HAVING driven the petrol version of the Pulsar at the start of the year I was keen to get my hands on the diesel powered model to see how it compared.

The first thing to note is the oil burner is by far the cheaper of the two power units to run - always a plus point in our household.

Nissan claims an average fuel economy figure of 78.5 miles per gallon and in plenty of mixed motoring it indeed sipped fuel with a frugality that was inspiring.

While the petrol version is undoubtedly nippier around town, the diesel - linked to a slick six-speed manual gearbox that is a willing accomplice - offers an impressive amount of pulling power hitting 62mph from a standing start in a shade over 11 seconds.

The 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol engine averages a respectable 56mpg with carbon dioxide emissions of 117g/km and propels the Pulsar from 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds.

But if you are a company car driver then there is no contest. With carbon dioxide emissions of 94g/km and a low benefit in kind rating the diesel model keeps tax liabilities to a minimum.

It is also a refined beast. Yes there is an initial burble from under the bonnet as you pull away, but once you are up to speed this fades to leave your latest Adele CD with a monopoly of the airwaves.

The Pulsar is choc full of equipment so although this time I had the top of the range Tekna trim in truth even the entry-level Visia model is more than adequate offering air conditioning, alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel-mounted controls and a colour display between the speedometer and the rev counter.

By the time you reach the dizzying heights of the top-of-the-range model, Nissan have added trinkets such as dual-zone climate control, heated door mirrors, automatic lights and wipers as well as keyless entry.

I found the NissanConnect 5.8-inch touchscreen navigation and entertainment system a easy to use as well as adding a modern lustre to the spacious interior.

Safety equipment is similarly extensive with all versions of the Pulsar getting six airbags, stability control and a tyre pressure-monitoring system. There is also a Forward Emergency Braking system in the Tekna to prevent accidents.

The cabin is welcoming with the Spanish-built Pulsar able to seat four adults in comfort and a fifth without the need for the flexibility of an Olympic gymnast.

The roomy boot easily copes with a family's needs when it comes to the weekly supermarket shop or a holiday and the rear seats can be folded creating a cave-like space when larger items need to be transported.

There is plenty of steering wheel and seat adjustment making a decent driving position a cinch to achieve while tall windows and slim pillars aid visibility.

The Pulsar is set up for comfort rather than excitement but there are still good levels of grip while informative steering means it is not a dud to drive. The suspension is efficient so the ride is pretty smooth on most surfaces.

The exterior is neat without being jaw-droppingly handsome with nice touches being LED headlights, roof spoiler and contours down the flanks.