TOKYO (Aug. 25, 2005) -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the domestic launch of the new March following a minor model change.
March 12E (fitted with optional equipment)
The new model, whose tagline is "SHIFT_fashion," features a more elegant and modern exterior due to the redesign of the grille, front and rear bumpers, rear combination lamps and other parts. On the inside, the shape of the seats has been restyled, new seat fabric has been adopted and door trim fabric has been added to complete the interior upgrades.
Four new body colors have been added, including China Blue (M), bringing the total number of body colors available to 12. Ice Blue has also been added as an interior color, for a total of four interior colors.
The new March is now available for the first time with the highly acclaimed HR15DE engine that also powers the Tiida and the Note compact cars.
The model lineup has been revised and the new trim grades (12E, 15E and 14E FOUR) provide improved convenience features at affordable prices. The 12SR*2 model offers a further improved engine, as well as improved handling and aerodynamic performance. The 15SR-A*2 model, which pairs the HR15DE engine with Nissan's XTRONIC CVT (continuously variable transmission), has also been added to the lineup to meet a broader range of customer demands.
In terms of environmental performance, the March is certified as a super ultra-low emission vehicle (SU-LEV)*3 because it emits 75% fewer exhaust emissions than the levels required by Japan's 2005 exhaust emission regulations. The March also qualifies for tax reductions*4 under the Green Tax program in Japan by attaining the 2010 fuel economy standards plus an additional 5%.
*1Nissan group companies use the term lifecare vehicle (LV) to refer to vehicles that are specifically designed to assist persons with special mobility needs in their everyday lives.
*2The 12SR and 15SR-A are produced by Autech Japan, Inc., a wholly-owned Nissan affiliate. These vehicles are required on-site registration at a vehicle inspection and registration office.
*3The low-emission vehicle certification system of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport was inaugurated in April 2000 to encourage the penetration of low-emission vehicles through their selection by consumers. Following the adoption of the 2005 new long-term exhaust emission regulations in September 2003, the system was revised in October of that year to establish two certification categories. Ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) certification requires an additional 50% reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) emissions from the levels mandated by the 2005 exhaust emission regulations, and SU-LEV certification requires an additional 75% reduction of these exhaust gas constituents.
*4For vehicles complying with the requirements of the Green Tax program, the automobile acquisition tax is reduced by 15,000 yen on personal-use vehicles that are newly registered by March 31, 2006, and for SU-LEVs the automobile tax is reduced by 50% for one year beginning from the next fiscal year after a vehicle is registered. However, vehicles that require on-site registration at a vehicle inspection and registration office are not eligible under the program.
Major specification and equipment refinements
<Exterior>
- Redesigned grille, front bumper, 14-inch full wheel covers, rear combination lamps, rear bumper and other parts
- Selection of 12 attractive body colors, including the all-new colors of China Blue (M), Wild Blueberry, Sherry Silver (TM) and Irish Cream
M: Metallic TM: Titanium metallic
<Interior> - Selection of three interior trim colors, including Ice Blue as an all-new color (trim colors differ depending on the grade)
- New seat fabric
- Restyled seat shape
- Addition of door trim fabric
- Redesigned instruments
- Adoption of a manual headlamp leveler switch (xenon headlamps come with an automatic leveler)
- Special interior package available on some grades as a factory-installed option
- Addition of a simple DVD-based navigation system available as a factory-installed option (excluding the 12B)
<Mechanisms> - Adoption of the HR15DE engine
The major specification and equipment changes on the 12SR and 15SR-A models are described in the attachment.
Sales target:
6,000 units/month
Dealers selling the March:
All Nissan dealers
Price range:
1,084,650 yen to 1,764,000 yen
ATTACHMENT
Overview of March 12SR and 15SR-A
The March 12SR was created around the product concept of an "entry-level sports car that delivers superb driving pleasure." In connection with this minor model change, various improvements were made to the car to boost its performance further. As a new addition to the lineup, the 15SR-A combines the HR15DE engine and the XTRONIC CVT with the renowned handling qualities of the 12SR.
Major specification and equipment refinements
12SR - Engine
Previous improvements made to the CR12DE engine included a higher compression ratio, a revised cam profile and a reduction of the flywheel weight. In addition to those refinements, a dedicated stainless steel exhaust manifold has been newly adopted along with polishing cylinder head ports, helping to heighten the engine's sporty feeling.- Suspension and steering system
Along with the adoption of Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires (185/55R15 81V) and restyled aluminum wheels, the suspension characteristics have been retuned and the power steering assist characteristic has been changed to achieve sporty and refined handling qualities. Additionally, the front brake rotors have been increased in diameter for improved stopping performance complementing the car's enhanced dynamic capabilities.- Body stiffness
In addition to the previously adopted rear-end cross bar, the stiffness around the tailgate and the floor has been increased to match the improvements made to the engine and suspension system.- Exterior
A front spoiler, a rear underbody protector and a large rear spoiler have been adopted that are exclusively designed for the SR series. The adoption of aero plate on the lower portion of the body combined with the new aero parts contribute to the improved aerodynamic performance, supporting the cars overall sporty character.- Interior
The use of specially developed sport seats, instruments and aluminum-faced pedals combines with a sporty black and gray color scheme to create a cockpit ambience matching the car's sporty character.
15SR-A
This new specification package, combining the HR15DE engine and the XTRONIC CVT with the SR12's suspension and body characteristics, has been created to enable more consumers to enjoy the unique driving pleasure of the SR series.
*The 12SR and 15SR-A models are produced by Autech Japan, Inc. These vehicles are required on-site inspection at an inspection and registration office.
Autech Japan, Inc., a wholly owned Nissan affiliate, today announced the domestic launch of the Bolero, Rafeet and lifecare vehicle (LV) series models that it has customized in conjunction with the release of the facelifted March.
March Enchante Slide-out Lift Front Passenger's Seat Model
(fitted with optional equipment)
Overview of March Bolero and Rafeet
These models come with a full-automatic Plasmacluster Ion® air conditioner* as standard equipment, while featuring the same exterior design as the facelifted March.
*This product incorporates Sharp's Plasmacluster® technology. Plasmacluster and Plasmacluster Ion are registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation.
Overview of March Enchante and Driving Helper LV*1 models
The further refinements made to the base vehicle this time have been incorporated in these customized models, while continuing the equipment features that have been highly popular among customers.
Dealers selling the Bolero, Rafeet and LV models: All Nissan dealers
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