2014 Nissan Pulsar DIG-T Teckna 1.2 petrol from Belgium

Summary:

Interesting choice

Faults:

Problems related to the power steering include fluid leaks that make assistance difficult. Of all the issues, this was the most common and most common.

Premature belt wear can lead to a less smooth ride. As for the brakes, although there isn't a specific problem with the engine itself, the power of the DiG-T engine can lead to faster brake wear if the vehicle is driven intensively.

General Comments:

Despite not being a large car, it has a fairly spacious rear cabin, ideal for passengers and transporting bulky items. As well as a generous trunk for a car of its size. The car's cabin is well soundproofed, which contributes to a high level of comfort, reducing engine and aerodynamic noise.

The suspension, although somewhat soft, filters out irregularities well and provides great comfort, especially on the highway, where the vehicle displays poise and a feeling of solidity.

Despite the issues I mentioned, the steering is smooth and precise, making city maneuvers easier and providing confidence on the highway.

The DiG turbocharged gasoline engine is small in size but extremely powerful, yet it offers fairly balanced performance, tending to focus more on comfort and flexibility for relaxed driving than on sporty performance. This is quite logical since it's designed to be a utility car, not a sporty one.

Fuel consumption is approximately 4.8 l/100 km, not bad for a gasoline engine, so from this point of view it's also positive for urban use.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2025

2014 Nissan Pulsar ST-S 1.6 DIG turbo from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Wolf in sheep's clothes...

Faults:

Hit a Kangaroo at 100km per hour... Needed a new bumper, left quarter panel, left front door, CV shaft and a wheel alignment. Took a while to get parts in as no one in WA stocks them yet.

General Comments:

Fantastic. The turbo coupled with the 6 speed manual is an absolute triumph. The car is a real sleeper, same as an SSS except without the leather, body kit and sat nav. Just an all round great daily driver with a sporty flavour. 0-100 in 7 seconds is pretty quick for a warm hatch as well.

Can't really fault Nissan's service; very friendly down here in Rockingham and very helpful. I'll keep you posted as she ages... Keeping this one for a while I think. Bloody great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th November, 2014

20th Dec 2014, 19:32

I have the SSS. I think both cars would look better with 18 inch wheels, and on the SSS it might stop the front spoiler scraping when I go in and out of driveways. Great cars though.

12th Apr 2015, 13:45

How is the FM radio reception on your SSS? Have you noticed any static/interference?

6th Aug 2015, 05:15

Tested other HOT Hatches... none came close to offering the combination of get-up-n-go, comfort, space and ease of daily use for the price.

Ford Focus - more expensive by $8000 - at that price better cars are available ie GOLF series.

Mazda3 MP - nearly the same price as the Focus - noisy ride on poor roads, less cabin space, harder to get in or out of (seats lower to ground than Pulsar) and harsher ride.

Hyundai - much poorer ride comfort to Pulsar - seats low to the ground... performance not competitive. Why is low seats a factor?? Long distance comfort is aided by higher seat/floor relationship... better for your back over rough roads.

Pulsar DIG-T performance is real world FUN... AND the engine is quiet, refined, and loves to rev.

If you want 'the' best performing hatch - buy the Golf GTI or 2015 Ford Focus RS, Renault Megane etc... the added $8000 + is well spent for you...

If you want a 'normal, family, commute' car with 80% of the hot hatch performance, Nissan has that covered with the DIG-T... I own one for that reason.

$ per grin factor - the cars not mentioned do not compete...

30th Mar 2019, 13:44

OP here. 78,000km and 5 years later, she's still going gangbusters. Apart from services every 10,000km, I've had no dramas. Very reliable, highly recommend.

3rd Nov 2022, 12:00

Totally agree, they are impressive modern cars, and you won't find better for the money.