Find Used Nissan cars for sale on model specific websites. Below is a list of dedicated Nissan sites, simply click on the appropriate link below :-
|
| As seen On |
 |
|
| Nissan's new Visia+'s special editions |
Nissan has introduced a couple of tempting special editions offering even better value for money on its practical, yet distinctive Micra and Note hatchback models, both of which are on sale now.
- Micra and Note VISIA+ special versions
- £500 over standard Visia
- Unique orange trim and Sunlit Copper paint for Micra
- Additional equipment on both models
- On sale now
The first of these, the Micra Visia+, for just an extra £500 over the standard Visia model gives manual air conditioning and an upgrade to the more feisty 80 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine. It's just as economical as the 65 PS unit, delivering 47.9 mpg (manual) and 42.8 mpg (automatic) combined, yet the manual model hits 62mph in a more sprightly 13.5 secs for a more dynamic drive in the cut and thrust of city traffic.
For those who like their interiors a little bit more vibrant, there's a unique cabin treatment on offer, with snazzy orange seat trim contrasting with a chocolate finish to the dashboard, steering wheel and gear lever. Graphite upholstery remains available for those with more conservative tastes. On the outside, the full Micra palette of paint shades is available, but they're joined by the exclusive and sparkling Sunlit Copper that really will show the Micra Visia+ off to best effect in spring sunshine.
The added spec comes on top of the standard Visia grade's side airbags, front active headrests, a CD player, power front windows, rear sliding seat, central locking and ISOFIX childseat mounting points.
Prices start at £7995 for the 3 door manual, with an extra £650 for the 5 door model and a £900 supplement for the automatic gearbox option. In terms of insurance, all models get a low, group 2 rating.
Nissan's Note offers all the agility and easy driving qualities of a B-segment hatchback, and all the comfort and equipment of a C segment car. Now the Note Visia+ special edition adds manual air conditioning with a pollen filter and the novel Flexi-Board system. Usefully, the 9-litre glovebox - enough to swallow 12 cans of drink - can be cooled using this special edition's air con system.
Flexi-Board adds to Note's already versatile load area. The twin steel-framed boards cover an additional stowage space beneath the floor which is ideal for stowing valuables. With the rear seats in place, there's 280 litres (VDA) of luggage space; slide the rear seat forward (it has a 160 mm adjustment) and lower the luggage boards into the well, and you get an extra 100 litres giving a total load space of 437 litres.
Standard kit includes side airbags, CD player, front electric windows, remote central locking and immobiliser, ISOFIX childseat mounting points, flat reclining front passenger seat and an MP3 auxiliary jack plug.
Like Micra, Note Visia+ carries only a £500 premium with prices starting from £10,595 for the 88 PS 1.4-litre manual model. Alternatively, customers can opt for the 110 PS 1.6-litre petrol engine (with a manual or automatic gearbox) or the 86 PS 1.5-litre turbo diesel. |
| Nissan GT-R |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd (NISMO) has announced that the NISSAN GT-R will run in the GT500 class of the SUPER GT series in Japan for the 2008 season.
It has been four years since the GT-R last competed in Japan, when it won the Japan GT Championship in 2003. Private testing is planned to start soon in Japan.
Details including vehicle specifications and team structure will be announced at the Nissan Motorsports Press Conference in February 2008. |
| The future is electric for Nissan |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd,unveiled the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Pivo 2 builds on the popularity of the first Pivo, shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and featuring a unique rotating cabin - meaning no reverse gear required - the first Pivo became a cult hit at shows from Beijing to Geneva.
Reasons to love Pivo 2:
- Electric power from Nissan's advanced Lithium-ion batteries
- A robotic agent to share every trip
- 'Revolutionary' technology with 360 degree turning cabin and 90 degree turning wheels
Pivo 2 takes the idea of an environmentally friendly electric urban commuter vehicle and delivers fun, functionality and a unique relationship between the car and driver. Pivo 2 is powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and employs 'by-wire' technologies for braking and steering.
Where the first Pivo, with its fully rotating cabin design, made reversing obsolete, the Pivo 2 takes that easy mobility concept to a new level. Each of the four wheels are powered by Nissan's advanced electric In-wheel 3D Motor and can turn through 90 degrees to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.
Thanks to the highly innovative Robotic Agent, you are never alone in the Pivo 2. With conversations possible in Japanese and English, the Robotic Agent has been created to work with Pivo 2 to make every journey less stressful. It provides a unique interface through which to communicate with Pivo 2 on everything from basic vehicle functions through to the nearest available parking.
Pivo 2 will be on display at the Nissan Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, for an exclusive public sneak preview ahead of the Motor Show.
PIVO 2 PUBLIC PREVIEW EVENT
Venue: The Nissan Ginza Gallery, 5-8-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Dates: Oct. 13, 2007 (Sat) to Oct. 14, 2007 (Sun)
Time: 10:00-20:00
Pivo 2 will then be exhibited - together with four other exciting production and concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show, starting October 27. |
| 2007 Nissan 350Z prices announced |
Nissan has announced the price of the new 350Z, with its uprated engine, to give a starting figure of £26,795 OTR for the Coupe and £28,295 OTR for the Roadster, representing an increase of only £300. This also includes the recently announced rise in road tax (up £90) and the first registration fee (up £12). Vehicle deliveries are expected to start from mid May.
Changes to the award winning 350Z include an 80% new engine which has meant, due to its taller stance, that the front bonnet has had to be discreetly redesigned with a slightly raised profile, giving it a look reminiscent of the original 240Z. There are also three new exterior colours on offer - Temper Orange, replacing Sunset, which contains a subtle green "flip" when seen in soft light conditions. Twilight Grey and Night Blue complete the new shades replacing Gun Metal Grey and Azure Blue respectively. Solid Red, Universal Silver and Ebisu Black continue to remain available.
Inside, a new no cost option trim has been introduced called Frost. It has a pale grey tone and adds a touch of sophistication to the car's interior. On the Roadster the frost trim can be ordered with a new grey coloured roof hood, also at no extra cost, replacing the previous availability of blue.
Safety and on road refinement has also been improved with the fitment of Active Headrests, to minimise the chances of neck injury in the event of a rear impact, plus the change over to Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres which aid refinement without losing any level of grip.
An illuminated ignition switch is the only other change made to the new model with all other levels of equipment remaining unchanged. As a memory jogger these include 18" RAYS forged alloy wheels, voice prompted phone activation with Bluetooth, gear change indicator, climate control air-conditioning, 6 CD auto-changer with cassette facility and 4 speakers. Keeping you safe on the road are anti-lock brakes with Switchable Electronic Stability Control, bi-xenon headlamps plus, should they be needed, front, side and curtain airbags.
The GT pack which is a further £2500 includes heated and electric powered leather sports seats, a 240W Bose radio / cassette 6 CD autochanger with 7 speakers including a 10" sub woofer and audio pilot noise compensation technology, and cruise control. Alezan orange interior is a further £400 and if you want Birdview Satellite navigation then add £1200.
The HR in the engine code stands for High Revolution and High Response designed to improve the overall acceleration, feel and sound of the unit. Power is increased by 13PS giving a total of 313PS at 6800rpm with a further 500rpm added to the top end of the rev range - now standing at 7500rpm. However, the real difference will be noticed lower down with 90% of the 358Nm torque (up 5Nm) being achieved at just 2000rpm (maximum at 4800rpm). These changes allow performance figures to improve with 0.1 of a second shaved off the 0-62mph time which means the Coupe now takes 5.7 seconds and the roadster 6.1. And, there is no change to either the combined fuel consumption figure or the CO2 emissions; 24.1mpg and 280g/km respectively for the coupe and 23.5mpg and 288g/km for the Roadster. |
| Nissan Almera bows out |
After 6 years and 639,000 units, the last Nissan Almera will roll off the production line at Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd (NMUK) in Sunderland Friday 24th November 2006.
Launched in January 2000, Almera production created 800 new jobs at the Sunderland plant and NMUK became a three model plant. In the first year of production, more than 115,000 units were built and over its lifetime, the Almera has been exported to more than 45 countries around the world.
Vice President of Manufacturing at NMUK Trevor Mann commented: Since its launch, the Almera has been very important in supporting Nissan's sales targets right across Europe and further afield, most recently in Russia where it has proved extremely popular.
However, Nissan is now pursuing a new product strategy in Europe by offering the customer more unique, individual models that aren't limited by the traditional market segments. Because of our competitiveness and the quality of our staff, NMUK was given the responsibility of producing the first examples of this new strategy in NOTE and QASHQAI. |
| Hands free Micra |
Nissan is offering Micra customers free Bluetooth mobile phone integration on Sport and special edition Activ models until December. And don't forget, customers can drive away in a Micra Sport from just £9495 and pay nothing until March 2007.
The Bluetooth works through the Micra's audio system and diverts the sound from the mobile phone through the car speakers. At the same time, the audio sound will be muted and PHONE will be shown on the audio display. Once a mobile phone has been paired to the Bluetooth device, it will automatically connect each time the ignition and audio are switched on, provided that the phone is in range. So as long as you don't change your phone as often as Paris Hilton, you only have to do it once.
The Sport model comes with plenty of standard equipment including air conditioning, 16 alloy wheels, front, side and roof spoilers, tinted headlamps, fog lamps and a 6CD autochanger.
The Activ features a funky red and grey two-tone sportswear inspired interior and a red lined glovebox, plus a leather rimmed steering wheel with controls for the drive computer and six speaker CD/radio. Outside sport bumpers and spoilers and six-spoke 15 alloy wheels complete the look. It's available with a choice of three engines - 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol and 1.5dCi and costs from as little as £8495 for the 1.2-litre three-door. |
| Used 4X4 car of the year |
The Nissan X-TRAIL has been What Car's? 'best compact 4x4' for the past two years. To add to that accolade in What Car's? latest praise of cars, used ones this time, it awarded Nissan's compact SUV the coveted title of 'Best 4x4 2006' over-coming the Kia Sorento.
What Car's? judges, said: The X-TRAIL is simply a great family 4x4. There is plenty of space for five people and luggage, and the interior is full of handy little touches; unless you need to carry seven, it makes you question the need for an MPV.
The 2.2 litre turbodiesel engine is admirably quiet and has enough muscle for brisk overtaking, yet still averages around 40mpg. It also rides serenely over bumps and offers a fine drive on Tarmac, which is where it matters.
The X-TRAIL comes with a choice of three engines: 140PS 2.0-litre and 165PS 2.5-litre petrol, and a 136PS 2.2-litre common-rail diesel. Last year a 4x2 version was introduced, sharing the same 2.0-petrol and 2.2-lire dCi engines with the award winning 4x4 range.
All vehicles that are certified within the Nissan Approved assurance scheme, which is designed to take the worry out of buying a used vehicle, come with - verified mileage and history checks, 30 day exchange promise, a minimum of 12 months' comprehensive warranty and a minimum of 12 months' RAC motoring assistance (including Roadside Assistance, Recovery and Relay and At Home cover). Additional benefits include a wash for your vehicle each time your supplying dealer sees it for a service, and a courtesy car provided every time your vehicle is serviced (subject to availability). |
| Nissan's weekend warrior |
A small team of Nissan development engineers working in their spare time have transformed a 350Z into a highly tuned 'Saturday Special'. Called the GT-S, the supercharged super coupe is a performance-focused version of Nissan's acclaimed 'Z-'car' and is designed to appeal to enthusiastic 350Z owners who simply want more.
Its first public outing will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (7-9 July) where it will join other exotic road cars in the Supercar Paddock and on the famous hillclimb course.
This will be the fourth year in succession Nissan's 350Z has starred at the Festival... and each year the Z taking part has become more extreme. In 2003, shortly after its UK launch, a standard road car more than held its head high among supercars that cost four or five times as much.
In 2004, Nissan's Communications department, headed by Communications Director Wayne Bruce, had a standard road car modified with parts from Nissan's after market performance arm NISMO and registered the car with the number GB53 ZZZ.
Last year a 350Z NISMO GT was imported for the Festival, but for 2006 Bruce decided to continue the Z/Goodwood story with a special version built in-house and in the UK. He turned to Jerry Hardcastle, Director of Customer Oriented Engineering at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, for help. Together they kick-started the GT-S project: fittingly, the finished car will wear that GB53 ZZZ registration number.
Although boasting a power hike and a substantially modified chassis, the GT-S is far from being a stripped out racing car with a rock hard ride and a peaky power delivery.
Bruce says: The GT-S has been created as a real car not an ornament.
We wanted to build a 'Club Special' that could still be used to commute to work during the week but would provide added thrills at the weekend: a weekday workhorse and a weekend warrior in one distinctive package.
The project's technical leader Steve Robbins - who during the week is a senior engineer in the new vehicle evaluation team at NTCE - gathered together half a dozen like-minded enthusiasts to work on the project.
Working after hours and at the weekend, the team members came from within NTCE and also from outside suppliers and was known internally as the S-Club Seven...
The principal changes made to turn the 350Z into the GT-S centre on its engine and chassis. Using a supercharger installation from Swiss manufacturers Novidem, power has increased by more than 25 per cent from 300PS to 382PS, while torque rises from 353 Nm to a heady 425Nm.
Performance gains are expected to include a one second cut in the benchmark 0-60mph time (5.8 seconds for the standard 350Z) with 2.5 seconds slashed from the 0-100mph time.
And it sounds better, too, thanks to an electronically controlled by-pass valve that enriches the exhaust note at a pre-determined engine speed.
NTCE engineers - the very men who tuned the original 350Z to suit European roads and our higher speeds - have undertaken the suspension changes. Working closely with specialists from Bilstein, the changes concentrate on optimising road performance, with improvements in both handling ability and ride comfort... particularly on British 'B' roads. Wider wheels and tyres complete the chassis alterations.
A wind tunnel developed body/aero kit from German firm Strosek not only gives the all-black GT-S a distinctive look, but also improves the 350Z's aerodynamic performance with increased front and rear downforce at speed. The package is completed by a NVH pack which makes the GT-S even more civilised than the standard 350Z.
Steve Robbins said: We could have produced a balls-out racer with huge power outputs and very little suspension movement. But while this would have created a superb racer, it would have been virtually unusable on the road. Instead we approached the GT-S from an engineering stand-point with a view to creating a 350Z that provides more of everything... performance, handling, looks, comfort and excitement.
We also looked at the possible marketing potential of such a project and have designed the improvements as individual 'packs' - an engine pack, a suspension pack, aero pack and so on - and kept a close eye on costs.
So will the GT-S ultimately become more than a weekend project by a group of mavericks? Nissan is saying nothing officially, though insiders point to its appearance at Goodwood as a sign the company is giving the GT-S concept serious consideration. |
| Micra C+C goes auto |
Nissan has introduced a new automatic feature to the popular C+C range - a four speed automatic transmission - and is giving away a host of gifts for the summer including a year's free insurance and bottles of designer perfume.
The four speed automatic transmission is available with the 1.6-litre petrol engine on both the Sport and Essenza models. Costing £900, prices start at £14,895 for the Sport rising to £16,150 for the Essenza. With this transmission, the C+C accelerates to 62 mph in 12.2 seconds, returns 38.2 mpg on the combined cycle and emits 175g/km of CO2. Both grades feature 15-inch alloy wheels and while the Sport features manual air conditioning, the Essenza adds climate control, heated leather seats with suede door trim, in-dash 6CD autochanger, and Nissan's Intelligent Key system.
Book a drive in this new model or any other in the C+C range before the end of July and you will walk away with a bottle of designer perfume. The first 1000 customers taking a test drive will get a 50ml bottle of Dolce and Gabbana 'Feminine' perfume. Fun behind the wheel and a dab behind the ear, all for free. But that's not all. Everyone taking a test drive will also be entered into a free prize draw to win a break in Milan, home of some of the most famous fashion houses.
You'd have plenty of spare cash to spend in Milan or at home if you buy a Micra C+C using Preferences, Nissan's personal contract purchase plan because Nissan is giving away a year's free insurance too.
And now that summer is finally here, Micra C+C owners can enjoy the sunshine and the wind in their hair even more thanks to the car's Auto-Open Roof™, which takes just 22 seconds to open and fold neatly away into the boot. And even with the roof folded into the boot, there's still 255 litres of luggage room available. Plenty of space for that summer shopping spree. |
| Nissan celebrates 3 million cars exported from UK |
The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, Britain's prime minister, and Nissan President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, visited the North East of England to celebrate the Nissan Sunderland plant producing more than 3 million cars for export.
Since production began in 1986, more than 4.1 million cars have rolled off the line. Around 75% of the plant's production has been exported to more than 45 markets around the world. Nissan has been the biggest exporter of cars from the UK for the last six consecutive years.
Tony Blair paid tribute to the Nissan workforce for demonstrating that the UK manufacturing industry can compete on the global stage. He also congratulated staff on the successful launch of their newest model, the NOTE.
The NOTE compact family car began production in January, with already more than 18,000 units produced. Nissan is targeting annual sales of around 90,000 units, 80% of which will be for export.
Tony Blair said: Last time I visited this plant, it was to witness the successful launch of the Nissan Micra. I'm delighted to be here again today to see yet another new model coming off the production line.
The global car market is extremely challenging, and I applaud everyone here for proving that the UK manufacturing sector has the ability to compete at the very highest level.
The NOTE joins the Micra, Micra C+C (launched in November 2005), Almera and Primera as the fifth model being built at Sunderland. From December 2006, an all-new crossover vehicle based on the Qashqai concept, will also be produced at the factory.
The introduction of the new crossover will complete one of the busiest periods in the Sunderland plant's 22-year history. By December, the 4,400-strong workforce will have achieved three new product launches in just 16 months.
In addition to creating 400 new jobs, these three new models safeguard a further 2,000 jobs at the plant, as well as many more working for Nissan's supply base.
Representing over £221 million of direct investment at the plant, the new models will give Sunderland the potential - depending on market conditions - to produce around 400,000 units a year by 2007. In 2005, the plant produced 315,000 units.
I am very proud of the achievements of the Sunderland workforce, which time and again has demonstrated its commitment to hard work, quality and productivity, said Carlos Ghosn. The workforce at Sunderland has fully justified the £2.3 billion that has been invested in the plant since 1984, but the challenge to everyone in the car industry is continuous, continued Ghosn.
In Europe, Nissan employs approximately 12,000 people in its design, research and development, manufacturing, logistics, and sales and marketing operations. Last year, the company produced a total of 508,901 vehicles in its British and Spanish plants and sold 540,954 vehicles in Europe. Nissan Europe's headquarters is based in Trappes (Paris), France. |
| Nissan shows pink chic |
Pink is the new black - according to Nissan. Following the success of the recent C+C TLC Tour in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer when Nissan covered its latest model in the charity's colours, the company is launching a limited edition Micra C+C in, yes, you've guessed it PINK.
During the tour which visited 13 cities between November 2005 and January 2006, Nissan was inundated with requests from fun loving motorists wanting to add a bit of colour to their drives. Please make a pink C+C ... for real, they said. So Nissan has. On sale now and priced at £14,495, just 100 will be available making it rarer than a Chloe Paddington handbag. And arguably more useful.
Based on the 1.6 Sport, the C+C Pink features 16 graphite coloured alloys, manual air conditioning and alloy look interior trim in addition to Nissan's unique-in-class C-VIEW® electrically folding glass roof. The Karmann designed two-piece roof, christened Auto-Open Roof™, takes just 22 seconds to fold neatly away in the boot leaving you to enjoy the sunshine. Try asking that trick of a handbag. The icing on the cake is of course the oh-so-fashionable pink paint. A colour that's so exclusive you'll never have to worry about arriving in the car park to find someone wearing the same car. |
| Revised Z-Line figures |
Prices for the 2006 350Z which is orderable now will start at £26,300. That's £800 more than the sell out 2005 version but new Z fans will be getting £1700 worth of extra spec including 18-inch RAYS lightweight alloy wheels (previously a £1000 option), bi-xenon headlights, and another 20PS of heart stirring power.
From the outside, the changes are intentionally hard to spot ... unless the car's lights are on. On main beam, the headlights are now xenon fuelled and the side lights distinctive LEDs. And nobody will miss the LED tail-lights particularly when the Z's Brembo brakes are on. Inside Nissan has listened to customer comments and repositioned some switchgear, improved comfort without sacrificing the Z's sports car feel, and changed some materials to give the interior even higher perceived quality to match its inherent strength. All Coupes also gain standard Bluetooth phone connectivity and there's now the option of factory fitted DVD Europe-wide satnav. But best of all, there's more under bonnet power - up from 280PS to a serious 300PS giving more bite to match the Z's characteristic exhaust howl.
With prices starting at £26,300 for standard coupe and £1500 more for the Roadster with electric folding roof, the 350Z remains fantastic value for money compared to its rivals. As with the original 350Z, the 2006 version is available with a GT Pack for £2500 - it adds electric, heated leather seats, 240W Bose stereo system with 6-CD in-dash changer, and cruise control. So price-wise the ultimate 2006 is the Roadster GT Pack at £30,300. Supply will be no less limited meaning residual values will stay impressively high. And because the exterior changes are so subtle, current owners' investments should remain strong.
Other options available on the revised range include a new factory fitted DVD satellite navigation system first seen on the all-new Pathfinder and more recently on the 2006 X-TRAIL. Priced at £1200, the new system features improved processor graphics, while the wide screen display can be split to show map settings and realistic visual representations of the road ahead. The Birdview™ satellite navigation system also includes Traffic Message Channel (TMC) offering alternative routes to beat the jams.
GT Pack customers can choose to brighten up their interior by adding Alezan Orange leather interior for £350. If your GT Pack is a Roadster, the Alezan option also brings netted seat centres. And also for the Roadster, there's the option of a blue roof at no extra cost.
At a glance:
* More power from higher revving engine (300PS and 6400rpm max)
* Refreshed exterior with:
* Restyled front end
* New look headlamps and LED tail-lamps
* Improved interior with:
* Repositioned switchgear
* Soft-feel materials
* Greater storage opportunities
* Factory-fitted satellite navigation option
* Standard Bluetooth phone integration (coupe only)
* Two new colours - Universal Silver and a new black metallic
Customers can place orders for the 350Z in dealerships now and deliveries will start in April. |
| In-car DVD from the comfort of your armchair |
Anyone buying a Micra rear seat DVD entertainment system will get 12 months free subscription to the online DVD rental service from Screenselect. But that's not all. In addition, Nissan is also offering a saving of £125 off the retail price of the entertainment system, so customers will pay just £415. Not a bad price to pay for peace and quiet in the back of the car and the latest movies without having to leave the house.
The Micra DVD entertainment system, which can be fitted to every Micra in the range from the city-loving Urbis to the sporty 160SR, comes complete with multi-region DVD player which is mounted in the glovebox, a single screen mounted between the two front seats and most important, two sets of headphones. A must for keeping the kids happy and the car quiet for mum and dad.
The deal with Screenselect not only gives customers a 12 month subscription, but the option of a 2 disc package which allows them to have any 2 DVDs at any one time. This 2 disc offer is exclusive to Nissan. Customers simply create their personal viewing list online and the films will arrive on their door mat. When they've watched them, simply pop them in the pre-paid envelope and into the post box. As soon as each film is returned, the next one, or two for Micra customers, will be sent out. Simple.
|
| All-new X-Trail FCV approved |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, has received approval from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to begin public road testing and leasing of its latest high-pressure, hydrogen-powered X-TRAIL fuel cell vehicle (FCV).
The latest sport utility FCV is powered by a Nissan-developed fuel cell stack that is about 60% smaller compared with the previous stack on the 2003 FCV model. Despite its compact size, the new stack has a power generation capacity of 90kW, an improvement of more than 40% compared with the 2003 stack, giving the all-new FCV a top speed of 150 km/h. The 2003 model has a top speed of 145 km/h.
The FCV is also equipped with a compact, 35MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder whose capacity has been reduced by 15%. However, thanks to a more improved fuel cell system, the FCV's cruising range has been expanded to more than 370 km compared with about 350 km in the previous model.
Separately, Nissan also announced it has also developed an X-TRAIL FCV equipped with a 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder and a cruising range of more than 500 km, about 1.4 times that of the 2005 model. Nissan plans to test the vehicle on public roads in Canada in February 2006 and in other locations when compatible hydrogen stations are available.
Nissan has been working on FCV development since 1996. In addition to the design and engineering work conducted in Japan, extensive testing and development has been conducted in other markets, most notably the United States, where Nissan is a member of the California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP). Nissan FCV activities in the US have focused on testing and demonstration work since 2000.
|
| Nissan Urge |
| Set to make its world debut in early January 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is the dynamic Nissan URGE concept. A pure, powerful sports car with motorcycle-inspired styling, the rear-wheel drive URGE features a quick, high-revving, small-displacement engine, 6-speed manual gearbox, brushed aluminium-alloy wheels, colour-infused aluminium body panels and a driver-oriented cockpit with an integrated Xbox 360 gaming system. It was created by Nissan Design America, Inc., La Jolla, Calif. |
| 350Z: The power broker |
It's only been on sale in Europe for two years, but time moves swiftly in a 350Z. The latest round of changes - which include a significant power boost, subtly revised looks and an improved interior - have been made to keep Nissan's global sports car at the top of its game.
In two short years, the 350Z has established itself as one of the most focused, capable and thrilling sports cars available on the European market. Its popularity has also helped SHIFT_ Nissan's image: we are now rightly seen as a car maker with passion. And that's a position that can only get stronger with the latest coupe and Roadster versions of the Z-car.
Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Product Planning and Corporate Strategy, Nissan Motor Company
At a glance
* More power from higher revving engine (300PS and 7000 rpm max)
* Refreshed exterior with:
* Restyled front end
* New look headlamps and LED tail-lamps
* Improved interior with:
* Repositioned switchgear
* Soft-feel materials
* Greater storage opportunities
* Factory-fitted navigation option
* Speed dependent power steering
* Standard Bluetooth phone integration (coupe only)
SUMMARY
In little more than two years, the 350Z has won the hearts of performance car buyers right across Europe as a focused, no compromise sports car.
And now it's even better. The 2006 model year 350Z has subtly revised looks, a higher quality interior with better ergonomics and more storage space, revised power steering and a new factory fitted satellite navigation option. Best of all, there's more power - up from 280PS to a serious 300PS.
Although the car's top speed remains electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) the time taken for the 0-100 km/h sprint (0-62 mph) has fallen to just 5.8 seconds (6.3 for the Roadster).
The result underpins the 350Z's place as one of the world's best-loved sports cars. Since its launch in 2002, ­when sales were initially restricted to North America and Japan, the latest in a long line of Nissan 'Z-cars' has gone on to be offered in 95 countries world-wide. Around 160,000 examples have been sold globally to date.
It has also become hugely popular in Europe, where the 350Z coupe - specifically tuned for European tastes - arrived in late 2003 and was joined by the Roadster in March 2005. In just two years more than 12,500 examples of the iconic two-seater coupe have been sold to enthusiastic European owners with a further 2,500 sales accounted for by the critically acclaimed Roadster.
Today, the sales split between the two models is around 60/40 per cent in favour of the coupe, with UK buyers leading the charge ahead of German and French sports car fans.
Winning multi awards from Europe's top specialist magazines - and more than 40 awards globally - the 'Z-car' has catapulted Nissan right back into the heart of the ultra competitive sports car market, despite having been away from the segment for the best part of a decade.
Indeed, in just three years, global sales of the 350Z have already matched the total volume achieved by its predecessor, the 300ZX 'Z32' - a feat which took that model some 11 years to achieve.
In Europe, the sales story is even more impressive as the vast majority of cars - some 95 per cent in 2005 - have been sold in GT Pack guise, which adds electrically operated and heated leather seats, cruise control and a premium Bose-developed audio system to the mix. But then, even with the added cost of the GT Pack version, the 350Z remains one of the most affordable cars in its market segment.
Shinjiro Yukawa, Chief Product Specialist, said: The Z is a car that is loved and sold not only in Japan but on a global scale. We take pride in the fact that Nissan is the only Japanese car maker that can offer such an international, world-class sports car.
But a sports car's development does not end with its release and sale. We believe it is vital for a sports car to continue to evolve.
We set high objectives and poured our enthusiasm into the new Z, as it was the symbol of Nissan's revival. But our work did not finish when it was released. Each year since its launch we have ensured the Z continues to shine, and the changes made for the latest evolution are no exception: the 350Z is a shining symbol of Nissan's enthusiasm and passion.
350Z IN DETAIL
Engine
At the heart of the 350Z lies a remarkable engine: the award-winning 3.5-litre V6 from Nissan's 'VQ' family. Voted one of the world's best engines for a record 11 years in a row by influential American journal Ward's Auto World magazine, the VQ engine is acclaimed across the world for its abundant power and smooth delivery.
But Nissan is not a company to rest on its laurels: the all-alloy, 24-valve twin cam unit, which was extensively redesigned for its role in the 350Z, has been further enhanced for the latest Z-car.
As befits a pure sports car, the changes target performance by enhancing the unit's free-revving ability. First seen in the limited edition 35th Anniversary edition, launched earlier this year, the engine revisions raise power from 280PS to 300PS and move the rev limit from 6,600 rpm to a heady 7,000 rpm. Peak power is now developed at 6,400 rpm, some 200 rpm higher than previously.
The improvements have been achieved by traditional methods. In other words, the changes have been implemented not by simply 'chipping' the engine's electronic brain but by careful re-engineering of a number of key components.
With the aim of raising the rev limit and boosting power, the major changes allow the engine to breath more freely thanks to a redesigned intake duct. Along with new pistons and a revised camshaft profile, the intake manifold has also been shortened and widened. The timing chain and oil pump have been redesigned and electronic exhaust valve timing control has been adopted.
A number of other components have been lightened and stiffened to reduce internal friction and to enable them to withstand higher engine speeds. As well as raising power output and rev limits, the engine is now fully compliant with Euro IV emission regulations.
The changes have brought about a slight reduction in peak torque, which has fallen from 363Nm to 353Nm at 4,800 rpm. However the revised torque curve is far flatter than before and provides greater torque reserves at higher rpm. Torque delivery in the original 350Z fell off comparatively steeply once that 4,800 rpm peak had been reached. In the latest evolution the torque curve remains more linear as engine speeds rise: at 6,000 rpm, for example, the new engine delivers a full 20 Nm more torque than its predecessor could achieve.
What the changes mean in practice is simple: sharper acceleration through the gears. With the rev limit raised to 7,000 rpm, for example, maximum speed in third gear increases from 142 km/h to 150 km/h (88 mph to 93 mph). The benchmark 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) figure has been cut from 5.9 seconds to 5.8 seconds (6.4 to 6.3 for the Roadster).
In all other respects, the engine and drivetrain remain as before. The engine is mounted at the front of the car but as far back in the chassis as possible for optimum weight distribution.
When stationary, the front to rear weight distribution is 53/47. The extra weight over the front wheels helps provide sharper turn in when cornering, but when accelerating out of a bend weight transference towards the rear helps to create an ideal 50/50 balance when it's needed most.
And, of course, drive is to the rear wheels. Power is transmitted rearwards via a short-throw close-ratio six-speed gearbox and ultra lightweight one-piece carbon fibre propshaft.
Chassis
Just one change has been made to the 350Z's race-bred multi-link chassis: the adoption of speed dependent power steering. Designed to give increased assistance at parking speeds for easier manoeuvrability, the electric system weights up at higher speeds to provide steering with more positive feel and greater feedback.
In all other respects, the new 350Z's chassis is as before. When developing the 350Z for Europe, the UK-based Nissan Technology Centre Europe (NTC-E) effected a number of small but significant refinements to the 350Z's chassis. The changes were designed to take into account Europe's generally higher average speeds - notably those sections of limit-free German Autobahn - and included subtle modifications to the car's aerodynamics and cooling as well as to the damping.
The result was greater straight-line stability and more positive handling than cars sold elsewhere in the globe. A firmer, yet still compliant, ride matched the car's sporting potential. Braking is also unchanged, the highly effective Brembo all-disc set-up also being retained for the new model. Special gold-coloured 'autographed' callipers - four piston at the front, two piston at the rear - are easily visible through lightweight 18inch alloy rims.
Exterior
The 350Z's purposeful and sporting silhouette remains largely unchanged for the 2006 model, though it does contrive to have a quite different look thanks to a subtly altered 'face'. A new front bumper incorporates a revised lower grille and a smoother profile with deeper scallops ahead of the front wheels for a more aggressive look.
Above the bumper, the headlamps have been altered considerably. Though the overall shape of the lamp assembly remains unchanged, new bi-xenon projector lamps, augmented by LED side lights, have been adopted. As well as enhancing night-time visibility, the new lamps have a greater 'technical' look which complements the engineering purity of the overall design of the car.
At the rear, the dramatic triangular tail-lights now feature no fewer than 42 LED lamps on either side. As well as enhancing the visual appeal, the use of fast acting LEDs for the brake lights means greater active safety.
Two new exterior colours have been added: Universal Silver and a new black metallic.
Interior
Engine aside, perhaps the biggest changes on the new 350Z can be found inside the cabin. Although the basic layout of the cockpit remains unchanged, a host of small changes have improved both the ergonomics and the quality of the interior.
But there's no need to worry that the cockpit remains anything other than totally driver focused: one look at the heavily angled trio of supplementary dials in the centre of the dashboard - providing a visual link to the original 240Z of the 1960s - is enough to be reassured on that front.
Inside, the changes centre on the practical with a new easier-to-assimilate meter design and revised locations for the seat heater and hazard warning switches.
Improved soft-feel materials for the C-Cluster and the centre console and all-new door panel inserts enhance the quality feel of the interior, while there is also a new seat cloth material on entry grade models. Aluminium surrounds for the air conditioning controls also add an extra touch of class.
Further practical touches include greater storage opportunities in the cockpit. There's a new magazine or map net added to the passenger footwell and a deep compartment on the centre console which now incorporates a cup holder and has a neat sliding lid.
The door pockets, now fully trimmed, are a more practical shape and incorporate an illuminated bottle holder. Other storage opportunities, such as the lidded compartment behind the seats, and which is large enough to hold a briefcase, remain.
Also new for the 2006 350Z is the availability of a factory-fitted satellite navigation system. The DVD-based system features improved processor graphics as recently introduced on the all-new Nissan Pathfinder. The wide screen display can be split to show map settings and realistic visual representations of the road ahead. The Birdview™ satellite navigation system also includes Traffic Message Channel (TMC) offering alternative routes to beat the jams. Finally, the 2006 350Z features standard Bluetooth phone integration on both grades (coupe only).
Prices will inevitably go up in line with the increased power and equipment levels. These will be announced closer to the car's April introduction. But the 350Z will remain fantastic value for money compared to its rivals.
The changes we have made to the 2006 350Z are subtle but we are confident they will increase even further customer interest in this iconic car... especially if that customer is looking for exhilarating performance from a no-compromise sports car, said Brian Carolin, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe.
|
| Nissan develops world's first clear paint |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, has developed the world's first clear paint that repairs scratches on painted car surfaces, including scratches from car-washing machines, off-road driving and fingernails.
Scratch Guard Coat contains a newly developed, highly elastic resin that helps prevent scratches from affecting the inner layers of a car's painted surface. With Scratch Guard Coat a car's scratched surface will return to its original state anywhere from one day to a week, depending on temperature and the depth of the scratch.
The water-repellent paint also has a higher resistance to scratches compared with conventional clear paints. A vehicle painted with Scratch Guard Coat will have only one-fifth the abrasions caused by a car-washing machine compared with a car covered with conventional clear paint. Scratches from car-washing machines account for the majority of scratches to painted car surfaces.
Scratch Guard Coat is effective for about three years.
Scratch Guard Coat will be applied for the first time on an SUV model that is scheduled for a partial makeover in the near future. The paint will be applied to the car's chassis, bumpers and door mirrors, among other parts. |
| X-Trail takes new directions |
Nissan's multi award winning X-Trail takes a new direction from January 2006. Three different directions in fact. The SE model is now available with a package of features designed to make a family journey as happy as possible. And the best selling Sport version bows out to be replaced by the Columbia, produced in association with the American sportswear company, while the SVE and T-spec models are merged into a new Aventura variant. All are available with a new Euro IV version of Nissan's popular dCi engine. Yet despite extra equipment, prices remain the same.
The 2006 X-Trail SE is available in three versions: 2.0-litre petrol two-wheel drive, and the 136PS 2.2-litre dCi engine (now Euro IV emissions compliant) with either two- or four-wheel drive. At £16,500, the X-Trail 2.0 SE 4x2 has already attracted customers from family estates and hatchbacks who like the style, practicality and driving position of a 4x4 but who don't need the all weather and terrain mobility. For 2006, full body coloured bumpers and exterior trim join the standard equipment list which also includes 16 alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, twin cooled can holders and flexible rear folding seat with wipe clean luggage area.
Its diesel fuelled front-wheel drive sister, the dCi SE, is even cleaner for 2006. It's also a lot cleverer. On top of the 2.0 SE's equipment roster, the dCi gets a new Family Pack giving buyers looking at five seater MPVs like the Ford Focus C-Max a genuine, funkier, SUV alternative. Behind mum and dad's centre console there's now a toy box with a scroll top lid and 12V power socket for game power. The rear centre armrest learns a new trick transforming itself into a table with fold out sides and two pull out cupholders at the drop of a hat. And hopefully not a carton of Ribena. There are extra roof mounted rear reading lights and the rear headrests gain 'ears' for extra head support when it's time to turn the lights out. Finally the dCi SE gets its own unique seat trim. The most unusual bit, though, is its price: £18,100, the same as last year's less family friendly model.
For an extra £1500, Nissan's all mode 4x4 can be added. It's an electronic system which automatically engages four-wheel drive the moment a loss of traction is detected. For on road use, this means an X-Trail is more likely to retain traction when the weather is at its coldest.. And for off road use, the addition of a lock facility means an X-Trail 4x4 will keep going long after other cars have turned back.
The popular X-Trail Sport is no more. For 2006, it's replaced with a new four-wheel drive version available with either the 2.2-litre dCi engine or a 2.5-litre 165PS petrol engine (with the option of automatic transmission) produced in association with the American sportswear company Columbia. Known for its rugged, high tech sports wear, the brand is a natural fit with the X-Trail. The Columbia has all the features of the out-going Sport (e.g. 17 alloys, large electric glass sunroof, six CD autochanger and roof spoiler) but gains Columbia trim, darkened rear side windows and electric folding door mirrors. Uniquely, all customers will also receive a Columbia jacket worth £300. Yet the Columbia carries the same price as last year's Sport: £20,000 for the 2.5 and £21,000 for the dCi. Nissan's Birdview™ DVD satellite navigation system, upgraded for 2006, is a £1200 option.
New for 2006 is the X-Trail Aventura which borrows its name from the best selling, Navara range topper. It replaces both the 2005 SVE and T-SPEC blending all the equipment of the former with almost all of the latter. So that means the SVE's leather upholstery with electrically adjustable and heated front seats are retained but the four-wheel drive Aventura gains electronic stability programme with active brake LSD, xenon headlamps with washers, 17 alloy wheels, and DVD satellite navigation system with traffic management channel over the SVE.
The Aventura's satellite navigation is now Nissan's latest Birdview™ system first introduced on the larger Pathfinder SUV. Its graphical presentation makes it the easiest of satellite navigation systems to understand. Just as clear is that all this extra kit, worth around £2000, comes for free. Yes, the Aventura is the same price as last year's SVE - the 2.5 is £22,000 and the 2.5 automatic or 2.2 dCi are both £23,000. All that's missing from the outgoing T-SPEC is its roof mounted, country illuminating, 'Safari' lamps with roof rails that are now a £350 option. Nissan leaves it up to the customer to supply the adventure. |
| Nissan opens roads.... |
Nissan has launched a new public website to increase awareness of technologies, such as satellite navigation, that are already available on Nissan's range of vehicles, and to showcase services that will be used in future products. nissan-openroad.co.uk has three main functions - an off-road course locator, a pan-European route planner and traffic information.
Rather than taking someone's word for it, Nissan has visited over 40 off-road courses to ensure they're worthy of entry on its website. By simply entering the area you wish to take your 4x4, the site will give you the location of the nearest off-road course, a description of the course, opening hours and how much it will cost. This section also has a photo gallery and video footage.
The route-planner not only calculates an itinerary to wherever your travels may take you in Europe, but it also gives weather forecasts/conditions and includes points of interest along the way.
And last, but no means least, traffic information. Naturally this does exactly what it says on the tin (or on your computer screen), and shows the areas to avoid enabling a clog-free journey. |
| Nissan profit up |
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, announced financial results for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006, as well as second-quarter performance. In the six months through September, net income after tax totalled 230.7 billion yen (US $2.11 billion, euro 1.69 billion), down 3.4% compared with the same period last year due to one-time charges in the first quarter. The charges related to a change in Japanese accounting standards for the treatment of fixed assets and the introduction of Nissan's defined contribution pension plan.
Net revenues amounted to 4.491 trillion yen (US $41.01 billion, euro 32.95 billion) in the April-to-September period, up 12.1% compared with a year ago. Operating profit totalled 411.5 billion yen (US $3.76 billion, euro 3.02 billion), up 2.0%, while Nissan's operating profit margin came to 9.2%. Ordinary profit amounted to 395.6 billion yen (US $3.61 billion, euro 2.90 billion), down 1.4%.
Despite the severe business environment, Nissan's fundamentals continue to strengthen thanks to appealing products and a competitive cost structure, said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. Taking into account the risks and opportunities, we see no compelling reason to change our initial financial forecasts for the full fiscal year, he added.
In the first half, Nissan sold a total of 1,834,000 vehicles worldwide, up 15% compared with last year. Nissan released two all-new models in Japan during the period - the Serena minivan and the Otti minicar - and plans to launch three additional new models in Japan and one in Europe in the second half.
In the July-to-September quarter, Nissan's net income totalled 125.0 billion yen (US $1.14 billion, euro 0.92 billion), an increase of 8.1%. Net revenues amounted to 2.346 trillion yen (US $21.43 billion, euro 17.21 billion), up 11.5% compared with a year ago. Operating profit totalled 205.2 billion yen (US $1.87 billion, euro 1.51 billion), down 5.5%, while Nissan's operating profit margin came to 8.7%. Ordinary profit amounted to 184.8 billion yen (US $1.69 billion, euro 1.36 billion), down 16.7%.
Nissan sold a total of 955,000 vehicles worldwide in the second quarter, up 15.6% compared with the prior year. |
| Computer wizards spellbound by Micra |
Computer gremlins in Brighton and London beware! 'Geeks-on-Wheels', the mobile computer experts, has just taken delivery of its eighth Nissan Micra. With plans for nationwide expansion, the company's fleet of Micras could eventually swell to 150.
The Micra has been a part of the 'Geeks-on-Wheels' success from day one in 2004, transporting mobile engineers all over Sussex to the homes and businesses of technologically frustrated locals. With the service proving a huge success, a nationwide rollout of 'Geeks-on-Wheels' is planned over the next 18 months, beginning with the recent opening of a new office in London supporting the inner M25 area.
In a close working relationship with Crawley Down Nissan, the stunning orange and black 1.2-litre 'E' spec Micra will enter a fleet of cars already familiar to technophobes grateful for the fast and friendly computer advice offered by the 'Geeks'.
The Micra was originally chosen over competitors for its low emissions, reduced running costs and ability to display the attention grabbing livery of the 'Geeks-on-Wheels' brand. With such strong imagery, the cars have acquired something of a cult status in and around the local community, with children and tourists posing for photos whenever the wheels are stationary.
Jamie Shaw, the founder of 'Geeks-on-Wheels' said: We pride ourselves on solving our customers' computer problems with minimum fuss and expense. To achieve that goal our
mobile engineers need a cost effective car we can rely on, with the Micras we've got just that.
Paul Westwood, an area fleet manager at Nissan, added: We are very much a forward thinking company who believe technology works best when it simplifies our daily lives. For that reason, Nissan takes great pride in being associated with the straightforward and hassle free service offered by the guys at 'Geeks-on-Wheels'. |
| Micra C+C Peep Show |
Starting in London's Covent Garden between 27 and 30 October. The Nissan Micra C+C, in partnership with Breakthrough Breast Cancer, will be revealing itself during a nation-wide tour of city centres starting in London's Covent Garden between 27 and 30 October.
Supported by local radio stations, the Micra C+C Tour, which features a fleet of specially painted pink cars, will be driving around city centres supporting and raising awareness of Breakthrough Breast Cancer's Touch Look Check (TLC) campaign. At the same time, one Micra C+C will be having its own 'peep show' in a breathless box. Opaque panels will slowly become translucent to give passers by a sneaky peek at parts of the C+C until the whole car is revealed. Then the C+C's unique folding glass roof will open and close before the box becomes completely opaque again.
Shoppers will also have a chance to win the Micra C+C from the box, donated by Nissan, in a Text to Win competition. For each text message received, 90 pence will be donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer. During the week leading up to the city centre peep show, local radio stations will be reminding listeners about the Micra C+C tour and also holding competitions with questions relating to the C+C and breast cancer.
The Micra C+C will be touring the country until 5 February 2006 (with a break through the Christmas period) visiting cities including Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle. |
|
