpg 11.5 s
1.5 dCi N-Connecta Style 5dr £19,910 78.5 mpg 11.5 s
1.5 dCi N-Tec 5dr £18,365 78.5 mpg 11.5 s
1.5 dCi Tekna 5dr £20,910 74.3 mpg 11.5 s
1.5 dCi Visia 5dr £16,460 78.5 mpg 11.5 s
1.6 Dig-T Acenta 5dr £17,990 49.5 mpg 7.8 s
1.6 Dig-T Acenta 5dr £19,945 37.2 mpg 7.8 s
1.6 Dig-T Business Edition 5dr £18,295 49.5 mpg -
1.6 Dig-T N-Connecta 5dr £19,440 49.5 mpg 7.8 s
1.6 Dig-T N-Tec 5dr £20,795 37.2 mpg 7.8 s
1.6 Dig-T Tekna 5dr £22,845 37.2 mpg 7.8 s
1.6 Dig-T Tekna 5dr £21,040 47.9 mpg 7.8 s

On sale until April 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.2 Dig-T Business Edition 5dr £16,395 56.5 mpg -
1.2 Dig-T Business Edition Xtronic 5dr £17,845 55.4 mpg -
1.5 dCi Business Edition 5dr £17,995 78.5 mpg -
1.6 Dig-T Business Edition 5dr £18,295 49.5 mpg -

Model History

May 2014

Nissan Pulsar unveiled

Among the systems offered in the new Pulsar are Forward Emergency Braking, Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning. Nissan's ongoing drive to deliver sector-first technologies mean that the Pulsar is the only car in its sector to offer Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning as standard on at least one model in the range.

The Pulsar also features Nissan's second-generation NissanConnect system - that comes with a range of innovative features including full smartphone integration, Google Send-to-Car and access to a wide variety of useful and informative apps.

Another technology integrated into the Pulsar's design are LED headlamps. First introduced to the Nissan range on the Qashqai and X-Trail, the Pulsar's distinctive LED front lights produce a crisp, white light and have the added advantage of using 50 per cent less power than conventional bulbs.

In keeping with Nissan's approach to innovation and reduced costs for owners, the Pulsar's all-turbocharged engine range is designed to blend performance and efficiency. The 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol unit has 115PS, while the 1.5-litre dCi generates 110PS and 260Nm of torque. An even more powerful 190PS 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine will join the range early in 2015.

Continuing Nissan's successful downsizing philosophy, the new Pulsar's engines are high on performance and low on emissions, with CO2 outputs below 95g/km. The Pulsar is also offered with Nissan's XTronic automatic transmission. It features ultra-smooth power delivery at low engine speeds and positive, direct shifts under heavier loads.

Thanks to the longest wheelbase in the class (2,700mm) and clever packaging, the Pulsar offers considerably more rear legroom and shoulder room than its sector rivals. Indeed, with 692mm of rear kneeroom, the Pulsar is more spacious than many D-segment offerings. Yet despite this it retains a compact footprint (length 4,385mm), making it easy to park in tight urban environments.

July 2014

Prices for the Nissan Pulsar announced

The new hatchback will be priced from £15,995 OTR when it goes on sale.

From launch, the Pulsar will be available in four trim levels – Visia, Acenta, n-tec and Tekna. The entry level Visia, priced from £15,995, comes with a 5-inch colour screen, steering wheel mounted controls, Bluetooth and air conditioning.

Those choosing the Acenta model, priced from £17,645, benefit from added extras like Forward Emergency Braking, automatic lights and wipers and Nissan’s ingenious i-Key system.

Meanwhile, the n-tec, which starts at £18,995, adds large 17-inch alloys, privacy glass and Nissan’s signature LED lights. It also offers two much sought after features – a helpful colour reversing camera and NissanConnect 2, a state-of-the-art infotainment system offering full smartphone integration, Google Send-to-Car and access to a wide variety of useful and informative apps.

Finally, the range-topping Tekna, priced from £20,345, adds further Nissan Safety Shield Technologies including Forward Emergency Braking, Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning for the ultimate in passenger protection.

Customers will have the choice of two new engines – a 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol unit and a 1.5-litre dCi – with either manual or Xtronic automatic transmissions for the perfect blend of performance and efficiency.

The petrol powerplant has an output of 115PS and 190Nm of torque, while the 1.5-litre dCi commonrail diesel unit generates 110PS and 260Nm of torque. An even more powerful 190PS, 240Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine will join the range early in 2015.

Engine Trim Transmission OTR (£)
DIG-T 115 Visia 6 speed manual £15,995
DIG-T 115 Visia Xtronic £17,345
dCi 110 Visia 6 speed manual £17,595
DIG-T 115 Acenta 6 speed manual £17,645
DIG-T 115 Acenta Xtronic £18,995
dCi 110 Acenta 6 speed manual £19,245
DIG-T 115 n-tec 6 speed manual £18,995
DIG-T 115 n-tec Xtronic £20,345
dCi 110 n-tec 6 speed manual £20,595
DIG-T 115 Tekna 6 speed manual £20,345
DIG-T 115 Tekna Xtronic £21,695
dCi 110 Tekna 6 speed manual £21,945

March 2015

Nissan Pulsar 1.6 DIG-T 190 announced

190PS turbocharged EU6 petrol engine with maximum torque of 240Nm from 2,000rpm to 4,000rpm. 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds. 49.5mpg and has CO2 emissions of 134g/km for 17-inch wheels and 138g/km for 18-inch wheels.

Upgrades includes a new power steering set-up fine-tuned to give more direct feedback and quicker responses. Front spring and damper settings revised with increased stiffness and spring length to improve body control while maintaining ride comfort. Body shell stiffened with additional reinforcements to improve torsional rigidity. New rear dampers and wider wheels. Newly tuned ESP set-up, shorter gearing for sharper acceleration, low friction technologies and cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation.

Available in Acenta, n-tec and Tekna trim grades, all Pulsar DIG-T 190 models feature a number of upgraded items as standard. These include bespoke alloy wheels (17-inch as standard on Acenta and n-tec, and 18-inch for Tekna) finished in a diamond cut two-tone black and silver and a unique, sportier headlamp design which comes with a black finish to the bezel providing a greater contrast to the chrome finished projector. At the rear, a chrome exhaust finisher is fitted to further enhance the sporty look and feel.

Inside, the 1.6 DIG-T powered models include a unique trim finisher that extends the full width of the dashboard, distinctive white stitching on the three-spoke steering wheel and leather seats (Tekna models only) to complete the interior design package. Nissan Pulsar DIG-T 190 is priced from £19,645.

September 2017

Pulsar N-Connecta Style Edition launched

Based on mid-range N-Connecta grade, exterior upgrades include premium new black bezel sports headlights a distinctive Daytime Running Light signature, black door mirrors and 18-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels.

The Pulsar N-Connecta Style Edition is also equipped with the NissanConnect five-inch touch-screen infotainment system. Its features include Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, DAB digital radio and aux / USB ports and a rear view camera. On sale now it is available with the 1.2 DIG-T 115PS petrol engine paired to a 6-speed manual transmission.

What to watch out for

20-07-2016:

Report of 2015 Nissan Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T using 1.5 litres of oil in 6000 miles, then a further litre in a further 1500 miles. Dealer told owner it needed new piston rings, but there was a supply problem.

09-12-2016:

Report of clutch of 2016 Pulsar failing at 6,000 miles.

11-03-2017:

Complaint of Nissan Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T 115 engine sometimes cutting out with a clunk when coming up to a junction in 2nd or 3rd gear and can be unresponsive / sluggish when pulling away at traffic lights or out into traffic. One of the service personnel at Nissan Dealer suggested it might be owner's driving, another said it could be fuel starvation and that owner needed to 'keep the revs up' when starting off. Following a service there has been some improvement but owner still sometimes experiences the same problems.

05-06-2017:

Report of repeated failure of timing chain pulleys of Nissan Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T bought new in March 2016. First failed in January 2017, then failed again in June 2017.

22-07-2018:

Used 2016 Nissan Pulsar purchased from 'national company' had issues with central locking, now resolved under after sales warranty. While car in for repair at a Nissan dealer, owner had R1234yf type air-con regassed by Nissan for £79, about half price of usual cost. A/c that worked when he bought the car now does not work.

10-10-2018:

Report of another 2015 Nissan Pulsar fitted with 1.2 DIG-T 115 (Renault) engine using a lot of oil. Dealer updated the software, topped up the oil and asked owner to run the car for 3,000 miles. Said if there was no improvement in oil consumption they would change the engine.

24-10-2018:

Report of succession of problems with 2014/64 Nissan Pulsar DIG-T purchased used in June 2015. Required a new battery in January 2016. After 15 months of complaining about an intermittent fault, the rear view camera was changed under warranty in January 2017. Immediately after the November 2017 service the engine started making a loud whining noise.

13-03-2019:

Report of clutch and dual mass flywheel of 2017 Nissan Pulsar failing at 22,000 miles.

21-03-2019:

Report of satnav screen of 2016 Nissan Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T 115 Tekna intermittently going blank, then recalculating the programmed journey. Nissan dealer says Nissan is aware of this but has no immediate cure.

31-05-2019:

Report of 2016 Nissan Pulsar 1.2 DIG-T, purchased May 2018, failing MoT due to an "offside rear suspension" issue. Nissan customer service cannot find any service history. Nissan dealer also said may need a new engine due to a ticking noise. They would cover the suspension unit under extended warranty but not the engine. They then advised owner would have to pay for the engine. (Probably suspected a timing chain or oil ring issue.)

18-09-2019:

Strange fault reported with 2015/65 Nissan Pulsar 1.5 dCi: Spurious alarms seem to be generated when driver reaches the bottoms of very steep hills, involving a lot of braking to keep the speed down. The alarm reads system fault, but seems to appertain to the stop start system that sometimes operates at traffic lights and road junctions. It resets when driver stops and restarts the car.

25-10-2019:

After fitting a genuine new TPMS valve to a 2015 Nissan Pulsar, owner could not get the system to re-initiate following handbook instructions.

29-11-2019:

Report of 2015/65 Nissan Pulsar 1.2 Dig-T Tekna defveloping oil consumption problem, using 1.5 litres of oil in 7,000 miles. Our of Nissan Warranty, covered by 3 year Vertu warranty, but serviced by non Nissan garage.

What does the Nissan Pulsar (2014 – 2018) cost?