The range-topping version of Nissan’s Golf rival and the brand’s in-house mainstream alternative to its genre-busting Qashqai crossover.
Thanks to a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol motor, the 190hp Pulsar sprints to 62mph in a nippy 7.7 seconds, but falls into the 22% BIK band.
Why is it interesting?
This model packs a powerful motor, while offering reasonably competitive BIK rates and claimed fuel economy. It also offers a lot of space in the rear seats and a roomy boot.
Dull styling, a lumpy engine and little feedback from any of the controls mean it won’t hold any appeal to keen drivers despite its power.
How are the running costs?
Poor residuals of 26.8% make the Pulsar pricier to run than much more attractive, high quality and engaging-to-drive Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW rivals, while a similar Vauxhall Astra is a substantial 5p per mile less.
Any other business?
The Pulsar may be packed with equipment, but its interior feels low-rent for a £22,645 car, with a small, clunky satnav system and scratchy plastics. Cheaper Pulsars make much more sense as this range-topper lacks the feel-good factor of its rivals.
