coolcarsblog.co.uk

2005 (35th Anv & Track)
2006
2007-present
2006-08
The Nissan 350Z is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motor Co, LTD. The 350Z is the fifth (and current) generation of Nissan’s Z-car line, originally introduced in 1969 (as a 1970 model year) as the Datsun 240Z. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. It is currently available in several trim packages and is sold as both a 2 door coupé and roadster.
After the Nissan 300ZX was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1996, Nissan initially tried to keep the Z name alive by re-creating the 240Z the following year. The car was conceived by Nissan’s North American design team in their free time, and the concept was introduced in a four state Road Show in July 1998 to various car media, dealers and employees. Yutaka Katayama, regarded as the “Father of the Z” unveiled the Z concept sketch to the public when he received a motor industry award. The design, representing a modern vision of the 240Z, did not please the original 240Z designer Yoshihiko Matsuo, who compared it to the Bluebird and Leopard
The first concept model was produced for the Detroit Motor Show for the following January then later at the Los Angeles Auto Expo. Nissan was unhappy with the first design as they felt the original 200 bhp (150 kW) 2.4L engine known as the KA24DE that was going to be assigned made the car more underpowered, they also felt the car was considered too “retro” or too “backward” resembling a futuristic 240Z thus a redesign was underway. During a press conference in February 2000, president Carlos Ghosn gave the car the green light as he felt the car would help to assist the company’s recovery.
The redesigned model, now known as the Z Concept, which was similar in bodyshape but with a redesigned front end was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show two years later. The car then underwent a minor redesign and was eventually assigned the VQ35DE engine, hence the car became known as the 350Z. The car would break its tradition of being of the first Z not to be produced at the Shatai plant.
The 350Z is a front engine rear-wheel-drive 2 passenger 2 door sports car designed by Ajay Panchal of Nissan Design America located in San Diego, California.
The vehicle features the long-hood short-deck design common to the Z-Car family. External design highlights include: sloping fastback style roofline, unique brushed aluminum door handles, high waistline, and bulging fenders that are pushed out to the corners of the vehicle.
Interior cabin design is straight forward with brushed aluminum accents. The main gauge pod is mounted directly to the steering column allowing their movement to coincide with steering wheel adjustments. Additional gauges are mounted in a center triple gauge cluster. The 350Z’s interior does not have a conventional glove box, instead it makes use of various storage compartments located either behind or between the two seats.
Released on August 20, 2002, the 2003 350Z coupe was available in the U.S. in 5 trim packages, including the Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track Editions. In Europe only the ‘Track’ version (with standard Rays wheels) was sold, although it wasn’t badged or marketed as such. The optional GT pack includes heated leather seats, Bose stereo system, and cruise control. Nissan’s performance tuning division, Nismo, began producing modified versions of the car shortly after its introduction, although in the UK these were only available one year after the car was launched.
In 2004 Nissan introduced the 350Z roadster featuring an electrically retractable soft-top roof. The car came in 2 trim packages (Enthusiast and Touring) in the U.S. market, and the Base and GT packs in Europe.
In 2005 Nissan launched a 35th Anniversary edition, which featured options such as “Z” emblems and 5-spoke wheels. The 2005 35th Anniversary edition 6-speed manual and 2005 Track trims both produce 300 hp and 260 torque (224 kW). In addition, The 35th Anniversary and Track 350Z also included revised pistons and camshaft profiles, and a new type of control to the variable valve timing. Although there were increases in power, the changes lead to a decrease in peak torque in the vehicle. Also, unfortunately many of the 300 hp (220 kW) engines from 05 and 06 6 speed manual transmissions (Rev-Up) burn oil due to what may be faulty rings Nissan North America has released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) regarding this issue. TSB NTB07-088 was issued on November 27th, 2007 to specifically address the abnormal oil consumption experienced on some 2005-2006 300HP RevUp engines.In brief, the TSB lists specific guidelines, and amount of oil consumption required, for a complete engine replacement with a newly revised unit.
Nissan also added the Grand Touring trim to the Roadster trim packages for 2005. Since the anniversary edition all 6-speed models produce 300 hp (220 kW) / 260 ft·lbf (224 kW / 353 N·m).
For the 2007 model year, the 350Z was moderately revised. The VQ35DE V6 was replaced with a new 3.5 L VQ35HR V6. It produced 306 hp (228 kW) at 6800 rpm with 268 ft·lbf at 4800 rpm. The front bumper, hood, and headlamps were also revised with the hood featuring a bulge reminiscent of the original 240Z. Trims levels were also narrowed down to 350Z (base), Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring.
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the debut of Datsun 240Z, Nissan released a high performance version of 350Z. The 35th Anniversary Z was debuted at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on November 2nd, followed by its first public appearance at the Miami Auto Show in early November.
35th Anniversary Edition includes 300 hp (220 kW) V6 engine for the 6-speed manual transmission model. Other key 35th Anniversary Z equipment (standard on both 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic equipped versions) includes unique 18-inch (460 mm) cast aluminum-alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, Brembo brakes and special Z badging. The car comes in Ultra Yellow, Super Black and Silverstone body colour, and optional black-and-tan leather-appointed seats (except with the Ultra Yellow interior).
The 350Z 35th Anniversary went on sale at Nissan dealers in January 2005.
A limited run (only 5 units) called the Type E was produced in Japan in order to meet homologation requirements to compete in the Super GT series. The Type-E featured a longer nose and rear overhang as well as a few extra aerodynamic aids.
Engine is rated at 206 kW (280 PS) @ 6200 rpm, 363 N·m (37.0 kgf·m) @ 4800 rpm
The S-Tune GT was released by Nismo to celebrate its success in motorsport, particularly in the Super GT series. The S-Tune GT featured revised long nose bodywork as in the Type-E, a modified version of the VQ35DE engine called the S1 with more power (300 PS / 221 kW / 296 hp) and higher redline (7200 rpm), as well as a sportier Nismo suspension.
20 were produced each month in Japan. Although Nissan did not officially sell S-Tune in UK, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. imported 1 S-Tune GT to UK
The R-Tune is the final step of the Nismo lineup, with further modifications including headers, cams, pulleys. The R-Tune voids the Nissan factory warranty, but gains significant horsepower, intended for track racers.
Engine is rated 305 hp (227 kW).
During the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) unveiled the 350Z GT-S concept. The GT-S featured a unique radial flow supercharger (that could be turned on or off via a switch on the dashboard), raising engine output to 382.6 bhp (285.3 kW) and 424.8 Nm without modifications to the engine components. The car also featured new body kit for more cooling and downforce and wider 245 and 265/40/18 tires. No plans for production have been revealed, although there have been some hints that the package may be offered as an upgrade kit. The car has been tested favorably against its possible production rivals, the Porsche Cayman S and BMW Z4 M.
Auto Express magazine reported the GT-S would be on sale in UK for £36,000, but it has yet to be produced.
This edition of 350Z Coupe was debuted in New York International Auto Show on April 4, 2007. This version featured the same engine as the regular 350Z, but only offered 6-speed manual transmission. The car featured NISMO aerodynamics package based on the Super GT championship car, which included an aggressive front fascia with chin spoiler, side skirts, an extended rear fascia with underbody diffuser and a rear wing. The car also had NISMO-tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers (with 12.8-inch (330 mm) front and 12.7-inch (320 mm) rear rotors) and NISMO-branded gunmetal gray RAYS alloy wheels (18×9-inch front and 19×10-inch rear with 245/40WR18 front, 265/35WR19 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires), and NISMO-branded tuned exhaust. The vehicle in the car show had black-faced instrumentation, but the production US-spec car will feature gray gauges.
NISMO 350Z went on sale in the US in July 2007 at Nissan dealers. 1500 were produced for the ‘07 and ‘08 model year, and it is assumed that if the demand is there that more will be produced, limited to 10% of all 350Z sales. The vehicle had MSRP of $38,070 for the ‘07 model year.
Another rumor is that the French brand Alpine (a manufacturer of Renault-powered sports cars) would be resurrected to offer a new car based on the platform of the 350Z, developed with the support of Porsche. The vehicle later became Renault Alpine 210 RS.
Released as the street version of Fairlady Z Type 380RS-Competition race car for Japanese market, it includes the VQ35HR engine stroked and bored to 3.8-liter, rated 257 kW (350 PS/350 hp) @ 7200 rpm and 397 N·m (40.5 kgf·m/293 lbf·ft) @ 4800 rpm torque. Brembo disc brakes are fitted, as are Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires (245/40R18 in front, 275/35R19 in the rear) with RAYS wheels. Front and rear dampers come from Yamaha.
Version NISMO Type 380RS is priced 5.397 million (5.14 million+tax) yen ($38695 USD). Only 300 cars are produced.
It is the race car for which Version NISMO Type 380RS is based. The 3798 cc engine rated 294 kW (400 PS) at 7500 rpm and 421 Nm (43 kgm) at 5200 rpm torque.
According to Nissan, the race car cost 26.25 million yen.
In 2006-01-12, Nissan announced the sale of Version ST Type G for Japanese market. This version features 19 inches (480 mm) rear tires (245/40R18 93W front, 265/35R19 94W rear), front & rear fender moldings (+25mm), RAYS alloy wheels, and exclusive interior leather color.
Version ST Type G cost 4,273,500 yen for 6 speed manual, and 4,326,000 yen for 5 speed automatic.
Since its introduction in 2002, it did not take long for drivers and teams to enter a Z33 for competition when B.J. Zacharias and Michiel Schuitemaker of Schuitemaker Motorsports helped the car to make its debut in the Grand-Am Cup Series at the start of the 2003 season. They have taken a few podium finishes with Unitech Racing who is also the other team to field a Z33, but effort was proved to be successful under the name of Playboy Racing scoring wins along with the other current Grand-Am entrant East Competition Promotorsport. The Grand-Am Cup car has also been used in the new FIA GT4 European Cup. Schuitemaker Motorsports with drivers Michiel Schuitemaker and BJ Zacharias won 3rd place in the ‘03 Grand-Am Cup season. The following year, they improved and finished in 2nd place. Schuitemaker Motorsports was sponsored by 350EVO, a manufacturer of performance 350Z parts. After winning 3rd overall in the ‘03 season, NISSAN had Wright Tuning build a new 350Z race car for the ‘04 season. This car differed from the ‘03 car in that it was completely stripped and seam welded. The cage was lighter and stiffer by using different diameter tubing where possible. The car used a Menard’s built engine with a Pectel engine management system. Overall racing weight was 2,450 lb (1,110 kg) which was the minimum allowable weight for its class. The ‘04 chassis proved to be the most successful chassis to run in Grand-Am to date. The ‘03 chassis was sold to a French team with Edouardo Atkatlan as the driver. It still competes in the European “Fun Races” today, winning 2nd place in the inaugural ‘07 race in Madrid.
The 350Z replaced the Skyline GT-R as the car for Nissan’s factory and customer teams in the Super GT’s GT 500 class. The cars used are heavily modified and feature a longer nose and tail (requiring the production of the Type-E homologation special), carbon fiber bodywork, and a tube chassis. In 2004, Nismo won the GT500 championship. Until the 2007 season, the car was powered by a VQ30DETT V6. In order to increase competitiveness, however, a new 4.5L V8 powerplant has been developed. The car, with slightly more pedestrian modifications also competes in the GT300 class (having started there even before the Skyline GT-Rs were replaced) by teams such as Endless Sports and Mola. In 2003 Hasemi Sports won the GT300 championship with the 350Z. In 2008 season, through the 350Zs will be all replaced by Nissan GT-Rs in the GT500 class, but probably they will be continued to used in GT300 class as GT-Rs horsepower overexceeds the horsepower limit which make it impossible to particiapte.
The Z33 also appears in the Japan’s Super Taikyu series, entered by C-West Labs.
The British GT Championship also fields a privateer 350Z which competed in the series until 2006.
The car is considered popular choice for amateurs and professionals in SCCA events, T.C Kline took third place in the 2003 Touring 2 category in 2003, having being one of three Z33 that made it into the SCCA T-2 runoffs. In the SCCA GT2 class, Jim Goughary took the title in the car’s debut season.
The car is used in import events and drifting, where in the latter, some drivers have started to use them in the D1 Grand Prix and Formula D series. At the 2006 D1GP exhibition event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Tanner Foust became the first driver to score a perfect 100 points in a 350Z. In the non-Japanese domestic D1GP spinoff series, D1 Great Britain (D1GB), there are two Z33s that compete in the series. Of the 2007 season, both SVA Imports and Sumo Power 350Z currently competes in the EDC (European Drift Championship), which is run by a different organization to D1, and in Formula D, Foust took runner up spot at round 1 and at round 2, Chris Forsberg would score its maiden victory in his Roadster equipped with a VK56DE from a Nissan Titan. His win for the 350Z was followed up by Youichi Imamura’s win during the Las Vegas round of the US D1GP series in his RB26DETT engined car. Foust would eventually take the Formula D title.
The SVA Imports Z33 is significant for being the other drifting car other than the Team Orange Impreza to feature a rear radiators with air ventilation on both sides rather than just on one on the Impreza.
Option magazine founder Daijiro Inada used an extensively modified 350Z, dubbed Option Stream Z to compete in the Silver State Classic Challenge. The car is equipped with a GReddy/Trust T88 turbo-charger and is stroked to 3.8 L to produce over 900 bhp (670 kW).
As the Z33 is popular in import drag racing, one Z33 fielded by Performance Motorsport in the NHRA Sports Compact series, with twin turbo claims to put out over 1,700 bhp (1270 kW) and achieved 8.33 quarter mile time with its best speed of 176.72 mph (284.40 km/h).
In 2004, the tuner Dandy and magazine Option entered a Z33 known as the Option Dandy 380Z with a donor engine from a wrecked Stream Z minus turbocharger producing 370 bhp (276 kW), to compete in the F/GT class for unblown grand touring sport cars at the Bonneville Speed Week. The car could at best reach 151 mph (243 km/h).
To promote the car, Nissan released a short film of the 2003 Track model 350Z blazing a high-speed trail through city streets of up to 200 km/h on a six and a half minute run through the narrow cobblestone streets of Prague in the Czech Republic.
The 350Z has been given extensive coverage in the automotive press, and has obtained generally positive reviews. Eddie Alterman, senior editor of Automobile Magazine, said of the 350Z “An outstanding performance value. They got all the important stuff right.” While David Swigg of Motor Trend said “With a competent driver at the wheel and the traction control switched off, many Boxster drivers would be hard-pressed to post better lap times than with this Z.”
Automotive journalists tend to praise such features as the 350Z’s value, performance, handling, and braking. While criticisms tend to be directed towards the grade of interior plastics, greater curb weight than its competitors, cabin ergonomics and engine refinement. However, Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear had mostly negative things to say about the car, giving it a C- or three points out of ten, but later awarded the Nissan Designers with 2004 Top Gear Magazine Car of the year award. Other reviews have criticised reflections of the back strut in the rear windows.
At present, the 350Z has won over 40 international awards from various media and industry sources.

The Nissan Patrol is a Four wheel drive vehicle manufactured by Nissan in Japan since 1951. The car is available in Australia, New Zealand, Central America, South America, South Africa, Western Europe,Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, and the Middle East and it is in direct competition with the Toyota Land Cruiser. The Patrol is available with either two door ( Short Wheel Base or SWB ), four door wagon ( LWB, Long Wheel Base ) and Utility / Cab Chassis Variants. The old Y60 (GQ) platform is still manufactured as a military vehicle in the countries of Asia and the Middle East, and various versions of the Patrol are widely used by United Nations agencies. Users respect the vehicle for its power and durability, and modern version of the Nissan Patrol remains in production.
Nissan built the first Patrols in the 1951s, and were designed for various purposes, many military.
The soft-top Nissan Patrol 60( two door Wheel Base 2200 mm ) and G60 ( two door Wheel Base 2500 mm ) were first sold in Australia in 1960. Left-hand drive model L60 / GL60 was sold outside of Australia. The 60 series was the first vehicle to drive across the Simpson Desert in Australia.
In 1963, the KG60 ( and KGL60 ) hard-top models were introduced.
The short wheel base version or the Utility version, has been the “Winch Challenge” competitors vehicle of choice, due to its inherent driveline strength, ease of modification, relative light weight, and popularity.
160, Y60 and Y61 series were sold in Japan under the name Nissan Safari, from 1980 to 2007.
Until 1994, Ford rebadged the Australian version of the Y60 (GQ) Patrol, as the Maverick.
In some European countries the Nissan Patrol was for a short while marketed as Ebro Patrol.
The Indian Army used the Nissan Patrol 1952 model under the light truck category. The name as per the Indian army records is Jonga. Under license from Nissan, the Indian government indigenously produced these vehicles, in their Vehicle Factory at Jabalpur. Jonga has been replaced by the lighter and more reliable Mahindra & Mahindra jeeps. Most army auctioned pieces have also been scrapped by their subsequent civilian owners. Hence the Jonga is becoming a rarity. You will find some Jongas in the hill stations along the Himalayas like Darjeeling, ferrying passengers from the foothills and winding up the mountain roads.
The Icelandic expeditionary forces deployed on a peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan since 2004 used heavily modified Nissan Patrol for mobile observation missions in mountainous areas in Northern Afghanistan.
The Irish Army and other branches of the Defence Forces use the Nissan Patrol as their main utility vehicle. The 260 series was first delivered in 1989 as a replacement for the Land Rover 109 and 110. All were modified to reflect their military function and many were fitted for radio. Duties include escort vehicles in military convoys and towing support weapons into and out of action. The newer GRTD6 has been in service since 2000 although some of the 260 series still remain in service. The 260 series has better off-road capabilites and is therefore retained by the army off-road driving school. Most of the 260 series had 24 volt alternators and so were not fitted with civilian radio. This made them unpopular with many drivers, not surprisingly. Although Defence forces mechanics have modified them to take a second 12V alternator as to enable them to power radio batteries.
The Nissan Patrol can often be seen in UN service in the former Yugoslavia and elsewhere.
Since the Y61 (GU) Patrol design is now almost twenty years old, and its design differences from the Y60 are only relatively minor, Nissan is planning its replacement. That replacement is scheduled to appear sometime between late 2006 and early 2007. Observers say it is unlikely that the next Patrol will be built in Japan, and some speculate that the next version of the Nissan Patrol will have external design features similar to those of the 2006 Nissan Terranaut concept car, seen at the Geneva Motor Show. As yet there is no definitive information on which platform it will use, but rumors suggest that it could be Nissan’s F platform. It is likely Nissan will choose that platform, given their pattern of attempting to reduce manufacturing costs across their range of vehicles. For the first time, Nissan plans to sell the vehicle in the United States by selling an upscale version through the Infiniti dealer network, following in the foot steps of Toyota’s successful US launch of the Land Cruiser Prado through Lexus.
In Australia dealer principles were advised in November 2006 that the GU will undergo one last fastlift. This would be the GU Series V. A new Patrol would not be available until 2009 at earliest - Nissan has not yet committed to the upgrade - the traditional markets of Australia, Middle East and Africa potentially do not have enough volume to create a separate chassis that is different from either the Titan or Navara/Pathfinder.

The Nissan Pathfinder and Terrano were originally compact SUVs and they are now mid-size SUVs. Where as the Pathfinder is sold in North America, the name first introduced in late 1986, elsewhere in the world the vehicle was known as the Terrano. The first generation Pathfinder/Terrano platform is known as the WD21. The second generation Pathfinder platform is known as the R50, and the third generation is known as the R51. The Pathfinder is slotted in size between the Murano and Armada or Patrol, but in price between the Xterra and Murano.
The North American first generation Pathfinder came in two different bodies, and shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody Truck. In the US from 1986.5 to 1989 Pathfinders came in a two door body. In early 1990 it became a four door in the United States. Some US 1990 Pathfinder’s came with the two door body, but they are rare. The 2-door version was available in Canada until 1992. From 86.5 to 1989 Pathfinders were available with either the Nissan VG30I V6 (145 HP, 180 ft·lbf (240 N·m) torque), or the Z24(106 HP) I4. In 1990 the V6 received an upgrade from throttle body injection to a multi point fuel injection system. This engine was known as the VG30E, and was rated at 153 hp (114 kW) and 180 lbf·ft (244 N·m) torque. Also in 1990, the Z24 was replaced with the KA24E. The first generation continued until 1995.
The second generation was introduced in 1996 with more rounded styling. The second generation Pathfinder was completely redesigned from the first generation, switching from body on frame construction to unibody construction. The engine was upgraded to the VG33E, with 168 hp (125 kW) and 196 ft·lbf (266 N·m) torque. For the 1999 1/2 model year, the Pathfinder was freshened. 2001 brought a new 240 hp (179 kW) V6 engine, the VQ35DE. With its facelift, the Pathfinder also grew in size, making way for the compact Xterra.
At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled a completely redesigned Pathfinder for the 2005 model year. The new R51 Pathfinder uses the Nissan F-Alpha platform, and is powered by a 4.0L V6 engine VQ40DE (270 hp, 291 ft·lbf) or a 2.5L YD25DDTi (174 hp, 297 ft·lbf/403 N·m) Turbo Diesel.
Until 2005, most Pathfinders were built in Japan, but the new Pathfinder isn’t built in Japan, or even look likely to go on sale there. Instead, it is built in the USA at Smyrna, Tennessee and in Spain, just near Barcelona. The American plant produces left-hand-drive, auto-only petrol vehicles for their own market, and rest-of-world output comes from Spain.

In late 2003, a full-size SUV, the Pathfinder Armada, debuted. Although they share a common name, they have little similarity and use different platforms. The “Pathfinder” prefix was dropped for 2005, leaving just the name “Armada”.
The Pathfinder is sold as the Terrano in many markets outside of North America. In 2005, when the redesigned Pathfinder was released the Pathfinder name became international as it sold worldwide. These were the first to be sold in the UK.
The facelifted 2008 Nissan Pathfinder debuted at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, and added new models with a V8 engine from the related Nissan Titan.

The Nissan Qashqai (Nissan Dualis in Japan and Australasia) is a compact crossover SUV produced by Japanese automaker Nissan since 2007. The P32L automobile platform will be also used by other oncoming Nissan crossover SUVs. The Qashqai has been built at Nissan’s NMUK Sunderland plant since December 2006.
It is the first model to be styled by Nissan Design Europe in London, with engineering development led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. It was globally presented at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.
By the end of 2007, Nissan had sold about 100,000 Nissan Qashqai in Europe, including 17,554 in UK, 15,376 in Russia, and 10,746 in Italy.
The Qashqai will be exported to the Middle East and additional overseas markets.
Built on an all-new platform, the Qashqai went on sale in February 2007 and Nissan targeted more than 100,000 sales per year. Nissan said the car, named after the nomadic Qashqai tribe, will cater for those car buyers who want a more dynamic design but are not attracted to the large, aggressive nature of a sport utility vehicle. The car slots below the X-Trail in the Nissan range and partially replaces the conventional Primera (still produced at the Sunderland plant for export markets but no longer sold in the UK), even though it took the production place of the smaller Almera. In terms of size, its 4310 mm (169.7 in) length and 1610 mm (63.4 in) height makes it fall between compact MPVs, such as the SEAT Altea and Renault Scénic, and compact SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander.
The top half of Qashqai has a sleek dynamic form with a distinctive shoulder line which rises at the rear — a design cue similar to that of the Nissan Murano. The lower portion resembles an SUV due to large, pronounced wheel arches and a slightly elevated ground clearance. The all new Qashqai uses the exact same platform as the X-Trail (the vehicle the Qashqai is based on) but will not be as functional or as off road capable as it is. Nissan is planning the Qashqai to rival such cars the Toyota RAV-4 and the Honda CR-V. Due to the cheaper building cost most of the practicability of the Qashqai will be compromised compared to the X-Trail. The seats, unlike the X-Trail, can not fold all the way down and the suspension is loud and hard on some roads. The Qashqai utilizes a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine delivering 103 kW (138 hp) power and 196 N·m (145 ft·lbf) torque. It is equipped with a AWD/4WD system and received a five star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Four engine choices can be chosen: the gasoline engines will be a 115 hp (86 kW) 1.6 L and a 140 hp (104 kW) 2.0 L, while the 106 hp (79 kW) 1.5 L and 150 hp (112 kW) 2.0 L will be the Diesel engines.
In May 2007, the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) awarded the Qashqai its best ever adult occupant score.
The Qashqai is not offered in North American markets. The Nissan Rogue, a completely different model despite some visual similarities, is offered instead.
The Qashqai name (pronounced ghash’ghāee) comes from the originally nomadic Qashqai tribe from southwestern Iran (Persia). Nissan’s designers say they believe that its buyers will be nomadic in nature too. The Chinese nameplate was to be CCUV which was short for “Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle” but since Chinese launch has been named Qashqai. In Australia, the Qashqai is named as the Dualis. This was chosen due to the fact that Australians may call it the “cash cow”, a controversial nickname which has already appeared in some markets including the UK.

The Nissan X-Trail is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 2001. It was Nissan’s first crossover SUV and used the Nissan FF-S platform. It was released at the same time as several companies introduced car-based compact SUVs including Ford with their Escape and its Mazda Tribute sibling, Hyundai with their Santa Fe and GM with their Pontiac Aztek. It is sold in Australia, Japan, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The company currently offers a hydrogen fuel cell model named the X-Trail FCV on lease to businesses.
In Canada, it is positioned below the truck-based Xterra. The X-Trail did not arrive in the Canadian market before 2005. The X-Trail was only sold in Canada for the 2005 and 2006 model years. Its successor, the 2008 Nissan Rogue, which shares the same platform as the 2008-present X-Trail, will appear in North America, and will be very similar to the Qashqai that was available in Europe and elsewhere from early 2007. Nissan Canada’s website removed the X-Trail as of September 2007 to promote the new Rogue.
In Latin America, X-Trail was positioned below Nissan Pathfinder. It was very popular and in many countries represented the best selling SUV because of its practical size, comfortable driving and low price. As 2007, Nissan sells the second-generation X-Trail alongside the related Rogue.
The 2008 Nissan X-Trail gave its public debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show in March, and will go on sale in Europe this summer. A new slightly bigger version, now 4630 mm long, introduced in 2007 based on the new Nissan/Renault Alliance C-platform platform. This will appear in Europe in the first part of the year and towards the end of 2007 in Australia but is not currently planned for the United States and Canada.
Available only in the Japanese market is the SR20VET that produces 206 kW (280 hp). The Australian model is powered by a QR25DE 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine initially producing 132 kW(177 hp) From January 2006, the Australian spec engine was detuned to 123 kW. Also available is the QR20DE 4-cylinder engine, producing 103 kW (140 hp) or 110 kW (150 hp) with manual or automatic transmission. The biggest selling engine in the UK is the YD22DDTi, a 2.2 litre turbo-charged common-rail diesel. The X-Trail has had three model revisions, the Series 1 and Series 2 (using Nissan FF-S platform) and the imminent Series 3 (using Nissan/Renault C platform). There were various cosmetic and engineering changes made between series 1 and 2 but the series 3 is all new despite a similar appearance with new engines apart from the 2.5L which has been retained.
Available only in Iceland is the Nissan X-Trail Adventure. You can choose between two base editions (Sport or Elegance, Comfort is not a choice). Included in the Adventure Edition are 29″ tires, the lowest part of the vehicle has been raised, reverse backup sensors, step plates and a towing hook. Prices are ranging from 50-54 thousand dollars. It includes active headrests.
It was intended to remodel the Nissan X-Trail in America like in Europe, but at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, it was said that it would be discontinued because of slow sales and will be replaced by the Nissan Rogue based on the second-generation X-Trail and Nissan Qashqai.
In 2006, Nissan launched a Nissan X-Trail Bonavista Edition commercial featuring a Nissan dealer speaking in an incomprehensible Newfoundland accent. The commercial itself backfired when Bonavista Mayor Betty Fitzgerald claimed it had portrayed people in Bonavista as people who cannot speak properly. To further expose the commercial’s lack of lingustic authenticity, CBC News reported the sales rep was played by an actor from Cape Breton .
That commercial was parodied by a local car dealer in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador in a radio ad that takes shots at Ontario marketing companies and Premier Dalton McGuinty’s “nondescript” personality.

The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Nissan since December 2002 and sold as 2003 model year. Nissan introduced the Murano as its first crossover SUV for the United States and Canada. It slotted above the Pathfinder as Nissan’s top-of-the-line SUV until the launch of the Armada in 2004. Designed at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, California, it was based on the Nissan FF-L platform used by the sixth generation Maxima and the third generation Altima. The European Murano sales began in 2004 and its available only with one version.
As of 2006, the Murano slots between the Xterra and Pathfinder (which surpassed the Murano in size since its 2005 redesign), where it became Nissan’s best-selling SUV, knocking the Pathfinder off the top spot. Despite being similar in length to the Pathfinder, it is more expensive than a Pathfinder. Also, the Murano was Nissan’s only crossover SUV until 2004, when Canada got the smaller X-Trail, which has been replaced by the Rogue for 2008.
The Murano was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003. It was also named the best premium mid-size SUV by AutoPacific.
The vehicle is one of the largest vehicles available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The engine, a 3.5 litre 245 bhp V6, is shared with many other Nissan vehicles, but is specially tuned for the Murano. The car is all-wheel drive and has 4-wheel independent suspension. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with VDC is a form of traction control embedded into the car’s onboard computer and is designed to provide ‘joy’ to drive. A luxury feature of the car is a rear-view camera in addition to a rear-view mirror. A full set of airbags, steel reinforced cabin, and head restraints are safety features designed to protect the interior whilst VDC, ABS, EBD and brake assist are mechanical safety features.
The 2006 model year Murano received some updates in the form of LED tailamps and turn signals, standard color screen, available back-up camera (standard in Canada for all models), GPS and a restyled front end with some minor trim updates.
Nissan skipped the 2008 model year with the introduction of the next generation Murano – as a 2009 model. The 2009 Murano made its public debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show in November and sales began in early January 2008.
The revised exterior styling bears an increased family resemblance to the Rogue, while still maintaining distinctly Murano cues with its aggressive front fascia and rear quarter windows. The interior has also been completely redesigned, with the use of a more traditional instrument cluster and notably higher-quality materials.
The 2009 Murano is offered in three trim levels: the base S, the mid-grade SL, and the top of the line LE. The performance-oriented SE model is no longer available. The S and SL are offered with standard i-AWD (Intuitive All-Wheel Drive), with optional FWD available. The LE trim will be AWD only.
New features, some of them optional or available only on the LE grade, include rain-sensing wipers, power rear lift gate, power fold-up rear seats, iPod integration, and a hard-drive based, touchscreen navigation system. The S and SL feature aluminum interior accents, while the LE sports wood-tone trim. Like the first-generation model, there is no third-row seat.
The Murano is now based on the Nissan D platform shared with the fourth generation Nissan Altima and the new 2009 Nissan Maxima. Nissan has given the 2009 Murano a revised version of the award-winning 3.5L VQ engine rated at 265 horsepower (198 kW), an increase of 20 over the previous model. Torque is rated at 248 ft·lbf (336 N·m). The engine is mated to a revised Continuously Variable Transmission with Adaptive Shift Control.

The Nissan Note (kana:日産・ノート)is a mini MPV produced by the Japanese manufacturer Nissan. The Japanese version has been on sale since 2004, and the European adaptation has gone on sale during 2006, with the United Kingdom first to launch, on 1st March. The car shares some of its underpinnings with the Renault Modus, and is designed to compete with the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Fiat Idea as well as the Renault offering. It is manufactured at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, England.
The car is positioned as a roomy car and includes special add-ons for family needs. The key feature is the flexibility of the interiors. Even a person as tall as 2.00 metres (6.6 ft) can fit in either the driver’s seat or the back seat easily. It is designed to be a cross segment car. Another design detail of this car is the boomerang-shaped rear light. Nissan aims to appeal to the family car shoppers with this car by including children-friendly features.
The Nissan Note used to be available in three specifications, the ‘S’, ‘SE’ and ‘SVE’. The base model came in with full electric windows, alloy wheels and front fog lights or the Flexi-Board boot system. The SE saw the introduction of 16″ Alloys, Air Con, front fog lights and Flexi-Board Boot and the SVE had Climate Control, Rear Privacy Glass, 17″ Alloys and ESP. These models have been replaced with the Visia, Acenta, Acenta R and the Tekna. The Visia is almost identical to the old ‘S’ model whereas the Acenta, Acenta R and Tekna now come complete with MP3 Auxiliary jack and Bluetooth Car Stereo as no cost options.

The Nissan March (マーチ, Māchi?) is a supermini produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 1982. It is known outside Asia as the Nissan Micra, and since 1992 has also been built in Europe at the NMUK plant in Sunderland, England.
The original March (chassis name K10) was introduced in October 1982 as a challenger to the highly successful Honda City. It was intended to replace the Nissan Cherry as the company’s competitor in the supermini sector, as the Cherry model itself had progressively become larger with each successive generation. It was introduced in the European market in 1983, and in the Canadian market in 1984. Although Nissan was slowly phasing out the Datsun name, a small “Datsun” (ダットサン, Dattosan?) appeared on the tailgate for the first two years, and in some European markets, the car was known as the “Datsun-Nissan Micra”. The March was initially available with an extremely refined all-aluminium MA10S SOHC engine. The Datsun badges had disappeared completely by the end of 1984.
The model was revised in June 1985, identifiable by the slightly larger rear lamp clusters. The Japanese market saw the debut of the first March Turbo/MA10ET, where Nissan grafted a turbocharger to the small 1.0 L engine. Another facelift came in March 1989, which consisted of some minor upgrades such as deeper bumpers, a new front grille, minor interior details, and headlight changes. It also saw the introduction of an electronically controlled carburettor, the larger MA12 1.2 L engine with 60 PS (44 kW/59 hp) and a 5-door hatchback version.
In 1988, Nissan launched a limited 10,000 unit run of its homologated Nissan 1989 March Superturbo (EK10GFR/GAR). Both this and the 1988 March R (EK10FR) featured the same highly advanced sequential compound charged (supercharger plus turbocharger) engine in an all-aluminium straight-4 930 cc 8-valve 4 cylinder Nissan MA MA09ERT unit that produced 110 PS JIS (81 kW/108 hp) at 6400 rpm. This car came with either a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual gearbox with viscous limited slip differential, as well as options such as air conditioning and electric mirrors. The March Superturbo still holds the crown for the fastest production March in Nissan’s history, with factory performance figures of 7.7 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 15.5 seconds to run a quarter mile. It has a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
The March’s chassis spawned a number of variations. The Be-1 (BK10), launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1985 (but not sold until 1987), was a limited edition model with a more rounded bodyshape, and only 10,000 were sold. In 1987, the canvas-topped, retro looking hatchback Pao (パオ) (PK10) was launched (also at the Tokyo Motorshow) and sold to the public in 1989; 51,657 models were sold. The canvas-topped Figaro (フィガロ) (FK10) coupé was unveiled at the same show in 1989, but not released until 1991. Because demand for the Figaro exceeded the 20,000 vehicles built, Nissan sold the car by lottery: winners could place orders for the car. Despite being a JDM-only model, the Figaro is one of the most imported models of the K10 derivatives; its popularity among numerous celebrity owners helped it earn cult status. The K10 ceased production on 21 December 1992. During its lifetime, it gained a good reputation for reliability and economy.
In August 2006, the K10 was still receiving credit for its impressive durability. An Auto Express survey revealed that of the 340,000 K10 Micras registered in the UK between 1983 and 1992, 96,000 were still on the road — nearly 30%, an impressive figure for a car which had been out of production for 14 years. This gave it a far higher rating than the Fiat Uno and the Austin Metro, both of which had dwindled away to less than 3%.
In Canada, the K10-J was sold and branded as the Nissan Micra. It came standard with the larger MA12S inline 4 cylinder OHC 1.2L (1235cc) engine. The Nissan Micra was finally discontinued in Canada in 1991, but many K10s are still running on Canadian roads today.
The second-generation K11 was built and launched in Japan in early 1992, and released in Europe in the fourth quarter of the year. The Micra (as it is known in Europe), was the second model after the Primera built in Nissan’s NMUK plant in Sunderland. It was powered by brand new all-aluminium 1.0 L (CG10DE) and 1.3 L (CG13DE) DOHC 16 valve engines, with 55 PS DIN (40 kW/54 hp) and 75 PS (55 kW/74 hp) respectively (higher outputs in Japan), both with ECCS (Electronic Concentrated Control System) fuel injection. Power steering was an option on some models, and the equipment list included security features not usually available in this market segment, such as standard pre-tensioning seat-belts with load limiters and a side door beam on each door. Airbags, antilock brakes, electric windows, central locking and air conditioning were available as options on some of the March range as it developed in its life cycle. The car soon won the European Car of the Year award for 1993 (the first Japanese car to do so) and the Good Design Award (a Trade and Industry Design award in Japan) along with the Car of the Year Japan award in 1993. This would spawn the V3 Award edition.
After minor changes in 1996, in 1998, six years after its launch, the March received a facelift which saw the whole range get power steering as standard. This also saw the introduction of the Peugeot-sourced 1.5 L TUD5 Diesel engine into the Western European range.
Also in 1998, the Sunderland plant produced its millionth Micra, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer in Europe to achieve the milestone.
A final facelift came in 2000 for the K11, when the original 1.3 was replaced by a revised 1.3 L unit (CGA3DE) known as 1.4 but with an actual displacement of 1348 cc, which would be discontinued in late 2002 for the K12 model.
In the Republic of Ireland, the Micra was a popular car. The trim levels were aligned with the Continent rather than the United Kingdom. However, there was no diesel option.
In Taiwan, where the car has been sold since February 1995, the K11 March is still sold with an entirely facelifted and improved version called the Super March. It has a digital instrument cluster, LED rear light clusters, indicators built-in to the side mirrors and a facelifted front end with modern crystal headlights. It also comes with a semi leather interior with rear headrests. The car still retains the original CG13DE engine.
The UK-built Micra was briefly exported to the Australian market beginning in 1995 with a three model line up, base 3-door LX, 5-door SLX and 3-door Super S (of which only 303 were ever sold in Australia and demand a hefty price premium over the other models). Class leading performance, a surprisingly dynamic chassis with well sorted suspension, roomy interior and above average build quality were the Micra’s strengths in comparison to its Korean competitors like the Hyundai Excel, Daewoo Cielo and Ford Festiva. A poor exchange rate between the UK and Australia meant the Micra’s pricing was rather steep and Australian buyers saw the cheaper Koreans and more established Japanese-sourced superminis, such as the Suzuki Swift and Daihatsu Charade, as offering better value for money. Also, the Micra received the lowest possible rating (one star) in Australian crashtests. The Micra was dropped from Nissan Australia’s lineup in 1997. Like the Japanese March, the Micra’s success in Australia has reached what some may consider a “cult-car” status as people become aware of its underestimated capabilities as a cost-effective runabout and a competitive track/rally car.
Like the K10, the K11 spawned numerous spin-offs, which were all sold only in Japan. In April 1994, the V3 Award edition was released to commemorate the three awards the car won in the first year of production, based on the C# with a coloured roof spoiler. It came with a special commemorative tachometer and sticker. There was a specially retro facelifted model called Tango in June 1996, based on the F and A# model, and the Collet was unveiled in October 1996 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the March in Japan, with central locking. Initially sold for five months, this became a regular model soon after. In October 1997, another facelifted 5-door model called the Bolero made its appearance, with a round headlight and a large grille, resembling a classic British saloon of the 1960s. The Juke (December 1997) , Rumba (November 1998) and Polka (December 2000) kept the retro theme alive, all of them with slight variations. In April 2001, there was a Muji 1000 edition, which was sold through the MUJI website. The car came with an exclusive one piece grille and unpainted bumpers and wing mirrors. Like the Box estate car, this version had a double folding seat. The car was only available in white and production was limited to 1000 units. At the same time, there was a Collet F, a 20th anniversary model. Most of these spin-offs were produced by Autech.
There was a cabriolet unveiled first at the Tokyo Motorshow in 1995, but it was not sold until August 1997, with an electric top. There was also an estate version called Box (WK11), which was unveiled on November 1999, with a double folding rear seat, along with an automatic transmission four-wheel drive model.
In Japan, several speciality companies modified the March, often catering to the vogue for “classic” styling:
In 1999, Renault bought a 36% stake in Nissan, and in 2000 there was talk of moving production of the Micra to Flins, near Paris. However, the UK government stepped in with £40 million to help: a grant that was approved by the European Commission in January 2001. The Micra’s next incarnation was also be made in Britain.
The next version of the March/Micra, the K12, was unveiled in late 2002. The car was radically redesigned: it featured a new, 70mm longer wheelbase (developed with Renault) and an even more curvy exterior that was taller and slightly wider. Its most distinctive feature was a pair of prominent headlamps that extended to the wing-tops. Other additions included a sliding rear seat and the option of keyless ignition on higher specification models. The range of engines included improved 1.2 (CR12DE) and 1.4 (CR14DE) petrol models, and a Renault-sourced 1.5 diesel unit (HR15DE).
The K12 was well received by the motor industry and set a new standard for the superminis that followed it.
In July 2004, Nissan announced that a Coral Blue K12 Micra had become NMUK’s one millionth car for the UK market, and that its Sunderland plant had produced over 250,000 K12s since the model’s launch, for sale in up to 45 markets.
In 2005, Nissan Europe released a performance model of the K12. Dubbed the 160 SR, it was released as a direct competitor to the MINI Cooper, Ford Fiesta Zetec-S and the Citroën C2 GT, with a 1.6 L HR16DE engine, giving 113 PS (83 kW/111 hp) and uprated sports suspension. In 2006, Nissan renamed the 160 SR to the Sport SR in line with name changes across the board for the K12. However, this rebranding was shortlived: the performance model reverted to the 160 SR name in late 2007.
The launch of the 160 SR coincided with a revision of the K12. The radiator grilles were given a chrome strip through the centre and the original amber indicators were replaced with clear ones. The rear bumper was restyled and made more robust (apparently in response to French parking habits). The interior was also given a makeover, with more supportive seats, thicker glass and better soundproofing.
There were originally six trim levels of the K12, but in 2006 they were simplified to just three: Initia, Spirita and Sport. In addition, the launch line-up of six engines was reduced to the most popular four.
Autech, a Nissan-owned company, has unveiled alternative models called the Bolero and the Rafeet. The Bolero, like Autech’s versions of the K11, has the usual retro front end (which with the standard March headlights makes the car resemble the Lancia Ypsilon); the Rafeet has a more modern approach, resembling a BMW MINI, with either a black or white leather interior, whereas the Bolero has partial wood panelling and exclusive seating.
While Nissan Europe has the 160 SR, in Japan the 5-door only March is available with the 12 SR and 15 SR-A versions, the first one with a tuned 1.2 L CR12DE engine giving 110 PS (81 kW/108 hp). It is equipped with an exclusive HKS exhaust and has a set of 15×6 wheels on a 185/55R15 81V Bridgestone RE-01R tyres. From 2005 in Japan, 3-door models and the CR10DE were dropped from the range, the CR14DE was only used for 4WD models, and the HR15DE was introduced.[citation needed]
In 2003, Nissan UK, inspired by the Andros Trophy K11, unveiled the Micra-R, a one-off mid-engined K12. Shown at the Geneva Motor Show without running gear and engine, being only a display car, it was later given the go-ahead and Nissan commissioned Ray Mallock Ltd to insert a mid mounted BTCC-derived Primera QG20DE engine for show and press demonstration purposes. In 2005, Nissan UK decided to replace the Primera engine with a VQ35DE from a 350Z with a modified Altima SE-R gearbox for user-friendliness on the road. This model was baptized 350SR, although it was not offered for sale. Other modifications to this car include a vented rear arch and a set of Rays Engineering wheels. To date, Nissan has no plans to put this model into production.
In 2005, the K12 chassis spawned the coupé convertible model called the C+C. It was designed at the new London-based Nissan Design Europe studio, developed at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe at Cranfield, Bedfordshire and built, as with its predecessor, at the Sunderland plant. The electric folding glass roof is made by Karmann coachworks and has a 2+2 seating layout. The car is powered by an 1.4 or 1.6 L engine. It is also the first European-specification Micra to be sold in Japan.[citation needed]
There were originally four trim levels: Urbis, Sport, Essenza and Active Luxury.
In late 2007, the Nissan March/Micra was facelifted for the final time before its successor is launched sometime in 2009. It has had several cosmetic tweaks: every model now comes with the standard racing grille taken from the K12 160 SR; the front headlights have been tidied up (incorporating light blue-tinted sidelights) and the grilles housing the indicators are edged in chrome. In addition, the B-pillar trims are no longer colour-coded. Inside, there are new seat fabric designs, and the dashboard features parts taken from other Nissans. New equipment includes an audible speed warning, bluetooth connectivity with the vehicle and reversing sensors. All models (save for entry-level) are fitted with sport bumpers and spoilers on the sides and rear.
The model grades have been brought into line with the rest of the Nissan UK range, namely Visia, Acenta, Tekna, 160 SR and Active Luxury.
K12C models in Europe:
The 1.2 litre engine for the entry-level Visia is a 65 PS unit, as opposed to the 80 PS version on other grades. In addition, the Visia does not have the option of a 1.4 litre engine. The 1.6 litre engine is reserved for the 160 SR and as an option on the Active Luxury grade.
Nissan re-introduced the Micra to Australia in 2007, being sold only as a 5-door hatchback, and coming from Japan and not the UK.
The Micra C+C convertible is available in Visia, Acenta, Tekna and Active Luxury grades. However, the 1.6 litre engine is available for all models, save the Visia.
Nissan first entered the March in motorsports with the March Superturbo R. Introduced in 1987, this rare pre-facelift K10 weighed in at 740 kg (1630 lb) with half interior, roll cage and tool kit. It was built for the new sub-1600 cc Group A class, and shortly after in 1988 Nissan released the March Superturbo as a road car.
While the March was a favourite with the drivers in the Japanese Rally Championship, veteran Swedish rally driver Per Eklund finished the 1988 RAC Rally in 21st position and the 1989 Acropolis Rally Greece in 10th place.
During the K11’s production life, there was a series of national rally championship trophies held all over Europe called the Micra Challenge. This was intended as a cheap introduction to rallying, as the cars all had identical 1.3 L race-prepared engines. The UK series ran between 1995 and 1999. This model is still used in club and national rallies. In France, the 1.3 L model was used as the basis for a circuit racing one-make cup for celebrity drivers, the Nissan Stars Cup. In Portugal, the Micra spawned a one-make trophy alongside the National Rally Championship for Beginners.
In the late 1990s, a K11 was adapted into a VQ30 mid-engined 4WD configuration to race in the Trophée Andros, the French ice racing series. Drivers who raced this car include Érik Comas, Philippe Gache, Stéphane Peterhansel and Emmanuel Collard.
Nissan sponsors a one-make series in Japan called the March Cup, which has been running since the introduction of the K10. Usually a JGTC support race, it is held in two separate five-round championships called West Japan Series and East Japan Series, and a ladies series running simultaneously. At the end of the season, the best performing cars from both sides meet up for the Champions Cup final at the end the season.
The March/Micra is known for its reliability, excellent build quality, and user friendliness. The K12 model has received consistently good overall reviews, with the main criticisms being the lack of head room and luggage space in the rear.
There are numerous tuning parts available for the car. Engine transplants are not new for the March, as many owners with mechanical skills have installed the SR20DE and more commonly, the GA16DE into their K11s. Turbocharger kits are a popular choice for the K11 and K12s.
The insurance company Folksam rated it as a dangerous car in case of crash for the years 1988–1995. However, safety specification has improved with successive models. The Micra’s Euro NCAP ratings are two stars for the K11 and four for the K12.
The K12 Micra came top of its class in What Car? magazine’s Security Supertest in 2003, passing both entry and driveaway tests and achieving a maximum score for its locking system and immobiliser.
In 2005, the UK motor insurance research expert Thatcham introduced a standard for keyless entry, requiring the device to be inoperable at a distance of more than 10 cm from the vehicle. In an independent test, the Micra was found to be the most secure, while certain BMW and Mercedes models failed, being theoretically capable of allowing cars to be driven away while their owners were refuelling.
In What Car?’s Reliability Supertest in 2007, Nissan was ranked 6th out of 26 manufacturers overall, with the K11 Micra (1998–2002) being its most reliable model.
The Micra K10 first went on sale the UK over the summer of 1983, and it was an instant sales success. In its best year, 1990, it was the eleventh most popular new car in the UK with just under 50,000 sales. It was a popular choice with driving instructors and undemanding motorists thanks to its ease of driving, solid build and durable mechanical components. As of 2007, 15 years after its demise, tens of thousands of Micra K10s are still on British roads, vastly outnumbering many other small cars of its generation, such as the Austin Metro, Fiat Uno, and Renault 5.
The second incarnation of the Micra was launched in the UK at the end of 1992, with production taking place in Britain at the Sunderland plant rather than in Japan. Like its predecessor, it was a very popular car thanks to its quality, ease of driving and fuel economy. However, it was available with a limited range of engines: 1.0 and 1.3 petrol units. A facelift over the summer of 2000 saw the 1.3 shelved and replaced with a 1.4 unit. This upgrade, after a previous makeover in 1998, enhanced the Micra’s appeal and it was still fairly popular on the launch of its successor in December 2002.
Like the previous version of the Micra, the third generation model was made at the Sunderland plant. It had a wider range of engines, including Renault-sourced 1.2 petrol and 1.5 direct-injection diesel powerplants, and offered an improved driving experience. Its chassis would form the basis of the next Renault Clio, launched in 2005 but still built in France. This stylish, all-new Micra helped Nissan bolster its market share of the supermini sector, which had been declining in the final year or two of its predecessor’s life. Although it has never featured in the SMMT’s official top 10 best-selling cars in the UK, it has been among the best-selling 10 cars in Britain among private buyers for virtually all of its production life.
In 2003, the BBC’s Top Gear programme featured a segment on cars that gave value for money, highlighting specification that could be purchased for £9,000. The Micra K12 was selected and tested by presenter Richard Hammond, who gave it a positive review. This was despite comparing its qualities to those of a Boeing 737, concluding that the Micra “had all the toys”. However, when Hammond tested the Micra C+C in 2006, he was less than enthusiastic. This was because his model was coloured pink and as a result, he spent most of the segment driving it with a paper bag over his head.
The pink C+C was one of only five, made specifically for Nissan’s sponsorship of the C+C TLC Tour in 2005–06, in support of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity. Such was the public’s response that Nissan subsequently announced the launch of the Micra C+C Pink, limited to 100 models. These quickly sold out and another production run was announced in August 2006, this time limited to 175 cars.
Fujimi makes 1/24 scale plastic model kits of a 3-door K11 and 5-door K12, in several different versions. Kyosho also makes a 5-door K12, as a 1/43 scale diecast in both left- and right-hand drive versions. Bandai makes 1/24 or 1/43 etc plastic model kits and diecast model kits Nissan Be-1, while Norev makes a 1:43-scale Micra C+C 1.6, complete with folding roof.
The next generation Nissan Micra is due in 2009, and is expected to be built at the NMUK plant in Sunderland.[citation needed]