- First public showing of Qashqai compact crossover
- New Active Luxury grade on Micra
- Upgraded 2007 Pathfinder
Following its recent world premiere in Paris, Nissan will be showing the Qashqai, its new compact crossover, in public for the first time at this year's Paris Motor Show.
Inspired by the concept car of the same name that was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the Qashqai is a new vehicle for Nissan in Europe, with sales starting in February 2007.
It will cater for those car-buyers who want a more dynamic design than offered by a traditional C-segment car, but are not attracted to the large, aggressive nature of a compact SUV.
Micra Active Luxury
As well as the Qashqai, Nissan will be presenting a new version of its popular city-car, the Micra. Designed to reflect the emergence of stylish city-living small car buyers who want an up-to-date luxury taste and prestige in their cars, Nissan has just introduced its own definition with its 'Active Luxury' grade on Micra & Micra C+C.
The seats are trimmed in a mix of light grey perforated Alcantara? and high quality & soft leather (nappa). Each seat features a distinctive leather terracotta stripe that runs the length of the cushion and seat base. For the touch of refinement, the terracotta color is also in the flocked glove box.
The doors are trimmed in light grey Alcantara?, while the door handles and all the finishers are satin chrome. A grey Black leather steering wheel to give added tactility is included with Terracotta stitching.
The cream dials for speed and engine speed gain a discreet satin chrome ring; and the doors open to reveal an alloy kick plate.
A new and exclusive, pale grey, best described as Porcelain body color, has been introduced Micra & Micra C+C Active Luxury. The 11 spoke 16" alloy wheel from Micra C+C has been used, while chromed headlamps, a discreet rear spoiler and small front foglamps combine to give the exterior an understated feel of contemporary luxury.
The Active Luxury grade comes with an impressive list of standard equipment. An adaptive 6CD audio system, full automatic air-conditioning, heated front sports seats with lumbar support are all available, while rain-sensing windscreen wipers and automatic headlight activation are also available on the Micra hatchback.
Sales of the Micra Active Luxury will start across Europe in mid-September.
2007 Pathfinder
The Pathfinder will be upgraded for 2007 with the fitment of Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist to automatic versions of the SUV.
HDC is a system to facilitate a well controlled descent of steep inclines without driver intervention, while Hill Start Assist allows easy starting on steep ascents. The descent system uses engine software to regulate the speed of the vehicle during steep descents, allowing drivers to concentrate on steering without applying the brakes.
Similarly, to facilitate easy departure on a steep ascent, the Pathfinder's brakes will hold the vehicle for upto three seconds after the brake pedal has been released, allowing the driver to apply the power smoothly to prevent roll-back.
As well as the addition of these two systems, 2007 model year Pathfinder will be Euro 4 compliant, with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) being fitted as standard on automatic versions of Pathfinder, while it is available as an option on manual versions. The same engine changes also apply to the Navara pick-up.
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