Nissan Pulsar
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a practical family car that doesn’t break the bank? The Nissan Pulsar might be worth considering. This family hatchback was Nissan’s attempt to compete in the crowded family car market from 2014 to 2018. It’s designed for families who need space and practicality above all else. The Pulsar focuses on doing the basics well rather than trying to be the most exciting car on the road.

What sets the Pulsar apart is its impressive interior space. Nissan prioritised passenger room and boot capacity over sporty handling. This makes it a sensible choice if you regularly carry passengers or need plenty of luggage space. The design is clean and straightforward, without the bold styling of some family hatchback rivals. It’s a car that blends into the background, which some buyers will appreciate.

The Pulsar appeals to practical minded drivers who want value for money. It offers generous space, decent fuel economy, and competitive pricing on the used market. While it may not have the driving excitement of some competitors, it delivers where many families need it most. The focus is on comfort, space, and reliability rather than sporty thrills. If your priority is getting from A to B with minimal fuss and maximum practicality, the Pulsar deserves your attention.

What's the Nissan Pulsar Like to Drive?

The Nissan Pulsar prioritises efficiency and smoothness over outright performance. The most popular engine is the 1.2 litre DIG-T turbocharged petrol with 115 horsepower. This small but effective engine provides adequate power for daily driving while returning excellent fuel economy. The 0-60 mph time of around 9.8 seconds won’t set your pulse racing, but it’s perfectly adequate for everyday use. There’s also a 1.6 litre naturally aspirated petrol option with 110 horsepower, though this feels less refined than the turbocharged unit.

The Pulsar’s driving experience is best described as comfortable and predictable. The steering is light and easy, making parking and low speed manoeuvring effortless. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, so you’ll find it absorbs bumps and road imperfections well. This makes it an excellent motorway cruiser and a relaxing car for longer journeys. The CVT automatic transmission available on some models provides smooth acceleration, though it can feel sluggish when you need quick overtaking power. Overall, it’s a family hatchback that prioritises passenger comfort over driving thrills.

Inside the Nissan Pulsar: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Pulsar and you’ll immediately notice the spacious cabin. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help drivers of different heights find the right position. The dashboard design is functional rather than stylish, with clearly marked controls and a central touchscreen infotainment system. Material quality is acceptable for the class, though not as premium feeling as some European rivals. The cabin feels airy and light thanks to generous window areas and thoughtful interior colour choices.

Where the Pulsar really excels is rear passenger space. The back seats offer impressive legroom and headroom for a car of this size. Three adults can sit comfortably across the rear bench, making it genuinely practical for families. Road noise is well controlled, creating a quiet and relaxing environment for passengers. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB charging points. Higher specification models add features like automatic climate control, a larger touchscreen, and premium audio systems that enhance the overall comfort experience.

The Nissan Pulsar is a car that does exactly what it sets out to do provide maximum practicality at a competitive price. Its spacious interior and large boot make it genuinely useful for families, while the efficient engines keep running costs low. The comfortable ride and quiet cabin add to its appeal as a sensible family choice. It’s not the most exciting car to drive, but that’s not really the point.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Nissan Pulsar?

The Nissan Pulsar shines when it comes to running costs, making it an attractive proposition for budget conscious families. The 1.2 litre DIG-T engine is the standout performer here, delivering real world fuel economy of around 50-55 mpg in mixed driving. This translates to lower fuel bills and fewer stops at petrol stations. Insurance groups are reasonable, typically ranging from group 10 to 15, which helps keep annual premiums manageable. Road tax is also competitive thanks to the low CO2 emissions of the turbocharged engines.

Purchase prices on the used market are very competitive, with good examples available from around £8,000. This represents excellent value given the space and equipment on offer. Servicing costs are reasonable, and Nissan has a good dealer network across the UK. However, some reliability concerns have emerged with certain models, particularly related to the CVT automatic transmission and some electrical components. It’s worth factoring in potential repair costs, though many owners report trouble free ownership. car finance options can help spread the cost of purchase, making this practical family car even more accessible.

Is the Nissan Pulsar Practical for Everyday Use?

The Nissan Pulsar was designed with practicality as its primary focus, and it delivers impressively in this area. The 385 litre boot is among the largest in its class, easily accommodating a week’s shopping or holiday luggage for a family of four. The boot opening is wide and the loading lip is low, making it easy to lift heavy items in and out. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split configuration, creating an enormous cargo area when you need to carry larger items like furniture or sports equipment.

Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage solutions for everyday items. The door pockets are generous, there’s a decent sized glovebox, and multiple cup holders throughout the cabin. The rear seat space is genuinely impressive, with enough legroom for tall adults to sit comfortably behind taller drivers. This makes it an excellent choice for families with older children or for those who regularly carry adult passengers. While it may not have the premium appeal of used Nissan cars like the Qashqai, the Pulsar maximises every millimetre of its footprint for passenger and cargo space.

The Nissan Pulsar stands out in the used car market by offering exceptional practicality at competitive prices. It may have been discontinued, but it remains a smart choice for families who need space above all else. The combination of a roomy interior, large boot, and efficient engines creates a compelling package for practical minded buyers. While it may lack the dynamic appeal of some rivals, it compensates with genuine real world usefulness.

You choose the Pulsar because you want a car that works hard for your family without costing a fortune to run. Its generous dimensions, comfortable ride, and competitive used prices make it an attractive proposition. For buyers seeking maximum space and value, particularly those with growing families, the Pulsar delivers where it matters most. With cars under £10,000 offering great value, it represents one of the most practical choices in its price bracket.