Nissan Releases All-New Stagea

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the domestic release of the all-new Stagea.

Stagea 250RS (equipped with optional parts)

Ever since it was released in 1996 as Japan's first authentic L-class touring wagon, the first-generation Stagea has been strongly favored by many customers for its impressive blend of outstanding driving performance, superb comfort and superior wagon functionality.

The new second-generation Stagea has been developed around the design concept of "a prestigious touring wagon that delivers ample performance and superior functionality in dual-scenario uses." It is targeted at people who want to enjoy their interests together with their partner or friends and wish to spend their time fruitfully at a relaxed pace.

The new Stagea is based on the FM Package, a new-generation rear-wheel-drive platform that is designed specifically for a V6 engine and is also used on the latest generation of the Skyline. Thanks to this packaging concept, the Stagea provides outstanding high-speed stability and driving comfort, a spacious cabin and luggage area and world-class safety performance. In addition, the Stagea adopts the newly developed VQ25DET engine and the ATESSA E-TS electronic torque split 4WD system with a new snow synchro mode. These features enable the Stagea to deliver comfortable driving performance with peace of mind in all types of situations, from high-speed cruising to traveling over snow-covered or rough roads. The distinguishing attributes of this new wagon include:

• Excellent driving stability at high speed
• Comfortable interior of high quality
• Useful, friendly and versatile wagon function
• Outstanding level of high safety

Moreover, the Stagea lineup now includes the new AR-X FOUR*, representing a crossover model between a wagon and a sport-utility vehicle (SUV). Positioned as the grade that best epitomizes the new Stagea concept, the AR-X FOUR is intended to provide all the intrinsic enjoyment of a wagon for people who lead more active lifestyles and substantially expand the sphere of dual-scenario uses beyond such typical examples as the city and the great outdoors.

*AR-X FOUR stands for All Road X (Crossover) 4WD vehicle.

Sales target:
2,500 units/month

Dealers selling the Stagea:
Nissan and Motor channel dealers of the Nissan Blue Stage.

Overview of Stagea

1. Exterior/interior design

Exterior design
The long wheelbase achieved with the FM Package and the use of large-diameter tires create a flowing yet sporty form that distinguishes the exterior appearance. Another notable styling cue is the long roof, hinting at the excellent functionality one would expect in wagon.

The character lines flowing along the hood to the A-pillars and the generous bulge of the front fenders impart a look of strength and robustness, while the flow from the roof is strikingly truncated at the rear to express sportiness and functionality befitting the Stagea.

Interior design
The interior design boldly combines a T-shaped instrument panel and center console with cylindrical forms to create a distinctly modern, comfortable ambience. Total interior coordination from the cabin to the luggage area also produces an impression of premium quality.

2. Ample performance for complete peace of mind in high-speed cruising

FM Package
The FM Package that is also featured on the new-generation Skyline achieves the following attributes:

• High-speed stability resulting from zero aerodynamic lift
• A superb balance of handling and ride comfort thanks to an optimum front-rear weight distribution
• A stable vehicle attitude secured by the long wheelbase
• Superior performance potential assured by the large-diameter tires that maximize the contact patch under all sorts of driving conditions
• Outstanding turn-in performance due to the reduced yaw moment of inertia

Engine: New VQ25DET engine for high power and torque output
In addition to the direct-injection NEO Di VQ30DD and VQ25DD engines renowned for their impressive power, quick throttle response and low fuel consumption, the engine selection includes the newly developed NEO VQ25DET engine. This new engine generates maximum power of 206 kW (280 PS)/6400 rpm and maximum torque of 407 N-m (41.5 kg-m)/3200 rpm. Together with a high-flow, high-efficiency turbocharger and a large intercooler with a urethane tank, the VQ25DET engine provides a sense of overwhelming acceleration and produces one of the highest torque levels in the intermediate speed range of any 2.5-liter class engine. These qualities enable the Stagea to deliver ample dynamic performance worthy of an L-class touring wagon.

ATESSA E-TS 4WD system with a new snow synchro mode
A popular feature on the previous model has been the ATESSA E-TS 4WD system incorporating a synchro mode. This 4WD system now incorporates a snow synchro mode with a newly added throttle valve control capability. At start-off, this mode maintains a fixed front-rear torque split (50:50) and simultaneously controls the engine torque for a further improvement in take-off acceleration, especially on icy and other slippery road surfaces.

Suspension: Featuring a new multi-link rear suspension designed specifically for wagon application
The new Stagea employs four wheel multi-link suspension and realizes superior handling, stability and ride comfort.

Its rear suspension is a newly developed multi-link rear suspension that has the coil springs mounted separately from the shock absorbers and lowers the upper attachment position of the shock absorbers by 270 mm compared with the suspension on the previous model. As a result, this dedicated wagon suspension minimizes intrusions into the luggage area.

Ripple-control shock absorbers are used to isolate the transmission of minute vibrations from the road surface for improved tire-road contact.

Body construction: Integration of the plastic back door with the body structure
A newly developed rubber side wedge incorporating a spring and an automatic back door closure enable the back door to function as an integral part of the body structure. With this new technology, the damping effect of the plastic back door reduces the body vibration that typically characterizes a wagon, allowing the Stagea to provide superior handling and stability combined with a remarkably comfortable ride.

3. A highly functional, comfortable interior of fine quality

Best touring position
The power driver's seat slides fore and aft up to 240 mm and the entire seat lifts 60 mm (standard on the RX Series and AR-X FOUR and optional on the RS Series). The tiltable instruments also move in tandem with the tilt steering column to ensure excellent visibility at all times even if the driver adjusts the position of the steering wheel. These features combine to provide the best touring position matching the driver's stature for enhanced driving comfort.

Personal comfort
Despite being 35 mm shorter in overall vehicle length (excluding the AR-X FOUR) than the previous model, the new Stagea has 90 mm of additional rear-seat knee room and the same luggage area length of 1,145 mm, thanks to its front midship layout and long wheelbase. This enables the Stagea to provide a spacious interior for greater personal comfort combined with a stellar-quality ambience.

Fine-quality interior
Total interior coordination from the cabin to the luggage area has created a fine-quality interior worthy of a prestigious touring wagon.

Standard on the 300RX model is a Bose sound system with a box-type Bose Richbass subwoofer built into the spare tire compartment to produce an incredibly impressive bass response. (Except for the 300RX, this system is optionally available on the RX Series and AR-X FOUR). With a powerful 200-watt output, this audio system provides the optimum sound field and reproduces sound with lifelike fidelity, contributing to interior comfort equal to that of a vehicle one class higher.

4. Abundant wagon functionality in pursuit of utility and convenience
The dedicated wagon multi-link rear suspension reduces intrusions into the luggage area to secure voluminous luggage-carrying space. (When configured to seat five passengers, the VDA capacity has been increased to 500 liters, up from 475 liters in the previous model.)

Positioning the fuel tank under the rear seat has made it possible to provide a large-capacity storage compartment under the luggage area. This compartment neatly accommodates an attache case, tonneau cover or other items and is also equipped with an opener mechanism for smooth, easy opening at the touch of a lever.

For easy loading and unloading of items in tight places, the new Stagea adopts a glass hatch equipped with an electromagnetic opener switch.

5. World-class safety performance
As a result of adopting the new-generation FM Package, the new Stagea provides world-class safety performance in all types of collisions, including full overlap and offset frontal impacts, side impacts and rear-end impacts. Various new technologies are used to achieve a high level of crashworthiness in both full overlap and offset frontal collisions, including a mechanism that drops down the engine in a collision, a mechanism that prevents rearward brake pedal movement and a breakaway propeller shaft construction.

An active seat cushion has also been adopted in the front seats on all models. When a large impact force is applied to the vehicle from the front, a crossbar incorporated in the seat cushion frame moves upward instantly to enhance occupant restraint in concert with the seatbelt and airbag SRS.

6. AR-X FOUR
A dedicated front bumper, fender flares, sill protectors and large 18-inch diameter tires combine to create an exterior appearance that expresses the exceptional traction performance and toughness of this model.

The interior features an attractive two-tone black and tan color scheme and is fitted with premium-quality tan-colored seats handsomely upholstered in genuine leather and SUPPLALE artificial leather. (SUPPLALE is a registered trademark of Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.)

Minimum ground clearance is 180 mm, which is 40 mm higher than that of the standard 4WD model. Sure-footed traction even on rough roads is assured by the adoption of 225/55R18 all-season tires, the ATESSA E-TS 4WD system incorporating a snow synchro mode and a viscous limited slip differential (LSD). Nissan's electric-powered Super HICAS four-wheel steering system is also provided for excellent handling and stability in high-speed cruising.

7. Environmental friendliness
Models fitted with the direct-injection NEO Di VQ30DD and VQ25DD(2WD) gasoline engines achieved fuel economy figures of 10.6 km/l and 11.0 km/l, respectively, under the 10-15 mode test conducted during inspection by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. In addition to complying with Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards, their low fuel consumption contributes to reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and to preventing global warming.

Moreover, the new Stagea achieves a recyclable rate of more than 90% by weight* and adopts various lead-free parts such as the radiator core, heater core and wiring harness.

*Calculated according to Nissan's own calculation standards.

Suggested Nationwide Retail Prices (excluding consumption tax)

5M-ATx: full-range electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode
M-ATx: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode

Specifications of the Stagea

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