Nissan develops lightweight acoustic meta-material to reduce road noise

Road noise has long been a problem in cars in Cape Town, particularly when traveling at speed on the highway, but it's even more obvious in electric cars, which don't produce engine noise that can help mask it. Nissan has now developed an acoustic meta-material that is as effective as the sound insulation materials currently used, but at a quarter of the weight.

Carmakers have long used rubber boards to reduce road noise inside vehicle cabins, but these are heavy, reducing energy efficiency. This has lead a number of companies, including Hyundai and Bose, to tackle the problem by adapting active noise cancelling technology like that used in headphones in an attempt to cancel out the sound waves. Nissan's approach, however, is passive, so it doesn't require any power or complicated (or expensive) microphone and speaker setup.

The company also claims it is comparable in cost to mass-produce to rubber boards – if not cheaper. This is due to the acoustic meta-material's simple design, which is a lattice structure covered by a thin plastic film. This arrangement, which looks a bit like bubble wrap with one side removed, helps reflect wide frequency band noise in the 500 to 1,200-hertz range hitting the material, reducing the amount that passes through.

In addition to improving the energy efficiency of existing vehicles that currently rely on heavy rubber boards, Nissan says its acoustic meta-material could bring a quieter ride to vehicles whose use of conventional sound insulation materials due to weight and cost constraints.

There's no word on if or when Nissan Cape Town plans to integrate the acoustic meta-material into its vehicles, but you can stay up to date with any new developments by following Group 1 Nissan’s blog.

Original article from Wheels Galore.

TIPS FOR BUYING A NEW CAR IN SOUTH AFRICA

When you buy a car it should be a fun, exciting experience. Browsing vehicles, choosing the right one, then slipping behind the wheel of a bright, shiny new motor, ready to hit the road in style!
But often the number of questions associated with purchasing a new vehicle can turn a thrilling time into a stressful one. Between worrying about finance, knowing what to ask the dealer, and even deciding on which type of car to choose, the purchasing process can be a tricky one if you’re unfamiliar with it. That’s why Group 1 Nissan put together an extensive guide, but here’s a list of tips to guide you all the way from browsing to buying with as little hassle as possible.

1. Decide what you can afford

It may seem like a given, but working out how much you can afford to spend on car payments every month is a crucial first step to buying a new vehicle. It’s no good deciding on the car of your dreams, and then realising you won’t be able to afford it – or worse, crippling yourself with debt in order to make your payments.
That’s why before you buy a new car, it’s imperative that you calculate what you can realistically afford to spend on repayments every month. Also, make sure to budget for essentials like car insurance, and occasional repairs too.

2. Decide what type of car you need

Again, perhaps an obvious step, but another important one nonetheless. Deciding on the make and model of the car you need, rather than want. If you have a family, there’s no point investing in a two-seater sports car. Similarly, if you’re an urban warrior, there’s no reason to spend more than you can afford on a giant 4 x 4.
That’s why in order to ensure you choose the ideal car for your lifestyle, first make a note of exactly what it is you need from a car. Once you have a clear idea of the necessary specs and features, you’ll have narrowed your search considerably. After this process, you’ll have a clearer idea of which type of vehicle would suit you best.

3. Secure your financing

Some dealers may try to persuade you that securing financing is only necessary once you come to actually purchase a vehicle. In fact -walking into a dealership with approved financing gives you more negotiating power and allows you to find the best interest rate.
What’s more, having your financing approved before visiting a dealership may leave you with extra money to pay associated fees and taxes. These are costs that you might otherwise have to cover yourself after purchasing. As such, applying for vehicle finance before making an actual purchase can give you a welcome advantage.

4. Choose a dealership

Once you have a shortlist of potentially suitable vehicles to purchase and have secured financing for yourself, it’s time to visit a dealer. In South Africa, you’ll want to make sure any dealer you choose is a member of either the Retail Motor Industry Association (RMI) or the Independent Dealer Association (IDA). Both of these associations are accredited organisations that are regulated in order to ensure fairness, compliance and best practice standards. Before you approach any dealership, first make sure it is affiliated with either of these organisations in order to protect your rights as a consumer.

5. Go for a test drive

Now comes the most important part of the purchasing process – your questioning of the dealer. Before you make a decision on which car to buy, you’ll need to make sure you know it inside and out. That means asking the dealer questions about service plans, specifications, warranties, optional extras, or any other information you may need. This is also your opportunity to take your shortlisted vehicles for a test drive. Maybe even a few, if you feel it necessary. Make sure you know how well the car handles, how comfortable you feel driving it, and how confident you are behind the wheel before ever making an offer. And when it comes time to discussing price, remember that the door to negotiation is always open – and can sometimes lead to you paying less than full sticker price too!

6. Sign the paperwork

Once you have decided on your vehicle, and have accepted the price as quoted to you by the dealer, you will need to sign the paperwork in order to finalise the purchase. Make sure that you have your valid South African driver’s license with you, as well as proof of car insurance, and sign the contract once the vehicle is ready for delivery and you are fully satisfied with it.

7. Take a tour of your new car

While you could just as easily familiarise yourself with your new vehicle at home with the driver’s manual in hand, having your dealer take you through the various features and functions of the car will allow you to ask on-the-spot questions. Make sure your dealer runs through the dashboard functionality with you, any technological features such as Bluetooth, the type of petrol your car takes and shows you how to open your bonnet and petrol cap too. Lastly, make sure you have a copy of your car’s instruction booklet, service manual and original registration, and you’ll be ready to drive off and rule the road!

Article source: https://www.iwyze.co.za/post/7-tips-buying-a-new-car

Fifth-generation Micra is much more than a rental

Nissan might be best known for its bakkies, SUVs and GT-Rs but the Japanese brand has not forgotten its passenger car portfolio. Keen to reassert itself in the compact car market locally, Nissan’s sales strategy in this regard revolves around its fifth-generation Micra. 

Mechanically it is a twin of the current Renault Clio, with some distinguishing Japanese styling details such as switchblade rear lights and pronounced shoulder line styling creases.

The compact hatchback segment is South Africa’s most traded passenger car class and Nissan is doing something unusual by adding new Micra to its existing Micra Active/ Nissan Micra 2019, which is the fourth-generation car.

VW has shown how successful retailing a legacy model can be, by virtue of its dominance with Vivo, which is a previous generation Polo.

Nissan’s now in the position too much the same, with two-generations of Micra in the market, at Group 1 Nissan, creating a much broader pricing bandwidth.

Powered by an 898cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine, booting to 66kW and 140Nm, it promises to be both frugal and responsive.

A five-speed manual transmission runs the little city car from 0-100kph in 12.1 seconds, whilst a conservatively driven one should return an average fuel consumption of 5.1l/100km.

The range is three derivatives strong, with the anticipation of more engine and transmission options to come towards the end of 2018. Visia trim denotes the entry-level model which cruise control, air-conditioning, Bluetooth and a host of standard features such as ABS, stability control and hill-start assist – the latter being a very useful feature if you live in Northcliff or Sea Point.

Whereas rival brands often skimp a touch on the active safety specification of their compact hatchbacks, Nissan’s gone full-in with all the safety features you’d expect on a C-segment vehicle in its B-segment hatch.

Extending the range is Micra Acenta, adding alloy wheels and a seven-inch infotainment display which is Apple CarPlay compatible. The range-topping model is an Acenta Plus, which sizes-up the alloy wheel offering to 17-inches in diameter and has orange cabin trim.

What’s it like to drive? Curiously, Micra’s appeal pivots on its engine. If you keep the tiny turbocharged triple boosting, it’s credibly responsive and despite its compact size, Micra tracks reassuringly, even at highway speeds.

A consequence of having to keep the sub-1-litre engine on boost all the time is that fuel economy will never edge close to the claimed average of 5.1l/100km. A sixth gear will assist in lowering consumption at highway speeds and this certainly an upgrade which will be offered in time.

There are two advantages of Micra’s tiny engine which are not ordinarily considered. One is the reduction in mass above the front axle, which means Micra turns-in very crisply, without a nose-heavy feel when you are in a hurry and the road is a serpentine sequence of winding of corners.

The other is that at Gauteng motoring altitudes, where the air is thin and engines struggle for power, a turbocharged engine is far less afflicted by induction asthma than a naturally aspirated one.

Whereas most competitors have allowed VW to dominate the compact hatchback market in South Africa with its combination of legacy Vivo and new Polo, Nissan’s finally learnt that imitation is the best route to a rivalry.

Offering a combination of fourth- and fifth-generation Micra, on one generously broad pricing graph, is the closest thing to a true range alternative VW’s ever had to deal with in the South African market.





Article source: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/nissan-micra-turbocharged/

Tested: Nissan Navara Stealth is an attractive package

Nissan Navara 2.3D Stealth 4x4 auto

Vehicles that don’t match their names often end up taking flak from buyers, reviewers and internet trolls alike. This is usually because it says sporty on the box but the actual toy isn’t much fun to play with.


But Nissan’s new Navara Stealth edition is something we’ll happily forgive for its mismatched name. Stealth is a word you’d usually associated with going undercover, but this Nissan instead attracts attention on the street with its orange trim on the front bumper, side steps and wing mirrors as well as its large stickers and black wheels and grille. The latter in my opinion works better than the chrome trim that adorns other Navara models at Group 1 Nissan, and it makes for a sportier look.


The Stealth package is a purely aesthetic one, however, meaning that in essence this is a rival to the Ranger Wildtrak rather than the Raptor. The Stealth is available in 4x2 manual and auto as well as 4x4 auto configurations, commanding a very reasonable price premium over the Navara LE variants.


While it can’t match the 157kW/500Nm Ford for outright grunt, the 2.3-litre twin-turbo that comes standard in all Navaras is still more powerful than most rivals, producing 140kW at 3750rpm and 450Nm from 1500 revs.


The engine provides relatively effortless performance and it’s impressively smooth, quiet and refined too, and the seven-speed automatic gearbox is reasonably responsive.


On the subject of refinement, the Nissan Navara is the only vehicle in its class to feature a coil-sprung rear suspension rather than leaf springs, and while the unladen ride is comfortable enough on most surfaces, it doesn’t seem notably better than its rivals in that regard, and you’ll also feel an uncomfortable firmness over larger speed bumps - as you would in other bakkies. The Navara does handle corners quite neatly though.


For those that want to venture deep into the wilds, the Navara has all the typical ingredients you’d expect at this level, including a transfer case with low-range gearing, diff lock and a ground clearance of 129mm. While on the subject of utility, the Navara is rated to tow 3500kg (braked) and the payload is just short of a tonne, at 961kg.


It will make a decent family vehicle too, with relatively generous rear legroom, although really tall teens will probably want more headroom.


The features count is as generous as you could expect, with standard fare including partial leather seats (heated upfront and with electric adjustment for the driver), dual zone climate control, keyless push-button start, cruise control, auto headlights, a touchscreen infotainment system with satnav and a 360-degree Around View Monitor.


The Stealth also gets a unique seat upholstery that pairs black leather side bolsters with orange material inserts and stitching. It works well to lift the mood inside, without being too OTT.

VERDICT

The Navara operates in a cut-throat segment that has no shortage of talent, and although it doesn’t stand apart from its rivals in any particular area, it is a decent all-rounder that offers impressive all-round refinement. This could be a very attractive package for someone wanting to avoid the Hilux-Ranger herd, and stand out a little on the road (and trail).





Article source: https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/tested-nissan-navara-stealth-is-an-attractive-package-30229827

Will the NP200 ever achieve the much-loved status of “the 1400”?

Looking at the number of sales the 1-ton pick-up market keeps racking up month-after-month, as it has been doing for many years, one has to ask the question why there aren’t more smaller pick-ups on the market.


Once a thriving segment with a few competing offerings, the half-ton bakkie segment had the Ford Bantam (based on the front-drive Ford Escort hatch) and re-badged Mazda Rustler, Volkswagen Golf pick-up (which was based on Golf 1, and later renamed Caddy pick-up)… and way before them, the Datsun 1200 bakkie was born. This little bakkie became the Nissan 1400, and through a few upgrades like a higher roof and new face, stayed true to its origins. The Bantam was built for quite a few years, but then ended, while the VW Caddy kind of had to retire after the long-standing CitiGolf (Golf 1) was stopped. Interestingly, the oldest of the group also endured the longest, as 1400 outlived all the abovementioned half-tonners. Only the Opel Corsa Utility, as the new entrant, made some inroads – this became Chevrolet Utility. Fiat tried this for a while with its Strada, but quit.


When it came time for Nissan to close the 1400 production line, it commemorated it with a Heritage edition model, bowing out this little winner in style. The last of the rear-wheel-drive half-ton bakkies had to go. Nissan SA decided it was time to let it go… but why did it? Just looking at the high demand for the 1400 even now, and seeing how many are still running around daily, there would no doubt still be buyers today.


The big question was: what will they replace it with? Nissan had formed an alliance with Renault, who in turn has ties to Dacia. The Dacia bakkie seemed a good source to continue Nissan’s long-standing small bakkie sales strength, so the NP200 was decided on. However, this is not a true Nissan – just look at the front-end and interiors of the Dacia/Renault Logan sedan (which was thankfully stopped for the local market) and you’ll see the similarity between Logan and “Nissan” NP200.


Nissan SA introduced the Nissan NP200 for sale in September 2009, overlapping with the last of the 1400s produced. A sad day for South Africa – not so much the discontinuation of the 1400, but the NP200 marketed as a continuation of the loved little heritage bakkie.


It was very bold of Nissan to, in 2011, extend the warranty of all-new NP200 bakkies to 6 years or 150 000km. This means a buyer of a new NP200 would have a long time and far distance to go before the warranty expires.


Nissan SA boasts a comprehensive range of LCVs (Light Commercial Vehicles) in its commercial portfolio – the NP200 is at the bottom, and also sells the NP300 Hardbody, Navara (up for replacement by the NP300 Navara) and the Patrol pick-up, which had received a look similar to the Patrol SUV.


Strange that there are only 2 remnants of the half-ton bakkie – this Nissan NP200 from Group 1 Nissan, and the Chevrolet Utility, both selling 1200+ per month. Ford is expanding its commercial range but is happy to sell only Ranger and panel vans. Toyota actually had a small 1200 bakkie many years ago, but no replacement was made. Today only Volkswagen has a chance of re-entering this market when seeing the Saveiro from Brazil.



Article source: https://welovenissan.tumblr.com/post/190380871033/will-the-np200-ever-achieve-the-much-loved-status

2021 Nissan Patrol/Armada Caught Testing In The Middle East

It’s been a long time since Nissan gave us a new Armada and an even longer one for a new Nissan Patrol.

Nissan has been selling the current generation of the full-size Armada SUV in North America since 2016, which in turn is a rebadged version of the Patrol that’s been around since 2010 – that is, edging its retirement.

The Japanese company’s upcoming full-size SUV is expected to retain the current 5.6-liter petrol V8 modified for better efficiency. Since the key markets for the Patrol/Armada are still the US and the Middle East, Nissan doesn’t consider electrification, at least according to our reports.

Nissan apparently feels that adding a battery pack and electric motors isn’t going to help the case of its full-size SUV, as customers are less keen on saving fuel and the extra components will add more weight to an already heavy vehicle. However, and since this is based on rumors, it won’t be a huge surprise if Nissan goes ahead and offers its biggest SUV with either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrain, at least in certain markets, to reduce its emissions footprint. The engine range will also include a V6 option, but we still don’t know if it’ll be a naturally aspirated or turbocharged unit.

The design of the new model will stay faithful to the Patrol’s rugged character, albeit with a much-needed injection of modern detailing, including LED lights, and a new take on Nissan’s front grille.

Finally, according to Almuraba, Nissan is expected to reveal the new Patrol in 2020, with sales to commence in 2021 at Group 1 Nissan dealerships nationwide.

Article source: https://www.carscoops.com/2019/05/next-gen-2021-nissan-patrol-armada-caught-testing-in-the-middle-east/

Nissan Navara update brings new gearbox and added kit

Firm's best-selling pick-up given more 'car-like' driving dynamics and increased payload

Nissan has updated Navara pick-up for 2020, with increased connectivity and a new six-speed gearbox among the chief changes.

On sale from 1 July in the UK, the refreshed Navara range is available at Group 1 Nissan in the entry-level King Chassis Cab Visia or the Double Cab N-Guard with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Multi-link rear suspension, previously equipped on top-spec models, is now fitted as standard to all variants, raising the pick-up’s rear by 25mm and increasing the payload capacity by up to 46kg. Nissan also says the suspension revisions promote a more “comfortable and dynamic ‘car-like’ driving feel”.

The Navara’s entry-level 2.3-litre diesel engine has been given a second turbocharger, taking total power output from 158bhp to 161bhp, and good for a torque figure of 313lb ft. The engine now conforms to impending Euro 6d-temp emissions regulations, which will apply to all new cars registered in Europe from 1 September 2019.



The Nissan Navara’s six-speed manual gearbox now features longer gear ratios and a shorter shift pattern, allowing for quicker changes and enhanced efficiency.

Nissan has also upgraded the Navara’s brakes, claiming that 4mm larger front brake discs and bigger brake boosters have increased braking force by 40% and reduced the model’s overall stopping distance.

Styling has been largely unchanged, but the addition of new 17in and 18in alloy wheel designs to the range, alongside new black headlight trim, sets the model apart from pre-facelift examples.

Changes inside are subtle, but fitted as standard from mid-range N-Connecta trim upwards is Nissan’s latest connectivity system, an 8in touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and the ability to lock/unlock the Navara, configure the sat-nav and check fluid levels via an associated smartphone app.

The Navara was Nissan’s best-selling pick up in 2018, with 231,435 units sold worldwide – a 6% increase on 2017’s sales figures.







Article source: https://thenissanfan.home.blog/2019/09/30/nissan-navara-update-brings-new-gearbox-and-added-kit/

Nissan Navara NP300 Review

This is the latest in a long line of Nissan pick-ups, from a family tree that stretches back 80 years. Things move quickly in the motoring world though, and a class-leading vehicle can soon find itself an also-ran in just a few short months.




Ten years is therefore the motoring equivalent of an age, but despite this, that’s exactly how long the second generation of Nissan Navara had been on sale in the UK.

As good as it was, time waits for no man (or 4x4). So with impeccable timing, Nissan has brought its third-generation Navara, the Nissan NP300 to the forefront. Considering that there are refreshed versions of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Amarok and Mitsubishi L200 all entering the market, the Nissan has some stiff competition. However, this fight for supremacy is only set to intensify with the Renault Alaskan (based on the Navara) and Fiat's Fullback (based on the L200) both priming themselves to enter the battle, while Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Citroën are all watching on from the horizon.

Therefore it’s a good thing that Nissan has been thorough with the NP300, then. Although the chassis and 4WD system are modified versions of those found on the second-generation Navara, everything else is new. The engine has predictably been downsized and now comes in at 2.3 litres, a reduction of around 200cc.



Two outputs are available: 158bhp and 187bhp. You might expect Nissan to have simply cranked the boost up to get the additional power, but they’ve been a little more thorough than that, bolting on an extra turbo to create extra grunt. Naturally, both engines feature economy and emissions improvements, too.

The big news is that the Double Cab ditches the old-school leaf sprung rear end of the previous generation. In its place is an all-new five-link set-up with coil springs that promises greater ride comfort and improved handling. Despite this change, it can still carry over a tonne in the bed and tow 3.5 tonnes.

While King-Cab models still soldier on with cart springs, these will account for less than 10% of projected sales and are likely to be bought purely as workhorses. As the Double Cab is the one that will appeal to private buyers, potentially as an alternative to an SUV, that’s the model we’re looking at here.

We're not going to beat around the bush, the NP300 has the best ride comfort of any unladen pick-up we’ve experienced, although the latest generation Toyota Hilux has run it close. Where the previous-generation Navara (and other leaf-sprung competitors) would become bouncy and unsettled, the new model feels much more like a conventional SUV.





Even over sizeable bumps the rear end soaked up the initial hit before settling back down again almost immediately. Any pogo action you might have expected is notable only by its absence, which makes for much more comfortable progress over a variety of surfaces.

Handling is also much improved. You can carry a surprising amount of speed around bends while even rapid direction changes are completed without fuss. You’d never call it fun - slow steering and the laws of physics see to that - but it really does feel like a very stable vehicle and much better than you’d expect from a pick-up.

Despite this, the NP300 is still more than capable off-road. The Double Cab is 4WD only and comes complete with a low range ’box, hill descent control and excellent axle articulation. If you want to get really serious, a rear diff-lock is on the options list, too. Up a steep and rocky trail, the Navara didn’t even break into a sweat.

While it is a significant step forward over the old model, there are still reminders that the Navara is, in essence, a working vehicle. The rear suspension is a massive improvement, but there’s no getting away from the fact there’s a heavy-duty live axle attached to a ladder frame chassis.



Go over a vicious bump on one side and you can feel the rear wheels are connected, and you do get the odd shimmy from the body. Ultimately, a conventional SUV with a monocoque structure and less unsprung weight will ride and handle better. It wouldn’t be able to carry over a tonne in the back, though.

Nissan is claiming the interior has been inspired by its crossovers. At first glance, our top-spec Tekna test model appears similar to a Qashqai or X-Trail, there are four other trims to choose from including the entry-level Visia, Acenta, Acenta + and N-Connecta. There’s attractive piano black trim, a sprinkling of metal effect detailing plus a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and around-view monitor – particularly handy on something this big.

The entry-level Visia models come equipped with steel wheels, air conditioning and a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, while upgrading to Acenta gets you alloy wheels, a range of chrome details, and keyless entry and go. Acenta+ models get 18in alloys, side steps, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, and heated, electrically folding mirrors included in the package, while the N-Connecta trim gains a 7.0in touchscreen Nissan Connect infotainment system with sat nav, DAB , Bluetooth streaming capability and smartphone integration.

The range-topping Tekna spec gets most in the way of luxury appeal in the shape of roof rails, LED headlights, front heated seats, leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera and electrically adjustable driver's seat.

Further inspection reveals that although it looks crossover-like, it’s still a commercial vehicle at heart. The leather steering wheel and gear lever are nice enough, but those expecting a sea of soft-touch plastics should look elsewhere. Everything is solid and will no doubt be tough as old boots, but the plastics are all hard to the touch.

This workmanlike quality extends to the engine. You are always aware that there’s a fairly big diesel mill up front, and it gets particularly thrashy above 3000rpm. Performance is respectable with either engine output – it’s no ball of fire, but it’s always able to keep pace with traffic.

Given the choice, we’d opt for the 187bhp unit simply because you don’t have to work it quite as hard. From a driving perspective, we’d also be tempted by the automatic gearbox; it can be a little sluggish from a standing start and the odd shift could be smoother, but it’s better than the long-throw and occasionally vague manual ’box.



Wearing our sensible trousers, it’s worth knowing that the seven-speed automatic does increase CO2 levels from 169g/km to 183g/km, while economy tumbles from 44.1mpg to 40.3mpg. It should also be noted that the 187bhp lump is the only option should you want an auto or one of the top tier trim levels.

The Navara is far more comfortable than its competition, looks good in the metal (to these eyes at least) and yet is still able to carry or tow big loads, therefore if you are in the market for a pick-up it is the one to go for. But is it a direct competitor to an SUV? That’s a tricky question to answer.

There’s no doubt an SUV would offer cheaper running costs, better rear seat accommodation, should handle even better and probably have a higher level of perceived quality inside.

Not that this will matter that much to many people who are likely to buy a Navara, though; the idea of a do-everything lifestyle vehicle is the appeal here. That the Nissan doesn’t drive exactly like a crossover is no real issue; by narrowing the gap between pick-up and SUV, the NP300 has become one of the best pick-ups out there - book a NP300 test drive at Group 1 Nissan.





Article source: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/nissan/navara-np300

Why we like the new Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a wonderful car, always has been since the first-generation crossover rocked the local market. However, in the past, the Qashqai was akin to the less-confident cousin on a girls' night out - someone no one ever took note of but really should have.

With the launch of the new Qashqai earlier in January 2018, it's as if an epiphany has come over the compact crossover, akin to finally realising her self-worth.


Upgrades to the new version include design tweaks, quality equipment and materials, and well as technology inspired by customer feedback.


Now, the Qashqai has come into its own with striking good looks, fuel consumption that is highly favourable in SA, along with comfortable, and enjoyable driving dynamics.


I live a fair distance from work, and on any given day, a full-round trip could be as much as 150km depending on the route. That means a car that sips diesel as if it's a dainty cup at a High Tea, rather than a guzzling greedy monster, is much more preferable for the daily commute.





We sampled the 1.5-litre dCi and it took about 400km of driving before the needle moved even slightly from the full mark. Nissan claims the average fuel consumption for the urban crossover is only 4.2-litres/100km. On a good day, I managed to reach about 4.9-litres/100km, and even with more aggressive driving, it was only 5.9-litres/100km. For its size, and my driving style, that's blooming impressive in my book.

The diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and the gear changes are as smooth and delightful as new rose petals. It's not a sports car but it's dynamic and its handling is splendid. The 2WD Qashqai delivers 81kW and 260Nm, along with a claimed top speed of 182km/h.


My father, Marcus Gordon, is getting on in years but he still appreciates a good car. He is most definitely the biggest influence on the 'petrol' in my veins. We took a journey along the West Coast and my Dad came along for the ride.


He said: "Of all the cars I have ever driven in with you - ry hierdie kar die lekkerste (this car drives the best), it's so comfortable - even the way you sit in the seat, and the driving position is good too. I can see the entire road without struggling to look over the bonnet, even from the passenger side. And best of all, it's very fuel efficient."

With another fuel hike looming in November, fuel-efficient vehicles are the business right now. So far, the Qashqai is probably one of the best cars I have driven this year. If you're in the market, this has to be on your test drive list of potential option.

If you want to get behind the wheel of the Nissan Qashqai - simply book a test drive at Group 1 Nissan.


Article source: https://simplysoldonnissans.weebly.com/blog/why-we-like-the-new-nissan-qashqai

SA's best-selling bakkies: A great month for Nissan

The Toyota Hilux continues its run at the top of the sales charts by not only grabbing the title

of top-selling vehicle in February 2019 but also the country’s best-selling bakkie.

Hilux sales for the month of love totalled 3504 units, eclipsing that of the second-placed

Ford Ranger by nearly a thousand units.

The Ranger managed a tally of 2578 units.

Touching 2000

The Nissan NP200, the only remaining half-tonne bakkie in South Africa, narrowly

missed out on a monumental sales figure of two thousand units; the little Nissan managed

to secure the signatures of 1999 new owners to grab third place in February. If you want to

be a proud Nissan Navara driver - visit a Group 1 Nissan dealership near you.

Behind it the Isuzu D-Max showed strong pace as it sold off 1186 units last month,

followed by the Nissan NP300/Hardbody on 922 units.

In sixth place the Volkswagen Amarok sold 495 units, followed by the ever-impressing

Mahindra Scorpio Pik-up (226 units).

The Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-up managed to secure a sales figure 224 units, while the

GWM Steed managed 145 units in ninth place.

Article source: https://www.wheels24.co.za/OffRoad_and_4x4/Bakkie_and_SUV/
sas-best-selling-bakkies-hilux-unchallenged-at-the-top-great-month-for-nissan-20190304

CAR REVIEW: ALL-NEW NISSAN MICRA

The Nissan Micra’s massive transformation is set to impress…

The Nissan Micra, a popular model in South Africa’s hatchback segment, has

undergone a massive transformation and last week we got to meet it in the

metal. With a big leap forward in terms of design, we’re almost certain that the

all-new Micra is going to make a big impression on those looking for a trendy,

eye-catching and dynamic small car.

It goes without saying that it only takes one glance at the new Micra to notice

its more modern and striking exterior design. Of course, this comes with a more

expensive price tag than the old Micra, but if you consider how much bang is

offered for your buck, it’s a strong contender in its class.

Expressive exterior design

The new Micra’s exterior is eye-catching to say the least. Bold character lines

on its sculpted body give it an athletic and dynamic appearance and we love

how this translates and adapts to trendy urban environments.

A sloping roofline, black B and C-pillars that create a floating roof effect, and

discrete door handles in the C-pillar for rear passengers are just some of these

‘on trend’ features.

We also love the new Micra’s attractive rear styling, with striking new

boomerang-shaped light clusters and a sculpted bumper below them. It sits

high on its haunches with a sports-style rear roof spoiler and its carbon-look

bumper that hides the car’s exhaust pipe.

The Visia model comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels while the Acenta

adds 16-inch alloys and the Acenta Plus has 17-inch alloy wheels.

Six new Nissan Micra colours are available to choose from and our favourite

has to be Nissan’s Marketing Launch Colour, Energy Orange, which

complements its vibrant exterior beautifully!

Attention to detail in an ergonomically friendly cabin

Inside, the new Micra boasts comfortable and convenient features, as well as

a number of safety systems as standard, while interior design has been

modernised to match its exterior.

For me, what really stands out is that everything you come into contact with in

the cabin feels rather high-class. It’s also easy to get comfortable with a rake/

reach adjustable steering-wheel as standard, coupled with adjustable seats to

accommodate even the tallest of drivers. Back support in the front seats is a

pleasure while Nissan paid special attention to decrease driver discomfort and

fatigue on long journeys.

Even at the back, things remain rather cosy. I always like to spend time seated

at the back of a car while on launches, not forgetting that many of our readers

are in the market for family cars, or perhaps, a small car with lots of space in the

rear for those clunky child seats. Let me say that I was able to easily catch some

zzz’s in the new Micra’s roomy rear, thanks to its extended width which

contributes to enhanced elbow space, shoulder and knee room.

Speaking of those looking for spacious small cars, those who enjoy weekends

away with the kids will appreciate the new Micra’s competitive boot capacity of

300 litres, which can be expanded to 1004 litres when you fold the back seats

down. There’s loads of additional storage space around the cabin for cups, keys

and phones, and particularly worth noting is its large cubby hole, which I haven’t

come across in a while – I actually managed to store my entire handbag in there!

Connectivity

Back in the front, a 7-inch touchscreen colour display on the Acenta and Acenta

Plus is easy to use. Although the actual screen resolution and quality could do

with a bit of an upgrade (it’s a bit grainy and dull), it provides the driver with

access to features such as music, messages and maps through Apple CarPlay in

addition to the MP3, USB and Bluetooth in the Visia model.

Safety for you and your family

Every new Nissan Micra comes with six airbags as standard, plus seat belt

warnings and seat belt height adjustment for the front and rear. Isofix child seat

anchor points in the rear are also standard as well as in the front passenger seat.

Electronic safety systems include Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-locking Braking

System, Electronic Brake force Distribution and Hill Start Assist.

Driving the new Nissan Micra

In and around Cape Town during the launch, we got plenty of driving time with

the new Micra on various terrains in urban and rural environments. We drove

the mid-range Acenta model, but all three models offer the same engine: the

66kW, 140 N.m. turbo-charged petrol engine.

As an all-rounder, the new Micra is pretty impressive to drive, especially in and

around the city. In terms of suspension, it does a good job at dealing with bumps

on the road, and when you’re on the highway the new Micra feels superbly

stable – it’s as though you’re driving a much bigger car. It also benefits from a

remarkably quiet cabin – there’s not much wind noise, which is great when you’re

driving at high speeds in a very windy Cape Town! Limited noise levels in the

cabin is all thanks to Nissan’s enhanced noise isolation technology that has

been engineered into the car. Nissan notes that it’s designed to allow the driver

to hear the engine response, but stay isolated from other noises, such as those

generated by the tyres on the road.

Light brakes, easy steering and a smooth-shifting gear stick are a real pleasure

when maneuvering in the city.

Conclusion

As far as transformations go, the new Micra has to be right up there, with the

likes of the Ford Fiesta Volkswagen Polo to compete with. We think consumers

will enjoy its trendy design and easy-to-handle driving dynamics.

Test drive the new Nissan Micra at your nearest Group 1 Nissan dealership

today.

Article source: https://simplysoldonnissans.weebly.com/blog/car-review-all-new-nissan-micra