NISSAN ESFLOW CONCEPT

As diligent as we at Automobile Journal try to be as we cover auto shows, there’s always one astonishing car or concept that we inadvertently overlook. For this year’s recently concluded Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, the choice has to be Nissan’s remarkable ESFLOW all-electric sports car concept.

As diehard lovers of all things automotive, we took one look at this one and asked,”So when is this one  going into production?” 

It uses technology Nissan already had on hand from the Nissan Leaf, considered by many to be the first true, mass produced all-electric family sedan.
ESFLOW is a two seat, rear wheel drive two seat sports car powered by two electric motors that each drive a wheel. It has laminated lithium-ion batteries mounted low for best weight distribution, and Nissan says it can hit 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds. It can go over 240 kilometers on one electrical charge.

“ESFLOW has been created from the ground up as a pure electric vehicle, to give an idea how a Zero Emission sports car of the future might look. Living ecologically has often been seen as an act of austerity – to save one’s environmental conscience sacrifices must be made. ESFLOW is here to address that misconception,”  a Nissan news release says. “Owning an ecologically sound car does not have to come at the expense of driving enjoyment. The briefest glance at the ESFLOW is enough to tell you what kind of car it is: a long hood leading into a steeply raked, wrap around windscreen, the compact cabin placing the occupants bang on the car’s center of gravity, hunched arches over ultra-low profile tires wrapped around six spoke wheels. ESFLOW is unmistakably a sports car, and those in the know will recognize its heritage – hints of classic and contemporary Nissan sports cars abound.”

     There’s no denying that the ESFLOW resembles Nissan’s 370Z, so it’s easy to wonder if what we’re really looking at here is the next Z car. Could it be? But there’s somuch distinctiveness in ESFLOW’s look that it certainly deserves to stand alone as a whole new entry.
       When you look at ESFLOW, you’ll probably notice that i’ts got a pretty high waistline. But having that waistline, Nissan says,  ”allows  strong, yet unobtrusive roll bars incorporated in to the structure behind the seats to safely take the entire load of the car in the event of a roll over, negating the need for obtrusive, thick, reinforced A-pillars and the blind spots they inevitably create.”

This almost unobstructed view ahead will not be unfamiliar to fighter pilots, and just as such pilots speak of “strapping their planes on to their backs”, we hope ESFLOW owners will also feel the car to be an extension of their bodies, reacting to their slightest whims. The driver must be at the centre of the sports car both physically and metaphorically.

The Body
The ESFLOW is undoubtedly an attractive car. Crisp, clean lines not only convey the purity of its sporting potential, but suggest the clarity of electric power.

Byh the way, Nissan says the ESFLOW’s color scheme “is inspired by glaciers – highly reflective solidified liquid with blue tints in its shadows. Like its ZEV concept forebears and contemporary stable mate the ESFLOW’s headlights and Nissan emblem are tinted cool blue. The six spoke wheels contain blue carbon inserts while the same material adorns the side sill, roof mounted lip spoiler and lower rear bumper.”

“Blue LEDs accentuate the futuristic lights slashed into the bodywork both front and rear” Nissan says. “ Where the Nissan LEAF’s protrusive headlights are used to guide airflow around the door mirrors, this is not needed on ESFLOW as the mirrors have been replaced with minute rear view cameras at the base of its A-pillars. The ESFLOW’s front lights do protect a secret of their own however: flip out charging points built in to the air ducts beneath.”

Nissan says that “Ecological minimalism need not come at the expense of luxury. The cabin of the ESFLOW is clean and open and weight saving has been a priority throughout its design, but it is still a comfortable and pleasant place to sit. By far the heaviest components in modern cars’ interiors are the steel framed, thickly upholstered and increasingly motorized seats. In ESFLOW the seats are sculpted into the rear bulkhead of the car, negating the need for a heavy frame. This of course means that they are immobile, but this is of no consequence as the fly-by-wire steering and pedals adjust electrically to the best spot to suit each individual driver’s size and preferred driving position.”

A very, very cool car!

The seats themselves are upholstered in gold leather and perforated gold suede while the doors are trimmed in dark blue leather and suede. The blue and gold motif, the colour of sparks, is continued across the dashboard, which is also adorned with silver carbon trim, and features four multifunction illuminated LCD displays.

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2012 NISSAN VERSA

Model: 2012 Nissan Versa SL Sedan

Engine: 1.6-liter inline 4

Horsepower/Torque: 109 hp @ 6,000 rpm/107 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm

Transmission: CVT

Wheelbase: 102.4 in.

Length/Width/Height: 175.4 x 66.7 x 59.6 in.

Tires: P185/65R15

Cargo volume: 14.8 cu. ft.

Fuel economy: 30 mpg city/38 mpg highway (27/36 with 5MT)

Fuel capacity: 10.8 gal.

Curb weight: 2,459 lbs.

Sticker: $10,990 (base) to $16,260 (top) plus $750 destination charge

Five reasons to buy this car

1. Low cost

2. Spacious for a compact car

3. Decent handling in urban situations

4. Feature-laden for price

5. More space-per-dollar in class

The Bottom Line: Nissan’s new Versa isn’t in the same class as a Rolls-Royce, but in its class, the Versa has been a proven leader. The new Versa has outstanding rear seat legroom for its class, good handling and good economy.

          Nissan introduced the 2012 Versa recently in Seattle, which turned out to be a good location for the car. First, the drive route took us past all the corporate headquarters in the Seattle area – Microsoft, Starbucks, Nintendo, T-Mobile, etc. This drive also showed off the Versa’s capabilities in urban traffic, as we negotiated Seattle’s many twisty streets and hills, plus had good views of Puget Sound along the way.

          Nissan also advised us that the hatchback redesign will arrive shortly, as one of Nissan’s planned every-six-months introductions over the next five years.

          The first generation Versa was introduced in July 2006 and has generated 350,000 sales. It is the US segment share leader at 30.8 percent.

          You’ll note that the Versa has fuel economy figures of 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. While the 38 highway doesn’t reach the magical 40 mpg, we were told that the difference between 38 and 40 over 15,000 miles is $36, not worth the expense to get there.

          The first thing you note in driving the Versa is its size.

 Yes, it’s still a compact sedan, but great effort has been put into increasing interior space. For example, the Versa has very good front legroom and excellent rear legroom. Nissan claims there’s more rear legroom in the Versa than can be found in the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. That’s pretty heady competition.

          Interior fabrics range from cloth in the low-end S with a manual transmission, to high-end cloth in the top-of-the-line 1.6SL CVT. The SL is well-equipped with XM Satellite radio, iPod controls, a navigation system with a clear screen that got us back on track when we tended to wander, and all the safety equipment you’d want.

          Nissan uses what it calls “fine vision” instrumentation, which consists of black-on-white gauges with red pointers. The two heater controls (temperature and fan speed) are simple and intuitive.

          What was slightly disappointing was the “not luxury” feel to the car. Yes, I know it’s an entry-level compact, but the roominess makes you think it’s a larger, higher-grade car. Not that the Nissan is low grade by any means, it just that when you slam the doors, there’s a lack of the solidity you’d expect from a car with that much interior room. However, considering the price and economy, you can soon learn to live with that.

          Nissan expects the entry level segment to peak at a little over 700,000 vehicles a year through 2016, while competitors in the segment will grow from 9 to 16. Hyundai, for example, introduced its new Accent at approximately the same time as Nissan.

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2011 NISSAN MURANO SL AWD: INTO THE LIGHT

It’s tough living in somebody else’s shadow.  Just ask anybody who’s got a more popular overachiever as an older sibling. Or anybody who’s toiled away in an office for years while a more flamboyant co-worker gets all the glory.

      Now consider the 2011 Nissan Murano.  Once the darling of the crossover world, the Murano has been pushed out of the spotlight by its more glamorous younger sibling, Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet.

    But the Murano SL has plenty of good stuff to claim its own time in the sunlight: Beautiful styling, exceedingly comfortable accomodations, strong acceleration, and handling that seems more like a sports car than a crossover.  Very cool!

Along with its refreshed grille and bumper design, new taillights, a new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design and a number of interior and content additions, Murano again combines its noteworthy “mobile suite” interior with advanced technology and a refined, premium driving feel to create a modern crossover SUV like no other.

Also for 2011, two new models have been added to the lineup: SV FWD and SV AWD. They join the Murano S FWD, Murano S AWD, Murano SL FWD, Murano SL AWD, Murano LE FWD and Murano LE AWD to provide buyers with a wide range of equipment and features to match any need or budget. Other changes include the addition of one new exterior color, Graphite Blue, and a new wood grain hue on LE models.

 Power comes from a 3.5 liter 260 horsepower V-6, with mileage ratings of 18/23. Estimated annual fuell cost is $2,250 based on 15,000 miles at $3.00 a gallon.

Based price of our Murano SL AWD was $37,060, which includes as standard equipment all power accessories, eight way power drdiver seat with power lumbar support, heated front seats, 60/40 fold-flat rear seatback with power return, leather seating, aluminum trim accents, cruise control,  halogen headlights, satellite radio, all wheel drive, traction control and stability control, electronic brake force distribution and a host of other items.

    The very first thing you notice about the Murano is the styling.  It remains, after a refresh two years ago, a sleek, robust-looking crossover with a futuristic grille and unusual looking rear end.  I’s definitely 21st century, and you won’t see any boxy, trucky styling elements here.  Given its’ “with it” looks and its well-crafted, gorgeous interior,  the Murano is clearly an upscale crossover. 

We think of it as a product aimed at design conscious, affluent young childless couples who have a hankering for weekend hiking and biking trips, antique shopping and the like. That message comes through loud and clear given that the Murano does not have a third row seat–a big problem for many people with established families, but not a big deal to us. There’s too many other things to like about the Murano.

      The handling is quite good, too.  It corners flat, the steering feels pretty well balanced and stable, and the presence of  anti roll bars back and front help explain why this car feels so firmly planted on the road. 

 Speaking of firm, you will feel the bumps and imperfections in the road while behind the wheel, but we like that. We want to know what the car’s doing.  But for those who want marshmallowy road manners, and lots of softness, our advice is to look elsewhere.

     Inside, we saw leg stretching, generous space front and back, and the hatch area is surprisingly large and accommodating in spite of the Murano’s compact, muscled dimensions.

The Murano is just a way cool, practical, fun-to-drive crossover that won’t cramp your car enthusiast soul.

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2011 NISSAN MURANO CROSSCABRIOLET

SPECIFICATIONS

   Model: 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC V6

 Horsepower/Torque: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm/248 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm

 Transmission: Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control

 Wheelbase: 111.2 in.

 Length/Width/Height: 190.1 x 74.5 x 66.2 in. Tires: P235/55R20 Cargo volume: 12.3 cu. ft. (top up)

 Fuel economy: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway/18.8 mpg test

 Fuel capacity: 21.7 gal.

 Curb weight: 4,438 lbs.

 Sticker: (Base) $46,390 plus $500 for camel interior, $125 for splash guards, $185 for floor mats, carpeted cargo net

  Five reasons to buy this car

1. Be the first on your block 2. Nice variation on Murano and convertible concepts 3. Good road manners 4. Comfortable front and rear 5. Fun   The Bottom Line: If you want to get noticed, then the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet may be what you’re looking for. It carries four in comfort, has classic good looks that are a cross between the modern Murano and a classic, and it has very good road manners.

             I’ll admit I was taken aback by the response to the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. I knew the vehicle had ground-breaking design that’s a cross between the crossover Murano and a convertible, with all-wheel drive thrown in for good measure. I didn’t know that the one that appeared in my driveway would have this incredible almost-pink “Sunset Bronze” paint that attracted comments (all good) like sugar water attracts hummingbirds.   

        People had read about the car, had heard about it, and were in general anxious to look at it and kick the tires. My granddaughters loved it, because on the way home from nursery school with the top down, they could shout “good-bye” to all their friends and get noticed. They can’t do that in Mommy’s minivan.

           We got reactions from nursery school parents, a woman at a gas station, parking lot attendants and other drivers who pulled up next to us at stop lights.

          The CrossCabriolet is a neat car to drive and be seen in. It’s fun on the highway and in the city.   

        Converting the Murano into the CrossCabriolet involves more than just cutting off the hard top and adding a rag top. Everything aft of the A-pillar has been reinforced. In converting the Murano from a four-door to a two-door, the doors were lengthened (7.9 inches longer than in the CUV) and the cargo capacity compromised.   

        The longer doors weren’t a problem. It just involved being careful when you open them so you don’t ding a neighboring car’s doors. The cargo capacity (31.8 to 64.5 cubic feet vs. 12.3) wasn’t either. For a family of four, the top must stay up. For a family of two, it can go down. A decent amount of cargo will fit under the top holder in the trunk and, of course, there’s always the back seat, even if it does detract from the convertible experience a bit.

           With the top up, there are two windows in the rear (one in the traditional place, the other at the rear section of the top) to cut down on the claustrophobic feel the rear passengers might feel. Still, with the top up, rearward vision is compromised, especially with the rear headrests in place.

           Power is very good with the 3.5-liter DOHC V6. It’s listed at 265 horsepower, and working through a CVT transmission, is smooth and pleasant. You can shift the tranny if you want (that’s the “Adaptive Shift Control” part), but why?  

         The front and rear seats offer some side support, but it isn’t great. Still, they’re comfortable. The rear seats have decent leg room, with a fixed console between them that holds a pair of cupholders, for example. It’s easy to put child seats in the rear, especially with the top down. For safety, there are roll bars that pop up behind the rear seat headrests if the vehicle senses an impending roll-over.   

        As with many Nissans these days, the CrossCabriolet has a pushbutton start. There’s a “key holder” insert underneath the pushbutton that also is smart. For example, when you pull the key fob out of the holder, the radio shuts off, even if you’re still in the car.         

  The CrossCabriolet has all the standard Murano features, including a unique two-tiered glove box that is large enough to hold the owner’s manual and something more than just gloves.

           Overall, the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is a knockout. It’s fun to drive and be seen in. It’s comfortable for four and is a neat tourer.       

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2011 NISSAN QUEST 3.5 LE:LUXURIOUS, AND MORE CONVENTIONAL

The  first impression you have of  Nissan’s all new 2011 Quest can be summed up in one word: Big.

It’s really not any bigger than other minivans, but the design sure makes it look more massive. It’s  a square-shouldered, unapologetically masculine look that immediately sets it off from other minivans. You won’t be mistaking this one for anything else.

  Come to think of it, that could be said about the last generation Quest,  but that model was, well, unconventional inside and out in ways that didin’t draw a lot of consumners.  We don’t think that will be a worry with the new model.  It  may have a look all its own, but it’s still utterly conventional and not likely to offend anyone.

  The strong card of this minivan is clearly the interior.  There was plenty of room for everybody, and the third row was especially comfortable. There were no knees up in our chests, cramped hips or other issues that you often have with any product that has three rows. And we really loved the power feature of the third row which allowed you to both raise and lower them at the touch of a fingertip.  And kudos to the dual opening glass moonroof  which provided lots of fresh air and sunlight in both the front and rear sections.

And it was really easy to get in and out of the second row seats, thanks to an easy entry feature and second row sliding and reclining captains chairs.

In addition, the interior of the  new Quest is elegant. We had the top of the line LE model, and its interior handily topped the Toyota Sienna’s top model, which seemed to have downgraded the appointments a bit in its latest version. Lovely chocolate colored piping surrounded the outside edges of the caramel hued leather seating, and the combination of aluminum, leather and chrome, along with some nice wood trim, looked terrific. The dash design with all of the tony-looking trim, looked like it came straight out of a luxury car.

Of course, nothing comes cheap, and neither does this top of the line version of the Quest. The LE  has a base price of $41,350 asnd the moonroof, destination charges and other options brought the final price to $43,740.

You do get a long list of standard features, including eight way power driver seat with memory function,  heated front seats, fold flat seconbd row captains chairs, a rear storage well with a spit lid which really in handy, a 13 speaker boss audio system with music box, XM satellite radio,  USB Audio interface, a navigation system, Blue Tooth rear view monitor and color display, climate control system  air filter, full power equipment such as windows and door locks,  16 bottle and cup holders, power sliding doors and other features too numerous to mention.

The Quest is powered by a 3.5 liter 260 horsepower six,  which gets 19/24 miles per gallon.   Annual fuel bill is $2,142, based on 15,000 miles of driving and gasoline priced at $3.oo a gallon. The six  moves the car nicely on the highway or in urban traffic. Handling is quite composed and entertaining considering the sheer size and mass of the Quest. We think the Quest really is one of the better handling minivans on the market.

Disadvantages? One concern, and this isn’t limited to  Nissan and Quest, is that there are lots of good things that come on the LE that aren’t available elsewhere in the Quest lineup, and that means you either pony up the extra cost or do without. This is all because manufacturers these days package things together so you end up buying stuff you might no otherwise want.

Also, if  you need an eight passenger van, you’ll have to look elsewhere because the Quest only holds seven. That was just fine by us, but others might disagree. We also have heard concerns that there wasn’t enough storage space and places to put things, but we thought that complaint wasn’t justified.  The Quest turned out to be more than adequate for our purposes.

All told, the new Quest is a huge improvement and well worthy of your attention.

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2011 GRAND LIVINA AUTOMATIC ADVERTIMENT

Grand Livina peeing in 2010, this automatic transmission uses electronic controls, quiet, sweet, Automatic Power Drive, but strong, with all aluminum engines with a new MR18DE CVTC.

Engine:

1.8-liter MR18DE

1.6-liter HR16DE

5-speed manual transmission

4-speed automatic transmission

Overdrive switch

electronically controlled fuel injection

The control electronics and fuel injection, Drive-by-wire system delivers exceptional torque and smooth acceleration, while fuel consumption and noise.

Compact and lightweight, four-cylinder engine, the new all-aluminum engine is the successor technology HQ Drive-by-wire to increase the efficiency of air intake and torque at all speeds.

Nissan Grand Livina, a hatchback that will attract more than a few admirers. With good looks are not deceiving, this charming MPV appear immediately on the road. Your personality and passion for the ride comfortable and energetic. This is a minivan that will surely leave an impression.

The Grand Livina MPV is easily adapted to your needs. Back and forth with confidence knowing that this van has space for transporting goods from temporary jobs has the ability to meet the seven at any time. Creation of a minivan that has gained worldwide recognition and admiration.

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NISSAN PATHFINDER 2011

A new Silver Edition model that commemorates the Pathfinder’s 25th anniversary comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone operation, XM radio (subscription required after a three-month trial) and Nissan’s integrated key-fob entry system.

Interior

Seven-passenger seating includes split, folding second and third rows. The front passenger seat also folds. The second-row seat is split 40/20/40. The 50/50-split third row folds into the floor with the head restraints in place. Eight utility hooks are installed in the rear cargo area, and storage is provided under the second-row seats. Interior features include:

* Available cloth or leather seating surfaces
* Optional dual-zone automatic climate control
* Optional heated front seats
* Optional Bose audio system
* Optional DVD entertainment system with 7-inch color monitor
* Optional navigation system
* Optional heated steering wheel 

Press Release:

Europe’s best selling pick-up and its SUV sibling since its launch – the Nissan Navara and Pathfinder – have been given a mid-term boost with a number of significant enhancements designed to keep them at the top.

Among the changes are the arrival of a new and technically advanced 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; important improvements to the popular 2.5-litre dCi diesel; greater levels of passive safety; new equipment including the availability of a state-of-the-art Nissan Connect Premium touch-screen satellite navigation system, a premium Bose sound system and a rear view camera; enhanced interior quality and a number of styling changes to keep Navara and Pathfinder looking sharp.

Together the improvements reinforce Nissan’s premier position in the all-wheel drive market and strengthen both Navara and Pathfinder’s status in a hugely competitive segment.

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the improved new-look Navara and Pathfinder models are due on sale across Europe in April 2010. They will be followed two months later by the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel flagship models.

Power output is 170 kW (231PS) while the torque output of 550 Nm leads the class. Better still, peak torque is achieved from as low as 1,700 rpm and is available all the way to 2,500 rpm, while as much as 500 Nm is available from a mere 1,500 rpm. Idle speed is an exceptionally low 650 rpm with none of the vibrations and noise usually associated with a diesel.

The result is strong low-end performance with comfortably refined delivery and exemplary throttle response. In addition, the engine helps provide strong towing performance, the Pathfinder capable of towing a 3500 kg braked trailer with Navara having a 3000 kg limit.

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2012 NISSAN MIVO LAUNCH ELECTRIC CAR IN JAPAN

Nissan plans to develop subcompact cars electric powered by lithium-ion self-developed. This Nissan became the first Japanese automaker to announce their intention to develop and sell mass-market all-electric vehicles worldwide. This would put them in direct competition with domestic rivals Honda and Toyota both of which are already selling hybrid cars in Japan and the USA.

Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan, recently said in a statement that Nissan plans to launch electric car in Japan and the U.S. market for the year 2010. Nissan aims to offer its electric cars globally by 2012, in its long-term plan.

In this world of rising gas prices and pollution Nissan electric cars would also be able to meet more stringent fuel economy standards in the developed countries of this initiative.

Tokyo, Japan — One of the many concept cars being readied for the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan is this iPod-inspired vehicle. With a design that's best described as odd and/or bulbous, it features accelerator and brake pedals embossed withaudio player symbols: fast-forward and stop. According to Nissan, the Pivo 2 is an advanced electric concept car that builds on the popularity of the first Pivo, which was shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Power comes from environmentally friendly compact lithium-ion batteries. More of an entertaining way of transport than a traditional car, it even features a "highly innovative Robotic Agent". Drivers will never be lonely again, as the robotic companion can converse in both Japanese and English dialects, and was created to make journeys less stressful. The robotic agent is also instrumental in operating the cars functions, from heating and cooling to navigation. The entire front end of the car opens up via a large door to allow the driver and his two passengers access, and because it features a rotating cabin (the entire cabin can swivel 360 degrees) there is no need for a reverse gear. The vehicle is made even more nimble thanks to four wheels. Each of the four wheels are powered by advanced electric in-wheel '3D Motors', which can then swivel 90 degrees allowing the Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.

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EVENT NISSAN MIXIM ELECTRIC CARS

Electric cars, even if they are good, they make no sense economically. trends could be attracted to green cars electric car, which has a huge rechargeable batteries.

Nissan for a few months from the date of release in the United States the first series of electric cars, the leaf. Honda, meanwhile, the last sale of a 100% electric car 10 years ago. Nissan also said it is investing £ 4000000000 for the development and production of electric cars and batteries.

Nissan sheet will be priced at £ 28,350. However, customers will pay the price of the expensive battery and other important components that wear is not revealed. Therefore, there are huge uncertainties surrounding the costs of ownership.

Nissan says its new electric car costs more or less comparable cars equipped with a diesel is questionable. Volkswagen Golf 1.6 is a range of 760 km and will cost about € 17000. Kia Cee'd 1.6 CRDi costs £ 12 000 and is also a 7-year warranty. Honda Insight, a range of 565 miles for £ 16000. And BMW is progressing as planned roll city car to electricity by 2013.

Honda says it plans to sell electric cars in the U.S., but his priority is to improve the energy efficiency of new models. Nissan Leaf made his European debut in Portugal and Holland, followed by Great Britain and Ireland. It has a range of 160 km on a fully charged battery. However, the use of air for long periods to reduce its scope. BMW is also developing a technology at the front, which forms the basis of the Mini.

Carmakers, forecasting that electric cars represent 10% of the global automotive market in 2020. It is estimated that there will be 70,000 electric cars on British roads in 2020. But uncertainty about the battery life, limited range and long recharge time means that electric cars are likely to remain a niche product in the near future.

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2011 NISSAN LEAF NEW REVIEW

2011-Nissan Leaf is a foretaste of what is to come. It's not pretty, it's not cheap to buy but it is a purely electric drive emits nothing. He did not even have a tail pipe. This is the first car to electric propulsion makes realistic sense. Despite only a range of 100 miles, it is a vehicle for sustainable consumption with long-term appeal.
Leaf has lost the mother would love. The lines are smooth, rounded body, but I'm not big on curb appeal. It offers the opportunity to start to stand out in a while, which is nice. This is the size of a standard size car, outside and there are a lot of heads and legs, even for senior officer. I would rate on par with the Golf, at least for size.

Inside Leaf looks like any other car. It has many buttons and gadgets and playing with a button-like drive in the control medium. Our version has the screen, navigation, iPod connectivity and USB and climate control. The problem is that they all said "power drain" to us and we were almost afraid to use them, they are shorter range. Overall, the interior is light and airy, which comfortably seats four adults.

How is your trip? Ten miles? Twenty? Perhaps to drive 30 miles in a normal working day: back and forth to work, out to dinner, do a few things on the way home. This is a typical attempt to typical American commuter. In fact, if you look at typical mileage driven by more people in this country, handles about 12,000 miles a year. Divided by 365 and you have 33 miles a day. Although times 15000 km a year, you're still only going 41 miles per day. Then why did you ask if we are obsessed with the mileage? As the driving range is the first thing people want to know when you mention the new Nissan Leaf.

Not with an engine note is disturbing at first. Despite the fact that there is a distinct lack of wind noise, without a background hum of the engine. Although we can not endorse this for longer distances for the obvious reason the area is ideal for the town of Leaf. Smooth and powerful engine makes short work of a box in a city. We sat there for air-conditioned comfort to mount the LED light with minimal effort at all.

Leaf engine is fully electronic. This is a permanent magnet electric motor produces 107 hp and motorcycles. The expected range of 100 km between charges, which is why this is not a long-range cruiser. Payment is required 19 hours of 120-volt source, or 7 240-192-cell battery provides a steady stream, but woe to drive the gadgets go all the time.

Leaf base SV costs $ 33.600, excluding a $ 7,500 tax credit the federal government. SL is an additional $ 940, which adds a few toys as automatic headlights and a solar panel to recharge the battery. So it's not cheap to buy, even with the tax credit.

Tell someone you recently led the leaf, count silently to three, and be prepared to ask: "Oh, 'bout 70 or 80 miles" ... So far he go on a full charge ? "normal driving," you reply. "And where will you charge?" "In my garage at night when I sleep." Then comes the question: "You mean you just put it in the wall?" And you say, "Well, you the plug on the wall. But the wall to a special charger that is installed by a licensed electrician contract to your Nissan dealer. " At this point, the conversation in a predictable turn: "How much" as you say. "Depends on where you live, how old your house and how much of a tax advantage of your offer local government and some states cover most costs "Naturally, the next question is inevitable:" And how long is take to recharge? And you tell them eight hours with a decent 220 (3.3 kW) charger.

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2011 EUROPE LAUNCHED THE NISSAN X-TRAIL

Nissan Europe launched the Nissan X-Trail SUV in September 2011. X-Trail 2011 slide in Europe would have been the same as the revised version of the JDM (Japan Domestic Market), which was released in July.

Nissan said the changes in the last X-Trail are the exteriors and interiors as well as some of the features. Nissan has also promised to improve the aerodynamic and mechanical systems.

For the images were published on the Internet reveals that the X-Trail 2011, using a newly designed grille and headlight design and front and rear bumpers are cooler. While the rear lights feature LED will also be added.

Nissan said total length of the X-Trail 2010 increased by 10 mm front bumper design changes. In addition, the height is increased by 10 mm later with a wheel diameter of 17 and 18 inches. Although the value of the reduced aerodynamic 0.35 CD 0.36 CD.

In the internal improvements made by installing better quality materials. This is reflected in the steering wheel, gear lever, armrest and door trim bench glove gloves.

In addition, dashboards, including computer monitors, also reviewed. With the improvement in the front seat, Nissan says, the distance from the rear passenger knee Longar is now 10 mm.

Despite the published images of the X-Trail 2011, but Nissan has not said about andaannya SUV sales price. Nissan will unveil the new prices before its release later.

With the addition of the new "20GT" 6-speed automatic transmission (with manual shift mode) model, Nissan now offers a model of Clean Diesel Advanced is able to provide both better services and respect the environment. The X-TRAIL "20GT" is driven by the 2-liter "M9R" clean diesel engine that generates the low speed range, a level of torque can be compared to a gasoline engine 3.5-liter V6.

In fiscal 2010, Nissan will present a two-pillar strategy to reduce CO2 emissions, "emissions" and the Pure Drive. PURE Drive vehicles are designed to provide a high level of fuel economy in class, the models produced in series, giving them as the next generation of eco-technology, including a stop of inactivity, clean diesel and hybrids. "20GB" is another series of vehicles PURE Drive for use in Japan.

models X-TRAIL fuel engine equipped, Nissan now offers the qualities that meet the tax relief measures Series 3 in Japan's "tax system to facilitate the diffusion of environmentally friendly cars," and thus entitled to 75% reduction in car tax and car tax burden. Meanwhile, clean diesel "20GT" model are totally exempt from vehicle tax and tax on vehicle weight under the tax system.

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