The world premiere of Nissan’s new global compact car – the replacement of Micra – will be made at the Geneva International Motor Show. It is the first new model to be developed on Nissan’s all new V Platform.
Particular attention has been made to minimising weight on the new V Platform, with the added benefits that it can bring in terms of economy and emissions. Sales will begin in Thailand in MARCH, with European sales starting in the autumn.
Juke: Designed to bring a breath of fresh air to the B-segment, where customers are uninspired by the lack of originality on offer, Juke is a distinctive combination of SUV toughness and sporting style in a compact package.
It will be the third member of Nissan’s crossover family, reinforcing the company’s position as a pioneer of this increasingly popular configuration of vehicle.
The top of the range Juke will come with a new turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, developing 140kW (190PS) and 240 Nm.
The 1.6 direct injection turbo engine is available with Nissan’s ALL-MODE 4×4-i system, updated to include torque-vectoring technology. As well splitting torque front to rear – up to a maximum of 50:50 – it can now be split from side-to-side across the rear axle too, enhancing agility and reducing understeer when cornering.
The inclusion of this innovation is a first in the small car segment – a technology that has, until now, only been found on top-of-the-range, premium vehicles.
The other engine options are Nissan’s 1.6-litre 16-valve unit, now with a unique dual-injection system, developing 86kW (117 PS) and 157Nm of torque, as well as the 1.5-litre dCI common rail engine producing 81kW (110PS) and 240 Nm of torque.
As well as being sold in Europe (from the autumn), Juke will also be sold in Japan and North America.
Leaf
LEAF is Nissan’s C-segment family electric car offering all the space and practical benefits of any of its conventional rivals… but with one notable difference. It is a pure Electric Vehicle (EV), promising zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs. LEAF is the first purpose-designed mass-produced EV from any major motor manufacturer and is just the first in a range of EVs due from the company and from Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault.
Built on an all-new bespoke EV platform, LEAF sits on a generous 2700 mm wheelbase. It is 4445 mm long, 1770 mm wide and 1550 mm tall. Power comes from an in-house developed compact electric motor in the front of the car driving the front wheels. The AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 140 km/h (90 mph).
A full battery charge delivers a range of approximately 160km, which will suffice for 80 per cent of European customers who drive less than that on an average day.
The electric motor is ‘fuelled’ by a Nissan developed laminated lithium-ion battery with a power output of more than 90 kW. The 48 module battery is mounted under the seats and floor of LEAF. Regenerative energy reclaimed under braking and coasting is fed directly to the battery to ensure minimum waste of energy.
Using a DC 50kW quick charger, the battery can be charged to up to 80 percent of its capacity in under 30 minutes. Until quick charging posts are commonplace, however, it is expected that most owners will charge their vehicles either at home or at work using a domestic 220~240V and 16 amp system. A full charge from 0 percent to 100 percent under these circumstances takes about eight hours. The recharging socket for normal charging and quick charging is conveniently placed on LEAF’s nose under a ‘fuel filler flap’ adorned with the Nissan logo.
Order books will open in selected European markets in the summer with the first batch of cars, all left-hand drive and due in late 2010
Updated Qashqai
Nissan’s mid-size Crossover, the Qashqai, has undergone an extensive update to cement its position as the class-leading, pioneering alternative to the traditional hatchback in Europe.
The most notable visual change to the Qashqai is at the front, where a complete makeover has taken place. All new bonnet, front bumper, wings, grille and headlamps combine to give the Qashqai an air of added sophistication, presence and quality. The new frontal aspect is shared with Qashqai+2. Interior updates give a more premium feel as well as more practicality.
Changes to the Qashqai’s underfloor design have helped to optimise airflow, also contributing to the reduction in drag from 0.34 to 0.33 Building on the improvements to the aerodynamics of the refreshed Qashqai, a new Eco version of Qashqai will be introduced with a reduced CO2 output.
A weight reduction programme, the adoption of aerodynamic wheel covers, combined with the blanking of the fog lamp sockets, the fitment of low rolling resistance tyres and the lengthening of the final drive ration have all combined to reduce the Qashqai’s CO2 from 137 to 129g/km.
Updated Pathfinder & Navara
A comprehensively refreshed Pathfinder and Navara will also be on display to the public. Geneva Motor Show represents its debut equipped with a new 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. Power output is 175 kW (238PS) while the torque output of 550 Nm leads the class. Its 2.5 dCI engine has been significantly updated, and the overall result is an increase in both power and torque and a reduction in emissions and consumption. Power rises to 140 kW (190 PS) – up 14kW (19 PS) – while torque increases by a healthy 47 Nm to 450 Nm.
Over the combined cycle manual versions use 8.4 l/100kms – an improvement of 1.4 l/100kms – while CO2 emissions have fallen by 40g/km to 224 g/km. Both figures are class competitive. A version of the engine with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is also available in certain markets.
Further updates have been made to the interior to improve quality, comfort and refinement. Customer deliveries begin in March.
370Z Roadster
The drop-top version of Nissan’s iconic Z car makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Like the Coupé version, the Roadster is powered by Nissan’s 3.7-litre V6 producing 241kW (328 PS) and 363Nm, driven through the rear wheels. It’s also available with Nissan’s unique Syncro Rev Control manual gearbox, which ‘blips’ the throttle to ensure perfectly smooth gearchanges every time, as well as a seven speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifts.
Its folding roof disappears in 20 seconds, without need to disconnect securing points on the windscreen and can also be lowered from outside by pressing and holding the door-locking button for three seconds. Customer deliveries begin in March.
The Nissan press conference will be hosted by Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd at 12:00 on Tuesday 2nd March.
