NISSAN has introduced a new value packed version of its Almera family hatchback priced from under £10,000.

Called the Pulse, it may not send the enthusiast’s racing but will get a rate from those looking for practical motoring.

Put simply, the Almera Pulse is an S with the normally optional safety pack. It includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, side impact airbags and whiplash preventing, front active headrests, and would add £500 to the price of an S.

If customers take delivery before the end of June and finance the car using Nissan’s personal contract purchase plan, Preferences, they’ll get £1,000 off the deposit. That’s a potential total saving of £1,500.

In addition to the safety kit, the Pulse comes with air conditioning, front electric windows, a six-speaker CD radio and remote central locking. You can have your Pulse with three, four or five-doors, each being offered with either manual transmission and a 1.5-litre 9BPS petrol unit, or with automatic transmission mated to a 1.8-litre 11 6PS motor. The most affordable is the 1.5 Pulse 3dr at £9995. For four or five-doors add £755. Automatic gears and the larger engine raises the price by £555.