New Nissan Pulsar is set to shake up the compact car segment

Using the same design approach and original thinking that produced its range of crossovers, Nissan is expanding its product portfolio with the all new family hatchback - the Pulsar. Combining a refreshed design, technical innovations and class leading interior space, the new Nissan Pulsar brings a fresh dimension to the compact car segment, offering all the familiar Nissan qualities in a stylish new package.

Instantly recognisable thanks to its trademark Nissan V-motion grille, boomerang signature headlamp characteristics and bold, muscular curves, the Pulsar was designed and engineered for Europe and will be built at Nissan's Barcelona production facility.

The rear perfectly combines form with function. The boomerang-shaped rear light clusters are neatly integrated into both the rear panels and the tailgate, while a deep cutaway in the rear bumper provides a low loading lip.

The confident premium approach continues in the cabin, where high-quality materials and clear design are perfectly integrated with Pulsar's impressively high equipment levels.

The new Pulsar range features four familiar trim grades: Visia, Acenta, n-tec and Tekna - with all four offering high levels of standard equipment including a 5.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, six airbags and, among others, a Start-stop system.

The centre console appears to float on top of the main dashboard rail and houses the Pulsar's NissanConnect infotainment system and heating and ventilation controls. Framed by a glossy piano black trim the whole assembly has been designed to be as clear and intuitive as possible with a 5.8-inch screen and simple switchgear.

With the Pulsar, Nissan introduces its acclaimed Safety Shield system with Moving Object Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Warning.

Nissan's revolutionary Around View Monitor brings even more advanced technology to the sector, as does the latest generation NissanConnect system that offers seamless integration with smartphones and full satellite navigation functions.

The Pulsar can be powered by two engines - either a 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol or a 1.5-litre dCi diesel. An even more powerful 187bhp rated, 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine will join the range early in 2015.

The 1.2-litre DIG-T engine has been specifically tuned for the Pulsar and delivers 113bhp and 190Nm of torque. Driven via a six-speed manual transmission, the 1.2-litre DIG-T is capable of accelerating the Pulsar from nought to 100km/h in a leisurely 10.7 seconds. An advanced X-Tronic transmission is also available for customers in the U.K. starting November 2014.

The 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel contains 108bhp, emits just 94g/km of CO₂ and offers a combined fuel economy figure of 33.3km/L.