WITH its ambitious ‘Nissan 180’ business plan achieved well ahead of schedule, Nissan is riding high across world markets and enters 2006 stronger than at any time in its history.
Sales were up by more than one million in the 12 months to September, 2005, (the ‘1’ in the 180 plan), achieving the final ‘Nissan 180’ objective after operating margin of eight per cent and zero automotive debt (the ‘8’ and ‘0’) were accomplished two years ahead of schedule.
Gulf markets contributed significantly to the record-breaking 2005 global sales of 3.671 million, topping 100,000 for the first time and up 37.9 per cent on the 2001 base figure.
These sales have been important in a regional context and have reflected the dramatic impact that the manufacturer is making regionally and globally.
Now, with an unprecedented diversity in its sedan range – from budget-beating entry-level cars to full-size luxury models – Nissan sees 2006 as a springboard for further GCC market growth in passenger car sales.
The model lineup comprises:
• The evergreen Sunny – now in its ninth generation, and one of the most successful small cars in history
• The Altima – hailed as the most technologically-advanced midsize Nissan sedan ever offered to the region’s markets
• The Maxima – full-size luxury and comfort in a class-leading package
• The 350Z two-seater – a pure and passionate performance car
• The Tiida – newly-launched compact sedan and hatchback, but with the spaciousness, comfort, and the luxury of full-size upper-end vehicles
The 2006 Sunny retains all the characteristics that contribute to its status as an enduring favourite with Gulf motorists.
It is available in two variants – Super Saloon and EX Saloon, both embodying Nissan’s characteristic style and sophistication. Their external silhouette presents a contemporary appeal, while on the inside; elegance goes hand in hand with comfort and refinement.
Both come in a well-selected range of body colours – from metallic silver to red pearl. But there’s more to the Sunny than good looks. Under the skin, a superlative engine and impressive technologies heighten the perception of quality, shifting preconceived ideas of small car features.
Nissan’s new ‘QG’ engine gives the Sunny impressively brisk and smooth acceleration, with plenty of torque available – power combined with civilized restraint. Exceptional quietness is a hallmark of the Sunny, along with improved response, optimum fuel economy, and extended engine life.
A choice of three 16-valve DOHC power plants (all with EGI) offers capacities of 1.3, 1.6, and 1.8 litres. Respective horsepower and torque outputs are 95hp/6,000rpm, 12.5kg-m/4,400rpm; 118hp/6,000rpm, 16.5kg-m/4,000rpm; and 130hp/5,600rpm, 18.0kg-m/4,400rpm.
The ‘SG’ grade – available on the 1.6 L engine – gives drivers the best torque of any car in the same category.
This combination of performance and economy provides even better acceleration, with all the refined smoothness that typifies the new Sunny.
The Sunny is also top performer in safety standards, receiving maximum ‘AAA’ ratings from the Japanese New Car Assessment Program.
In the midsize segment, Nissan’s 2006 edition of the Altima offers unique design, exceptional performance, and contemporary interior – all packaged with state-of-the-art safety measures.
Altima designers set out to balance a triangle of needs – style, performance and roominess. They also had the benefit of building on Nissan’s all-new, technically advanced midsize front-wheel drive platform.
This new platform features a long wheelbase and wide track for greater dimensional flexibility and handling stability, a choice of a new state-of-the-art 4-cylinder and V6 engines and an extremely rigid structure on which to build a tight, quiet and solid feeling vehicle.
The distinctively styled 2006 Altima comes with an overall length of 4875 mm, width of 1790 mm and height of 1470 mm.
Contributing to the Altima’s low curb weight is the use of all-aluminum panel for the hood and trunk. The much lighter aluminum panels are easier to open and close and have a higher natural resonance frequency, decreasing the pintail for interior cabin noise.
A V6 engine will again be offered in the 2006 Altima. The 3.5SE model features a 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 producing 257 horsepower and 37.0 kg-m of torque/4800rpm.
The 3.5-litre V6 is part of the famed VQ engine series, which has been recognized as one of the “Ten Best Engines” by Ward’s Auto world magazine for eleven consecutive years.
The Altima 2.5-litre comes standard with a 187-horsepower 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder, producing 25.9 kg-m of torque/4000rpm.
Research by Nissan Middle East showed that many sedan buyers were unsatisfied with the performance and style of available segment offerings. The Altima was designed to fully exceed these ‘unmet needs’ and the enthusiasm of customer response is clearly illustrated in Altima’s outstanding sales performance since launching just over a year ago.
Of the new outstanding features that Altima has to offer is the new ADVANCE AIR BAG TECHNOLOGY (ABBT) Dual-stage supplemental front airbags, incorporating seat belt sensors which detect if the front passenger seat is empty or occupied by a young child; an occupant-classification sensor actually deflates the airbag, providing optimum safety for the occupants of the vehicle.
Moving up the full-size luxury segment, the 2006 Nissan Maxima GV is a true luxury sedan that reflects Nissan’s scrupulous attention to detail.
Maxima represent comfort in every sense; from a smooth and relaxing ride to the peace of mind that comes from advanced security systems. The core ingredients add up to a passenger-friendly recipe that puts the class-leading Maxima ahead of the field and ahead of its time.
The wide door-opening angles and high hip points create easy access, while the body design enables 360-degree visibility. The high eye-point further enhances visibility so that the driver can see all four corners of the vehicle and the boot lid.
Inside, the Maxima has all the refinements expected of a luxury sedan – fully automatic air-conditioning, UV-blocking and heat-insulating window glass, automatic cruise control, electrically-power driver’s seat, and high-end audio system with six-stack in-dash CD changer.
Steering wheel mounted audio controls and large, bright lettering on the fine-vision instrument panel display enable the driver to sit back and take command. All the information is instantly available and all controls are logically placed within easy reach.
Maxima GV is powered by Nissan’s famous VQ engine, a ten-time winner of the ‘Ten Best Engines’ award, presented annually by the US motoring magazine Ward’s Auto World.
The 3.0-litre, DOHC, 24-valve V6 generates 227hp @ 6,400 rpm and 29.4 kg/m torque at 3,600 rpm. Precision engineering delivers a rare combination of compact size, fuel-efficiency, and quietness.
More torque is available at low and medium engine speeds – a product of improved air-intake control systems that also boost power ratings.
On the road, increased body rigidity and multi-link beam suspension maximum tire grip, minimize body sway, and maintain directional stability.
Safety features include powerful Xenon headlamps, with manual leveling system, which give twice the intensity of conventional halogen headlamps.
Active head restraints, three-point seat belts, pre-tensioners, and load limiters complement the safety package along with dual front airbags. Anti-lock braking (ABS) and power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes at the front (ventilated) and rear provide quick and dependable stopping power.
Nissan’s Z series of performance cars has achieved legendary status since the first model appeared in 1970, and the 2006 edition of the current incarnation – the 350Z – more than maintains the marque’s reputation for passion and performance.
With its 310-horse power, the engine is a destination in itself, but it is the 350Z’s head-turning appearance that captivates viewers from first sight. The design is an expression of agility – very three-dimensional and moving. The 350Z is fluid and relaxed, from the curve of the door cut to the freeness and movement of the glass. It looks fast, but not just in a straight line. It’s a simple yet exacting design that gives the 350Z a polished feeling.
Inside, the 350Z is a realm of sensation: emphasizing the sporty appeal of the car without sacrificing functionality. The essence of the 350Z is performance, and the design – inside and out – reinforces that impression.
Though the 350Z has been executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity, with sufficient luggage space for carrying two golf bags behind the seats, as well as a lockable luggage floor-box for stowing a briefcase, and many other storage places.
Nissan’s main 2006 sales generator will be the newly launched Tiida sedan and hatchback, a compact duo that are destined to go straight to the top of the small car sales charts in the GCC.
Interior roominess, high quality interiors and comfortable stress-free environment at an economy price tag, are the key features that made Tiida an instant best seller when first introduced in their homeland in 2004.
Tiida proved that automotive rules could be broken by creating small cars that have all the spaciousness, comfort, and luxury of a full-size upper-end sedan.
They reached Middle East showrooms in November, bringing unprecedented style and comfort to a traditionally price-driven market segment where the bare essentials had been the dominant characteristics.
Now, set for its first full year in GCC markets, Tiida has all the hallmarks of a sales chart record-breaker.
Despite its compact segment classification, Tiida’s interior length is more than 1.833 metres– equal to or larger than some full-size luxury sedans. Both hatchback and sedan versions also feature large cargo areas, ideal for owners with highly active lives.
The cabin provides 18 per cent more knee room and seven per cent more interior length than the nearest class competitor, and at 467 litres, cargo capacity is the biggest in the small car segment.
First impressions are created by the Tiida’s advanced exterior design and styling, set off by an exceptional mirror-like finish provided by Nissan’s ‘Image Clarity Steel Sheet’ – a process that uses no fewer than four different coats and was previously applied only to luxury sedans.
The middle coat and clear coat are thickly applied to create a rich, reflective luster, emphasizing the flowing lines of the body and adding an extra touch of elegance.
Inside, the high roof means that even tall passengers enjoy sufficient headroom, while extra-wide door apertures and seats with high hip-points make getting in and out easy, natural, and comfortable.
The interior also has a very high quality look and feel, with large, comfortable seats and a range of available features and equipment. In the rear, the seating position feels more like a comfortable, supportive chair, rather than a flat cushion.
Premium quality upholstery and trim combine synthetic leather and top-grade fabric, setting off the spacious seating that is normally exclusive to mid-size and full-size vehicles. Eyes closed, occupants wouldn’t know they were in an entry-level car.
Under the hood, a newly developed engine creates weight savings, power increase, and noise reduction. The1.6-litre HR16 couples to five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, producing 118 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 17kg-m of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The engine features many technological advances to enhance intake/exhaust efficiency, thermal efficiency and torque, while reducing noise and friction and delivering class-leading fuel economy.
Using only 7.0L/100 km , Tiida’s launch coincides with a growing market shift towards less thirsty engines prompted by the recent hike in fuel prices and their long-term upward trend.
Electronic power steering is a technological ‘first’ for Nissan and Tiida, replacing conventional hydraulics with an independent motor-powered system. Together with strut suspension up front and a multi-link beam axle in rear, superior aerodynamics (a wind-cheating drag co efficiency of 0.29 zero front lift), ripple-control shock absorbers, and damper rebound springs, the Tiida delivers driving stability and ride comfort comparable to high-priced upper segment models.
Small cars are now the fastest-growing sector of the GCC market, topping 128,000 unit sales last year – 40 per cent of total passenger car sales.
But current hatchbacks account for only eight percent of the small car segment, so Nissan sees a great market opportunity for the Tiida.
Just following existing market trends should see the Tiida hatchback establishing a dominant position. Executives at Nissan Middle East are confident they have a winner on their hands, as the Tiida starts with a clear lead over rivals in terms of spaciousness, comfort, style and value for money.
Now, with the introduction of the Tiida in the high-volume compact segment – and similar top-class contenders across the market spectrum – Nissan’s 2006 sedan lineup is poised for a memorable year.
