Nissan Pulsar Ti auto 2013 review: snapshot

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?

What is it?

Replaces the Tiida. Bigger than you might think, just like the Pulsar of old. The Ti is Nissan's top of the line Pulsar with all the bells and whistles.

How much?

Prices for Pulsar start from $19,990, or $22,390 driveaway. This one goes for $28,990 before on road costs or from $31,660 driveaway.

What are competitors?

Plenty of them. Mazda3, Corolla, Lancer, Elantra, Cerato to name a few (all of them for around the same price).

What's under the bonnet?

Nothing special. 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol engine. It delivers 96kW of power and 174Nm of torque. The engine in the Ti is paired with a seamless CVT auto  but unlike other CVTs does not offer a manual mode.

How does it go?

The beauty of CVT is that it continuously optimises power versus economy. This means at 100km/h the engine is barely ticking over at 1700 revs, while at the other end of the gearing spectrum it delivers sharp acceleration off the line.

Is it economical?

Has a 52-litre tank and takes standard 91RON unleaded. It's rated at 6.7 litres/100km but we were getting closer to 6.2. Mind you the trip computer shows kilometres per litre.

Is it green?

Produces 160g/km of CO2 and gets a four out of five star rating from the Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets five).

Is it safe?

Gets the Australian stamp of approval with a five-star crashing rating from ANCAP. Comes with six airbags, reversing camera, four-wheel disc brakes, Traction and Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution, with Brake Assist.

Is it comfortable?

Bigger than the Tiida that it replaces, it's quite roomy inside with large, comfortable seats and a huge boot.

What's it like to drive?

Easy and adequate, but largely uninspiring. This is a car to get you from A to B. The CVT auto is the pick and delivers better economy. If you want a manual you'll have to drop back a grade and deal with throttle flair.

Is it value for money?

Ti gets partial leather and dual zone air and 17 inch alloys along with satellite navigation as standard. Comes with a full size spare and Bluetooth, but the latter is a right pain in the butt to hook up.

Would we buy one?

It's all about value and for many people this car will represent the perfect solution to the value for money equation.