Nissan Pulsar Hatch

I might be showing my age a bit, but do you remember those cool, square-looking Nissan Pulsar Hatchbacks from the late eighties?  They were pretty lightly built, however the engines were very good, economical, and in the SSS models quite quick.  It’s nice to see the brand new Nissan Pulsar Hatchback is still distinctive, economical and swift.  However, one of the big changes with this new model, compared with the earlier one, is that the safety levels and body strength is vastly improved.

Hop inside the chirpy new Nissan Pulsar Hatch, and you’ll find yourself in a comfortable interior that has adequate rear leg room and plenty of storage space.  Peer inside the storage box between the front seats and you’ll see that most of the stuff you find in your handbag can easily be tucked away in here – actually, why not put the entire handbag inside so that onlookers won’t see it while you’re gone.  In the glove box you’ve also got space for other knick-knacks.  Usually you’ll find my small first aid kit, favourite cds and the window wipe cloth are in the glove box of my car.

Nissan Pulsar Hatch Interior

Heading around to the back of the new Nissan Pulsar Hatch, and the rear hatch lifts up cleanly, nice and high, so that I can get my quota of shopping bags easily inside the luggage space.  The floor is quite deep, and the roof high, so it’s easy to pack in a fair bit of gear behind the rear seats when they are all upright.  A 60:40 split folding rear seats makes lengthy items like my acoustic guitar a breeze to fit in – not to mention my fishing rods, and there can be two seats still available for rear seat occupants.  There are always times I’m going to be taking rubbish to the dump, or transferring boxes with sale items for my work, so with the Pulsar’s rear seats being able to be folded flat, there is a nice large area for bulk cargo items.

Out on the road, the 2014 Pulsar Hatch 1.8-litre engine sings sweetly and smoothly.  Fuel required for the engine is 91 Octane Unleaded, and with a combined fuel consumption figure of around 7.0 litres/100 km, the fuel efficiency is pleasing without being a class leader.  Being quite a large and roomy hatch, the wheelbase is lengthy and the ride quality nice.  Nissan seems to have got the suspension set-up right for around town, as even the biggest bumps are well mastered.  Acceleration is purposeful when the need arises, and out beyond the city boundary the Pulsar Hatch impresses with it relaxed, smooth ride.  The Hatch feels light and nimble, and the spec sheet tells me it’s not all that heavy a vehicle (approximately 1300 kg)

There is 1.6-litre Turbo engine available if you require a bit more of a dashing drive.  Boasting 140 kW, the Nissan Pulsar Hatch ST-S and SSS models are quick scamps, and they control the healthy power outlet to the front wheels well.  Sitting on 17-inch rims instead of the 1.8-litre 16-inch rims, the wider tyres feel nice and grippy on the corners.  Again the ride is comfortable, however if you want to push the Pulsar Hatch ST-S hard then the chassis is more than up to the task of holding the line through the corners.  I guess the racing enthusiasts might be able to pick holes in the Pulsar handling, however for fast everyday driving most will find the new Nissan Pulsar ST-S and SSS very good performers.  The six-speed manual gearbox is fun to put through its paces and it’s available for both engines as a standard item.  Both engines can be linked to a smooth CVT alternative.

I don’t know how many of you are into backing trailers, but you can tow a trailer without brakes that weighs up to 750 kg.  If you get a trailer with brakes, then Nissan allow you to tow over a tonne.

A four-speaker sound system is standard in the Pulsar Hatch ST model, while the ST-L, ST-S and SSS versions have the higher-end six-speaker sound system.  Both audio systems have MP3 compatibility; however the six-speaker system adds USB and iPod functions.  Air-conditioning is standard on all but the SSS model.  The SSS goes one step better and adds dual-zone climate control to keep all occupants comfortable on the journey.  The Nissan Pulsar Hatch SSS also gets the leather seats which are going to lure any companions travelling with you.  If the truth be known, even the base model has many features like cruise control, remote keyless entry and all the safety kit.  So if a well-equipped, roomy hatchback is what you’re in need of, take a look at the very affordable new Nissan Pulsar; it might just be what you’re looking for.

The current Nissan Pulsar Hatch includes the following models:

• Pulsar Hatch ST six-speed manual 1.8
• Pulsar Hatch ST CVT 1.8
• Pulsar Hatch ST-L six-speed manual 1.8
• Pulsar Hatch ST-L CVT 1.8
• Pulsar Hatch ST-S six-speed manual 1.6T
• Pulsar Hatch ST-S CVT1.6T
• Pulsar Hatch SSS six-speed manual 1.6T
• Pulsar Hatch SSS CVT 1.6T

For any more information on the new Nissan Pulsar Hatch or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Nissan dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!