FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 October 2000
NISSAN AT THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
Nissan will be showing two exciting concept cars at this year's British International Motor Show alongside a host of new models launched during 2000. The concept models, X‑TRAIL and Fusion will give an indication of the styling direction that Nissan products will take in the future. Supporting the two concept models and making its UK debut at the show is the new Maxima QX, Nissan's flagship luxury saloon.
The full Nissan range of passenger cars will also be on display at the show including the popular Micra supermini, the new Almera and Almera Tino models and Nissan's rugged off-roaders, the Terrano II and Patrol GR. Adding to the line-up is the stunning Skyline GT‑R sports coupé and the Navara lifestyle Pickup.
Micra
Nissan's popular supermini, the Micra, has been restyled for 2000 and is now easier to drive with improved performance, handling and brakes and an extended list of safety, security and convenience features. Performance has been improved with the addition of a larger capacity 82PS 1.4-litre engine to the range (replacing the 75PS 1.3-litre engine), which offers improved power and flexibility and reduced emissions.
The two models on display on the Nissan stand, the Sport+ and SE+ show the two distinctive interior trim variations to reflect the different personalities of the different customers.
The generously equipped SE+ and Sport+ models offer driver's and passenger airbags, power assisted steering and engine immobiliser. The SE+, which is aimed at more traditional customers, offers more comfort features including rear headrests, front electric windows air-conditioning and ABS with Nissan Brake Assist and EBD. The more contemporary Sport+ model, which is aimed at the younger end of the market, features body coloured door mirrors and roof spoiler, front foglamps, gear knob with silver inset and single disc CD player.
Almera
Launched in March, the new Almera is the third model to be produced at Nissan's award winning manufacturing plant in Sunderland. The new Almera launched Nissan's "super utility" concept, which features over 20 interior storage solutions, many of which are unique to a car in this sector.
Power in the Almera range comes from three new environment-friendly multi-valve engines. The 1.5-litre (90PS) and 1.8-litre (114PS) petrol units are assembled at NMUK in Sunderland, while the award winning new Di 2.2-litre (110PS) direct injection turbo-diesel is built at Nissan's Cuatro Vientos engine plant in Madrid.
The Almera range also launched a host of technical innovations to the UK market and in particular, the competitive C-segment. BirdviewTM navigation, Nissan's three-dimensional satellite route map sees the world from a human perspective, from about 300 metres in the air and about 400 metres behind the car, giving a panoramic view of the road ahead to the horizon, including all recognisable landmarks on the way. The system is available as an option on the Sport+ and SE+ models.
The new Almera is also the first car in its class to offer an 'Active Head Restraint' (AHR) system in conjunction with head and thorax side airbags, to reduce neck injuries caused when another vehicle impacts from the rear. The pressure of the driver/passenger pressing deep into the seat back activates a mechanism that moves the head restraint upwards and forwards, preventing whiplash.
The Almera was recently voted the most secure small hatchback in the What Car? giant security test 2000.
Almera Tino
Nissan's new compact MPV, the Almera Tino, was launched to the UK market in August and was designed with the help of mothers and young children. Designers from Nissan Technical Centre in Bedfordshire carried out extensive research in the early product development stages with members of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) - a UK based charity focusing on pregnancy, birth and early parenting. NCT members were invited to participate in a design clinic aimed at gathering information about what mothers require from their cars. Many of ideas were incorporated into the design and layout of the interior of the Almera Tino.
The versatile Almera Tino shares a platform and part of its engine line-up with its sister model, the Almera. The 1.8-litre petrol and 2.2-litre direct injection diesel engines from the Almera also power the Almera Tino range along with a 136PS 2.0-litre engine combined with CVT (continuously variable transmission).
Since its launch in August, the Almera Tino has already started collecting awards. It was recently voted the most secure compact MPV in the What Car? giant security test 2000 and the safest MPV in the Auto Express Safety Test.
Primera
Launched in September 1999, the Primera is one of Nissan's most popular models and is built alongside the Micra and Almera at Nissan's Sunderland plant. The Primera features a range of first-in-class technology, safety and security features including Mechanical Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) as part of the ABS package, head and thorax side protection system and xenon headlamps for improved visibility.
The exterior styling features give the Primera a sporty and elegant look. The sculptured bonnet and bold grille contribute to a more purposeful stance. Inside a comfortable cabin ambience has been created with a two-tone dash, an all-new instrument cluster with fully integrated audio and climate controls.
Four engines and three transmissions offer a wide customer choice.
Terrano II
The latest Terrano II 4WD, which went on sale in January, has a new, more stylish look with added safety and security features and advanced new customer focused-technology. A new front grille, larger tail light clusters and a redesigned interior add to the appeal of Nissan's popular off-road model. Safety features include an improved braking system and the use of "anti-hijack" security. The Terrano II was also the first production car in Europe to introduce water repellent glass technology.
The styling changes made to the Terrano II have given the established off-roader even more presence on the road by achieving a more purposeful look. Underneath, the separate chassis, high-torque engine options and long-travel suspension continue to deliver the Terrano II's renowned top-level performance both on and off the road.
Patrol GR
Nissan's flagship off-roader, the rugged 4X4 Patrol GR has recently been upgraded and now has a 3.0-litre direct injection turbo-diesel engine, with increased power and torque, and a refined automatic transmission option.
The Patrol GR has been revised inside and out. A stylish new chrome grille and front bumper gives the Patrol an even more assertive look. The grade structure has also been simplified to include only two trim levels, SE and SE+, with the added advantage of the SE+ level now being available with both body types. Also, for the first time in the UK, the option of automatic transmission is available on the SE+ LWB model.
The stylishly appointed interior gives the Patrol GR levels of luxury and comfort to match its practical abilities. Both SE and SE+ trim levels come with a long list of features as standard, including fully automatic air conditioning, CD autochanger, dual airbags and 'intelligent' ABS. The range-topping SE+ also benefits from side airbags, electric sunroof, heated front seats and high-quality leather trim.
Safety and security are upgraded by improvements that include new side airbags (on the SE+), fore and aft adjustment for the front head restraints, load limiting seatbelt technology and Nissan's latest NATS immobiliser system.
Further technical innovations allow the Patrol GR to offer a supple, stable ride - either on or off the road. The Patrol GR was the first vehicle in Europe to feature a switchable rear anti-roll bar, to combine the most desirable of suspension characteristics for the different needs of on- and off-road driving. This innovative Patrol GR feature allows taut suspension control on-road, for flat and stable cornering, together with extreme wheel articulation off-road, for better traction and ride comfort over rough terrain.
Skyline GT‑R
Nissan's Skyline GT‑R, one of the world's most coveted performance coupés, made its first public appearance in the UK at the 1999 London Motor Show. On sale at £54,000, Skyline GT‑R features aggressive styling, increased grip, increased rigidity, improved aerodynamics and improved handling. The formidable 280 PS 2568cc twin-turbo straight six-cylinder engine has been further developed to provide more torque and quicker turbo response. The six-speed close ratio Getrag gearbox and 18-inch alloy wheels further enhance the driving experience. The Skyline GT‑R also comes with two colour choices of handcrafted Connolly leather interior as standard.
Pickup Navara
Nissan's lifestyle Pickup, the Navara will be on display at the British International Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Based on the commercially successful Nissan Double Cab, the Navara possesses the comfort and specification of a passenger car with the load carrying capability of a 4WD commercial vehicle.
With air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, alloy wheels and two-tone metallic paint all as standard, the Navara caters for the growing niche market of customers whose lifestyle requires the performance of a rugged off-roader, the practicalities of a pickup and the comforts of a five-seater passenger vehicle.
Already on sale across Europe, the Pickup Navara is likely to go on sale in the UK early next year.
All Nissan cars are covered by a comprehensive three-year or 60,000-mile mechanical warranty, three-year paint warranty and twelve-year perforation corrosion protection. Twelve months roadside assistance - operated in conjunction with the RAC - is also included.
ends...
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Bruce Head of PR 01923 899930
E-mail: wayne.bruce@nissan.co.uk
Linda Robinson Press Officer, Product Affairs 01923 899930
E-mail: linda.robinson@nissan.co.uk
All Nissan news releases can be downloaded from the Newspress website at http://www.newspress.co.uk 27394/171000
