Test Drive: Nissan Pulsar Tekna is a practical family alternative

The Nissan Qashqai(with Android Car Gps) has become something of a phenomenon since it first hit our roads in 2006. The car that really kickstarted the crossover craze, it was an instant hit and is now the benchmark by which other entrants into this increasingly competitive market sector are often judged. Surprising as it may seem to the marketing men, though, not everyone has been won over by the pumped up, in-your-face styling of these hatchback/SUV mash-ups. So for those contrary folk who refuse to ride the crest of the latest trendy wave, Nissan offers the Pulsar. There’s no escaping the Qashqai entirely, though, and it does take some of its design cues from the crossover, especially with its bold grille and front bumper arrangement. All models also get attractive alloy wheels while a sharply rising shoulder line, muscular wheel arches and rear roof spoiler add a sporty touch. Two of the three turbocharged engines on offer, a 1.2 litre petrol and 1.5 litre diesel, are also lifted straight out of the Qashqai while a 1.6 litre petrol is tweaked to offer more power than the version in the crossover. The 1.5 litre diesel I drove will pique the interest of business users thanks to its exceptional fuel economy, a claimed 78.5mpg on average, and road tax-exempt carbon emissions of just 94g/km. While it may not be quite as perky to drive as the petrols it offers plenty of versatility, taking town traffic in its stride and proving surprisingly smooth and refined on the open road. And this is further helped by the interior design, which echoes the straightforward, unfussy nature of the exterior. Controls are logically laid out and, although slightly small, the 5.8-inch touchscreen interface on my range-topping Tekna trim car is clear and easy to use. What about install Car DVD? Tactile, soft touch surfaces are in frustratingly short supply, especially on the dashboard and control panel, but the use of contrasting gloss and matte finishes and the leather upholstery on this flagship model raise the perceived quality. Everything certainly feels solid and durable enough to cope with the rigours of daily family life. There is plenty of space for the family to get comfortable, too, as the Pulsar is one of the roomiest hatchbacks around. This minor niggle is somewhat offset, though, by the generous equipment levels across the range. This flagship model positively bristles with hi-tech kit such as automatic lights and wipers, keyless entry and ignition, 360-degree camera to help you park and an infotainment system with full smartphone integration and access to a variety of apps. There’s also a range of safety features over and above the usual airbags and stability control, such as emergency braking, moving object detection and lane departure and blind spot warning systems. If you’re after a comfortable, practical and easy-to-drive family runaround, then the Pulsar is a commendable alternative to offerings from big-hitters like Ford, Vauxhall and VW. This minor niggle is somewhat offset, though, by the generous equipment If, however, you crave a bit more excitement, there is a Nismo-tuned hot-hatch version on the way. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!