2015 Nissan Pulsar

Compact - hatchback

​​    With a final score of 60.43%, the new Pulsar is a minor step up the evolutionary ladder.  Too bad it lost touch with its back side when getting an overhaul.  Maybe next time Nissan will do a perfect job on both sides.

    With a new look on tap for all of the future Nissan models, it was just a matter of time before the Pulsar got a rework.  For 2015 Nissan has added the front of the new Pathfinder to their little hatch that could.  Of course it could do a lot more if it had more out back to make it stand out from the crowd.

    Up front the new Pulsar borrows a lot of what everyone likes about the new Pathfinder.  From its head lights to the grille, most of this is the same.  Of course all of that cannot be good for a little car.  This is true with the front spoiler since it is flat and boring, or what you would expect to find on a CUV.

    Out back is where most of the problems with this car are.  It may be hard at first to notice that there are five different time zones and five different levels to this rear.  With the bumper having two of the time zones with the main bumper and the lower skid guard.  Up from that you find the protruding lights, rear window and finally the last time zone, the oversized rear wing.  The only good point to this rear are the out of this world tail lights.  Nissan has done a great job in creating an new look for lights with the swish style lights.

    Along the side you will find one of the only luxury features to this ride.  Running below the windows is a fine strip of chrome which creates the illusion of luxury in this little car.  This could be the only luxury feature, but it sure is one the best you would find on this car.  The biggest issue with the side is the fact that there is an absence of wheel wells.  This is a major problem for aftermarket tuners and larger wheels.  Bring the wells out and maybe the Pulsar will be a recommended tuner.

    Overall the new Pulsar is a decent little hatch if your into a car from two different worlds.  With its sleek lines and all too many curves the new Pulsar may just be what Nissan needs to bring people back to its hatch models.

​Everett J.

OVERALL GRADE = C+

​Front End: B
    Good: Fast cab-forward design
    Bad: Windshield is raked too high
Rear End: B-   
    Good: Not of this world tail lights
    Bad: Five different levels with five different time zones
Side: C+
    Good: Use of chrome along window adds luxury appeal
    Bad: Hit the snooze on those wheels
Overall Appeal: C+
    Good: Sleek and fast little hatch
    Bad: All too many curves

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AutoLooks Buy List Approved:    Maybe
Recommended Tuner:                   No
Trend Setter:                                  No
Brand Value:                                 Same
AutoLooks Stock Value:           Same