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 impress those looking for practical motoring.

Put simply, the Almera Pulse is a car with the normally optional safety pack as standard. That pack includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, side impact airbags and whiplash preventing, front active headrests, worth a total of £500.

And if you take delivery before the end of June, and finance the car using Nissan's personal contract purchase plan, Preferences, you'll get £1,000 off the deposit. That's a potential 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 98PS petrol unit, or with automatic transmission mated to a 1.8-litre 116PS motor.

The most affordable is the 1.5 Pulse 3dr at £9,995.

For four or five-doors add £755. Automatic gear selection and the larger engine raises the price by £1,555. Metallic paint in one of five shades adds £250, alloy wheels £555 and Nissan's rear parking sensors £310.

So that's quite a selection of Pulses on offer. And not a lentil in sight.