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Which One To Choose: Nissan Juke vs. Nissan Qashqai

Choosing between the Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke is a hard decision, but hopefully, this helpful guide will sort you out

Nissan’s two mighty small SUVs have been among the most popular models sold in ever since they graced our roads.

Not just because their looks shocked the average person because they were so angular and so not British, but because they were actually good. Really good.  

But which is right for you? Hopefully, our comparison review will help you to make a sensible and informed decision. 

Styling

You wouldn’t be wrong for thinking the Nissan Juke for sale is a spaceship at first glance.

Ever since it came out back in 2010, this small crossover has been the car of choice for small families and those wanting to experience the world of SUVs without getting a really big car. 

What makes the Juke so popular is its size and vast familiarity. It’s on the same level as a Ford Fiesta or Mini Cooper when it comes to recognition, which has really helped the brand become popular over here. 

On the other hand, the Qashqai comes across as a more serious version of the Juke. Not only is it a larger car, sitting in Nissan’s model line-up as a fully-fledged SUV, but it also feels more grown-up.

The most recent generation comes with more chrome body parts, higher-quality trim and an overall better interior. But it’s also available in some bright colours, so it’s not all that serious.  

What are they like to drive?

If you’re looking at buying a small crossover or SUV then there’s no doubt you’re after a smooth and easy ride.

Well, thankfully both the Juke and Qashqai offer just that. 

Nissan’s Juke SUV for sale is a very easy and fuel-efficient car to drive.

Because of the raised driving position, it’s even easier to see what’s in front of you – and that can be really helpful when navigating tight roads or reversing into a parking space.  

Early versions were available with both petrol and diesel engines, but newer models only come with the former – which we’d say is the better engine choice for this car anyway. 

Like the Juke, the Qashqai benefits from a higher driving position but it takes it one step further with a really great suspension setup, which ensures the car is really smooth over bumpy surfaces.  

It’s quiet too, despite having either a petrol or diesel engine under the bonnet.

But out of all the choices on offer, the smaller engine is the more desirable, mainly because it’s smoother, happier to rev, quieter and more economical.  

Interior and technology

With both these cars being Nissans, you can expect their interiors to be somewhat similar.

Both cars feature the brand’s NissanConnect infotainment system which is easy to use and crisp to view.

Newer Juke and Qashqai models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too, if you don’t fancy using the car’s system and just want to hook your phone up.  

There are many trim levels available on Juke models, including the Visia trim that gets you air-con, sports seats and six airbags.

Moving up is the Acenta, which has Bluetooth, a USB port and climate control. 

Tekna+ models get a DAB radio, air-con, cruise control, heated front seats, climate control and more – it’s really all you need. 

The Qashqai is also available with a variety of trim levels, ranging from the Visia to the top-spec Premiere Edition.

But no matter which one you opt for, you won’t be disappointed because the interior quality is on a par with its German alternatives. 

Boot space and practicality

If boot space and practicality are what you desire, then you'll admire the Qashqai.

Being a full-size SUV, you expect there to be plenty of space back there – and there is.

Its boot measures in at 504 litres, growing to 1,447 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

On top of this, there’s lots of space available for backseat passengers and plenty of cupholders and storage solutions too. 

But just because the Juke is smaller doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not big enough.

In fact, it’s far from it. Its boot measures in at 422 litres, which is impressive for a small crossover SUV, and rear legroom isn’t too compromised.

Sure, it’s not as roomy as its larger sibling, but it’s still plenty for most people.  

Safety and reliability

Being a well-established Japanese brand, both these Nissans are going to be very reliable cars.

All of the petrol and diesel engines used are really solid and will continue to run smoothly for many, many miles to come. 

In terms of safety, both the Juke and larger Qashqai scored a full five marks following their most recent Euro NCAP crash testing.

This also showed great adult and child passenger safety scores – perfect for family cars. 

Dimensions:

Nissan Juke

Length: 4210mm

Width: 1800mm

Height: 1577mm

Boot space: 422 litres

Find a used Nissan Juke in South Africa.

Nissan Qashqai

Length: 4425mm

Width: 1835mm

Height: 1625mm

Boot space: 504 litres

Verdict: Nissan Juke vs Nissan Qashqai: which should you buy?

When it comes down to it, either way you go, you won’t be disappointed.

We’re sure you’ve come to a conclusion yourself after reading this, but if not, perhaps our verdict will help. 

We’d recommend choosing the Nissan Juke if you’re after something that’s nimble, not too big and sits nice and high on the road.

After all, there’s nothing worse than feeling cramped and small on a big motorway. 

However, if you’d rather have more space and extra practicality, then the Qashqai is by far the better choice.

This is a full-sized SUV that offers great levels of safety, is reliable and fits most families really well.

Have you ever seen a Qashqai and Doctor Who’s Tardis in the same room? No, because they are both the same practical vehicle.   

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Shared from https://thenissanfan.home.blog/2023/12/16/which-one-to-choose-nissan-juke-vs-nissan-qashqai/

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The Nissan Magnite Is A Modern All-Rounder City Car

With a tough-as-nails exterior, versatile interior and state-of-the-art technology, the new Nissan Magnite is ready to take on any task.

Gone are the days when one’s daily vehicle served a single purpose. For the modern driver, their car is a space of solace on the way home after a long day at the office; a rugged hauler of household odds-and-ends; a zippy commuter to that early Monday morning lecture; and a comfortable cruiser for weekends away with the family. With industry-leading technology and a seamless driving experience wrapped up in a head-turning design, the new Nissan Magnite is causing a stir in the compact SUV market.

Its versatility ticks all the boxes of what South African drivers expect from their cars. Furthermore, Nissan’s customer-centric mindset is defining a new mobility future for customers through virtual showroom experiences, with easy access to effective financial planning tools and a whole lot more to relieve financial pressure – a welcomed benefit for customers seeking a full-scale experience pre, during and even after purchase.

New Nissan Magnite: Features

Turbocharged Driving Pleasure

Nissan has poured time and resources into improving and refining the Magnite’s 1.0-litre turbocharged motor, which borrows technology from the Japanese carmaker’s world-class GT-R sports car to deliver effortless acceleration and fuel efficiency. The engine puts out a dynamic 74kW of power, which, when coupled with either the exhilarating CVT or manual gearboxes, offers an efficient and smooth driving experience – ideal for bumper-to-bumper traffic or winding highways.

However, this agility is not cause for stress at the petrol pumps.

With escalating fuel prices in South Africa, drivers justifiably want more kilometres for their buck. The Magnite’s three-cylinder engine is as frugal as it is powerful, with an average fuel consumption of only 5.2l/100km on the manual transmission and 6.0l/100km on the CVT gearbox. Bringing into focus and an upfront understanding of the total cost of owning the Magnite, customers have access to the finance calculator, available on the Nissan South Africa website – giving them more control in their purchase consideration.

Ready For Any Road

When the weather turns for the worse, or when that pesky pothole appears at the last moment, the extensive range of driver aids in the Magnite work coherently to ensure the driver is kept in control.

With intuitive systems like ABS, EBD, Traction Control, and Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), standard across the range, the Magnite is well-equipped to handle changing road surfaces and sudden changes in direction.

Another standard safety feature is Nissan’s intelligent Hill Start Assist Control which keeps the vehicle steady on an incline – preventing disaster on the slip of the clutch. For those open roads, the Nissan Magnite lets drivers take their foot off the pedal – a cruise control coupled with an adjustable speed limiter function coming standard across the range.  

New Nissan Magnite: Evolved Inside And Out

Visually, the Magnite is a showstopper: its dominating front grille and signature taillamps are centrepieces to the distinctive curves and edges which shape the rest of the vehicle. Nissan has also introduced first-in-segment L-shaped daylight running lamps to the Magnite, adding to its bold and aggressive appearance. 

Inside, The Versatility Of The Magnite Shines Through.

The ergonomic cockpit is designed around the driver, with Nissan’s 8-inch touch-operated infotainment system being the mantelpiece of the slick interior. Above offering seamless connectivity through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, – the carmaker’s state-of-the-art integrated audio, navigation, and communication system – puts the heart and soul of the Magnite at the driver’s fingertips.

Passengers will welcome the additional leg space synonymous with a crossover and the 336 litres of boot space means not having to skimp on the extra holiday luggage.  

The Magnite is feature-packed on the inside and out, with the intelligent driver aids and advanced technologies one would usually expect from a manufacturer’s flagship vehicle. By further leveraging Nissan’s strong DNA in the SUV market, the Magnite is a crossover that blends the best of both worlds: the space and comfort of an SUV with the agility and wieldiness of a city commuter.

This makes the Magnite an increasingly adaptable vehicle, as well suited to the bustling Johannesburg city centre as to the twisty sideroads of the Cape Winelands. Book a test drive a see for yourself!

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Shared from https://myheartbelongstonissan.mystrikingly.com/blog/the-nissan-magnite-is-a-modern-all-rounder-city-car

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The New Nissan X-Trail Is A Premium Package

I’ve always felt that the Nissan X-Trail has never quite had a fair crack of the whip. It’s a car long overshadowed in Irish and European terms by its smaller, more successful brother, the Qashqai. While that might have been fair enough when thinking of the X-Trail that’s just departed – a somewhat dull car that even looked like a Qashqai had been inflated with a bike pump – there have been some truly impressive models over the years.

Think back to the second-generation X-Trail, launched in 2007. It was square, and a bit bug-eyed, and probably undermined itself a bit by looking too much like its predecessor at a time when the first-gen Qashqai was rewriting the SUV rulebook. But it was actually a terrific car, far better to drive than any mid-size SUV had a right to be at the time, and enormously practical with it.

While the Qashqai has since gone on to world domination, I reckon Nissan might have another sleeper hit on its hands with this latest X-Trail SUV. As it has long been, this one is in its essentials an up-gunned Qashqai, taking that car’s platform and propulsion and adding more space, more seats (seven seats are optional), and a dash more class.

As for the rest of the X-Trail, it’s really quite an impressive car. The styling is clearly Qashqai-influenced – see the arrowhead lights at the front and the tumbling grille – but it carves out more of a distinct personality for itself than the last one did. It looks big and bulky, but actually at 4.5m long, it’s not all that massive.

Its most impressive aspect is its interior. True, space in the back isn’t revolutionary – the back seats are tolerably roomy, but the foldaway third row in the boot is a toddler-only zone, and at 464 litres the boot space is quite small for this class of car – but up front, it’s just lovely. The big screen in the middle and the digital instrument panel are both lifted from the Qashqai and the work well even if some of the graphics look a touch 1990s Sega Megadrive.

What you really notice, though, are the levels of quality and comfort. Sure, there are a few dated fixtures but on the whole, the cabin feels terrific and superbly well-made. Great seats too, and on this SVE model an ear-piercing Bose stereo. It’s a good enough cabin that even premium brand players in the SUV market might have to look on their laurels, somewhat.

It’s surprisingly good in corners, where well-weighted steering means that, while it’s certainly no sports car (and would you really expect it to be?) it’s sure-footed and never ill-mannered. It’s better at a steady cruise, though, where the comfort and silence shine through and the kilometres just effortlessly roll by. Until you clock the fuel gauge…

The XTrail is one of those SUVs by which it’s hard not to be charmed. It’s much better than just a bigger Qashqai.

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Shared from https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/

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Quick Review Of The Nissan Navara Top Model

A comfortable and well-appointed alternative

Following the release of the facelifted Navara a few years ago, Nissan is once again producing a modern one-tonner at its local factory in Rosslyn. With the old NP300 Hardbody finally having retired, Nissan is offering an expanded range of Navara models, from your basic single cab workhorse right through to the range-topping Pro4X double cab that is the subject of this test.

The double cab bakkie market is a tough one to crack, but Nissan has come in all guns blazing with its latest Navara models, which also has a unique selling point in the form of its five-link coil-sprung rear suspension.

This set-up really makes a big difference to the ride quality, ensuring comfort levels on a variety of surfaces that are more akin to an SUV than a bakkie. It also handles well for a bakkie and the steering feels accurate and intuitive.

Performance and economy

Unlike the pre-facelift model, which had a 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel power unit, the new Navara features Nissan’s tried-and-trusted 2.5-litre YD25 unit, which produces 140kW and 450Nm. It is paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The engine does sound a little agricultural at start-up and pull-off, but at cruising speeds it is as refined as you could expect. And while its outputs have fallen behind rivals from Toyota and Ford, the Navara still offers effortless performance that’s likely to satisfy the majority of owners. It also offers loads of low-down torque, with the maximum available from as low as 2000rpm.

As for consumption, on a short highway trip, we managed 7.6 litres per 100km, but in town, the figure rose to 11.3 l/100km.

As you’d expect, the range-topping Navara is available in both 4x2 (Pro-2X) and 4x4 (Pro-4X) guises. Due to time constraints, we were unable to test its trail-crawling ability, but the Nissan does come with all the hardware that you’d expect from a proper off-roader.

This includes a shift-on-the-fly transfer case with low range, a diff lock and hill-descent control. Nissan claims a ground clearance of 221mm as well as respective approach, breaoverk and departure angles of 32.6, 23.3 and 26.5 degrees.

Interior and features

It’s hard to say whether we’re impressed or disappointed by the interior of the Navara Pro-4X as it is very much a mixed bag.

Visually there are some flavourful touches, such as the leather seats with a unique quilting pattern and red stitching, and we really liked the sporty three-spoke steering wheel with its red Nissan logo. But other than that, Nissan didn’t really update the dashboard design of the facelifted model, and the hard plastic surfaces don’t look premium enough for this end of the market. That said, there’s no faulting the build quality and it all feels solidly put together.

The range-topping Nissan Navara is well equipped and in addition to an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is easy to use and ticks all the usual boxes, there’s a four-camera surround view system that comes in particularly handy when you’re parking or bundu bashing.

There’s a whole slew of additional driver assistance features too, including blind spot warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping alert and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it comes with conventional cruise control rather than the adaptive type that’s becoming more common at the upper end of the market.

As far as practicality goes, rear legroom in the Navara is average at best, and headroom is possibly not sufficient for taller individuals.

Loading it up

The Navara Pro4X has a payload of just over one tonne, which is competitive enough, and there’s also a Utili-track cargo management system with adjustable cleats for securing loads. But surprisingly, given the fitment of the latter, there’s no standard bed lining or tonneau cover solution to speak of.

Conclusion and verdict

The Nissan Navara Pro-4X is competitively priced against the equivalent Isuzu V-Cross and cheaper than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and Toyota Hilux Legend

The Nissan double cab ticks most of the boxes and although performance is average, it does impress with its ride quality and a long list of standard features. It’s certainly worth a test drive if you’re tired of the usual suspects in this segment.

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Article reshared from https://myheartbelongstonissan.mystrikingly.com/blog/quick-review-of-the-nissan-navara-top-model

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Nissan SA Adopts A Culture Of Continuous Improvement

To enable the successful launch of the new Navara bakkie, various enhancements needed to happen at the company’s Rosslyn production facility. We speak to the brand’s head of IT for Africa, Lunga Mpofane.

Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, near Pretoria, was opened more than five decades ago. For years, this massive facility has played a key role in the brand’s strategy to secure a bigger share of the new vehicle market in South Africa and more broadly across Africa.

Serving as Nissan’s light-commercial vehicle manufacturing hub for the region, Rossyln is the linchpin in its African transformation strategy. That’s why the automotive giant pumped R3 billion into improving the facility in 2019, with much of this going towards preparing the plant for the production of the latest Nissan Navara pickup.

Book a test drive of the new Navara at a Nissan Cape Town dealership.

According to Lunga Mpofane, head of IT for Africa Regional Business Unit and head of Industrial Systems for Africa, the Middle East and India, ensuring the success of the upgrades and digital transformation at Rosslyn demanded that Nissan consider its manufacturing operations in totality. This involved identifying ways to standardise manufacturing processes in order to scale more easily.

Mpofane is responsible for making sure that the plant has the required technical resources and IT systems to ensure that manufacturing operations run at optimal levels. For example, a part-picking selection system, also known as Pick by Light, is being used to select parts for a particular model based on a specific code for each part. “Based on the rules within the system, lights are switched on at the various parts required for each model. Once the operator has picked the part, he switches off the light. If all lights are switched off, the unit is confirmed and then the lights will be switched on again for the parts required for the next unit. This approach increases efficiencies across the production line and reduces human error of picking incorrect parts.”

The value of improving these processes all came to a head in the middle of 2021 when, after several years of preparation and development, the first locally-produced Nissan Navara rolled off the production line onto Nissan dealers in Johannesburg, Eastern Cape, Cape Town and across SA.

To enable this launch, various facility enhancements needed to happen, including different technological, systems and machinery improvements, he says. While the Navara might be a ‘rugged bakkie’, the company wanted to make sure that it was manufactured using the latest technologies and equipment, leveraging innovative infrastructure and automation capabilities to streamline how the vehicle was produced.

As part of this, Mpofane spent time working on production line consolidation and increasing efficiencies, enabling the manufacture of multiple models on a single production line and giving the flexibility to adjust the production speed based on varying supply and demand requirements.

Additional training and upskilling was provided to South African staff, as part of the Rosslyn upgrades, to guarantee that the work met Nissan’s exacting global quality standards. But due to the pandemic, some creativity was required in how some of this training was delivered. He says: “The start of lockdown provided Nissan globally with an opportunity to fast-track its digital transformation strategy. We had to rapidly adopt virtual technologies, like MS Teams and Zoom, to continue delivering critical business-enabling projects, despite people being in different geographical areas. For example, local engineers and technicians used these tools to complete virtual technical training on the production planning system so that they knew how to make the most of the upgrades at the facility.”

Kaizen chiefs

In line with Nissan’s kaizen way – which is the Japanese word for ‘improvement’ and describes an approach that aims to create continuous improvements by making small positive changes – Mpofane is constantly exploring the latest technological advancements in the manufacturing sector to advance the brand’s locally built products. He believes that it comes down to using digital innovation to better meet the diverse needs of the customer base, while also providing employees with the most cutting-edge technologies so that they can be more productive.

One such innovation that he’s exploring is the use of digital twinning to constantly monitor the manufacturing facility’s performance. “Using a digital twin, we can collect information and create simulations so that we have the opportunity to predict how a product or process will perform,” he says.

Digital twins help to minimise future disasters by enabling Nissan to shift production to another plant without much disruption. “This has already been piloted at Japan’s Oppama Plant. Japan has had multiple natural disasters (earthquakes and tsunamis), where production has been impacted negatively. With digital twinning, Nissan can redirect production to the nearest plant utilising the records of the distressed plant to continue production as usual.”

Nissan has undertaken comprehensive research over several years to gain a deeper understanding of customer needs. This is a key priority for all automotive brands because customer demands and expectations have changed so much in recent years. Mpofane stresses that this data has been critical to the local production of the Navara. And, when combined with intelligent tools like AI, the data only continues to provide insights that can be leveraged to help expand operations across the African continent.

Connectedness

“These insights enable us to develop the technological features that end up in Nissan vehicles, making sure that these are manufactured to enhance the overall driver experience,” he says.

Citing Nissan Intelligent Mobility, dubbed NIM, as an example of this, Mpofane boasts that the newest vehicles offer customers a range of smart features that showcase the significance and importance of having rich data.

Using a digital twin, we can collect information and create simulations so that we have the opportunity to predict how a product or process will perform once Nissan Cape Town dealers start making sales.

Lunga Mpofane, Nissan

The idea behind NIM is to make Nissan drivers feel more confident and connected, while also enhancing road safety. For example, NIM aims to provide the driver with extra peace of mind via safety features designed to identify and manage risks. Features like intelligent forward collision warnings, pedestrian detection, intelligent emergency braking, blind spot warning and lane departure warning. All of these features represent the brand’s desire to redefine how its cars interact with each other and with the world around them.

“Essentially, what Nissan has been doing and continues to do, is to integrate the driver and the vehicle with the technologies and environments around them,” he says. It’s all about connectedness and connectivity, he continues, highlighting that the aim is to advance current NIM technology by ‘bringing vehicles to life’ and allowing them to connect to one another, learn from each other and eventually enable EVs to charge while driving.

Speaking to those who have dreams of one day doing similar work in the automotive industry, he believes passion, commitment and drive can open any door. “You need to be passionate about the industry and you need to be passionate about the technology,” he says, stressing that people shouldn’t think that this industry is all glamour; sometimes there will be more lows than highs.

“Those wanting to get involved in the automotive sector, with a technology focus, should be prepared to be challenged every single day. But if you have a deep, burning passion, these challenges will only propel you to think in new ways and to do things better.”

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Info shared by https://myheartbelongstonissan.mystrikingly.com/blog/nissan-sa-adopts-a-culture-of-continuous-improvement

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The 2022 Nissan Patrol’s Best Features

The 2022 Nissan Patrol is a rugged off-roader with jaw-dropping power and safety features.

Most SUVs are front-wheel-drive crossovers with a decent ground clearance to handle city duties and optional all-wheel-drive that allows them to explore the beaten path. However, only a handful of vehicles can be called classic SUVs in recent times. One such car that has gained iconic status and offered extreme ruggedness and multiple utilities happen to be the Nissan Patrol.

In some markets, the Nissan Patrol also known as the Nissan Armada; however, they are essentially the same vehicle. The luxury car offers classic boxer proportions that associate with an SUV, along with a 4x4 system that gives the driver enough confidence to drive beyond the horizon, and the vehicle is also powered by a big V8 engine.

The Best Feature Of The 2022 Nissan Patrol: A Mammoth-Sized Engine

Most SUVs, crossovers, or even compact SUVs are known to have a small turbocharged engine to produce tremendous power and be fuel-efficient at the same time. The Nissan Patrol takes an entirely different approach to this as it got powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine producing over 298 kW and 560 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, as this is the only powertrain available for the Patrol. The car also comes with a drive mode selector that can send the power either to the rear wheels when in city use or to all four wheels while driving on the road to obtain maximum traction. Although the weight of this off-roader is slightly high, about 900kg, the performance numbers seem to be pretty good. The car can make a 0 to 100km sprint in just 5.8 seconds and also boasts a top speed of 209 km/h. However, one of the drawbacks of the off-roader is the fuel efficiency factor, as it returns a combined fuel economy of 15L/100km. On the other hand, the ladder on-frame construction of the vehicle gives the chassis as much towing capability as up to 3855kg. Overall, the car has a very smooth and plush ride quality as it comes with 18-inch wheels as standard, and the range goes all the way up to 22-inches; the ride of the vehicle is fairly good even on the low-profile tyres.

A Spacious Cabin Area

The Nissan Patrol has a length of 5,3m and a wheelbase of 3 m, thereby liberating a lot of room for the passenger compartment. The utility vehicle comes with three-row seats as standard, wherein all three rows get climate control functionality and ample knee as well as headroom. The vehicle can also accommodate up to 8 passengers, but the boot's capacity drops when all rows of seating are up. The overall cabin quality is exceptional, and it is also well-insulated from the outside world. Most of the materials used in the vehicle happen to be of premium quality, and all the tangible panels are either made from soft-touch materials or got covered in leather. The vehicle also has a huge 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which has all the basic functionality one expects from a modern-day car. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be operated wirelessly and are offered as standard on all vehicle trims. The higher models of the vehicle also add in goodies like a wireless smartphone charger and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The top trim of the vehicle also has a rear entertainment package, which features two 8-inch screens for the rear passengers.

Multiple Standard Safety Kits

Every trim of the Nissan Patrol provides standard safety and driver assistance features. The vehicle comes with standard autonomous emergency braking, Lane departure warning, and Lane-keep assist. There is also the inclusion of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert along with a 360-degree parking camera, all as standard even on the lower trims.

The 2022 Nissan Patrol is a renowned name, as the legacy that has been built by the brand kept the name tag for over 70 years. The vehicle picks up right where its predecessor left and makes things even better for its owners by providing many safety kits and tremendous power figures. 

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Info shared by https://nissanenthusiast.wordpress.com/2022/11/26/the-2022-nissan-patrols-best-features/

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Small Nissan City Car Reviewed

Nissan Micra Hatchback

If a small car is top of your shopping list, then take a look at out Nissan Micra review to see why this city car would suit your lifestyle. 

Nippy, compact, great for city driving, small cars are good first cars as well as handy for driving around town. With fun engines and quirky looks, city cars can hold their own for longer journeys too these days. 

Edgy design inside and out

Competitively low emissions

Sense of fun, modernity

Cheap to run

Easy to park

Low emissions

The Nissan Micra has been around since 1993 and since then has developed an enviable reputation as a reliable, dependable and practical small car.

Launched in March 2017, the fifth-generation Micra features a totally different look to its predecessor – and indeed, most of its rivals. It’s sharp-edged and stylish, with a bold face and sloping roofline making it stand out from the crowd. Step up to higher trim levels and you can have two-tone paint or stylishly large alloy wheels, too.

Although there is an N-Sport model, it’s not a hot hatch like the Ford Fiesta ST, Hyundai i20 N or Volkswagen Polo GTI. Instead, it’s an appearance pack that makes do with the Micra’s sole available engine. Like most rivals it’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, although there’s only one power output. You can have an automatic gearbox, though.

Like most rivals these days the Micra is only available with five-doors, boosting practicality. Even so, we wouldn’t say this is the car’s forte with plenty of rivals being better bets for rear seat space. At least the boot is a decent size.

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Info sourced from https://www.parkers.co.uk/

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Best Car Features: Nissan Micra

The current Nissan Micra competes with famous hatchbacks like the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevrolet Spark.

We all dream about burning rubber with a car that has a robust engine, cool interior gadgets, a great exterior design that doesn’t embarrass you in front of your peers, and seats that almost grip you. But above all the bells and whistles, what we’re looking for is reliability, practicality, and efficiency on all fronts. On that note, Nissan has done it all: from timeless Z sedans to crossover models like the Qashqai Midnight. Like most brands, Nissan has stepped into the electric era with the release of its all-new electric models abroad.

Since its debut almost 38 years ago, the Nissan Micra has been a beacon of Nissan’s success, and history keeps repeating itself. The latest Micra city car was introduced to the market in a couple of variants: Tekna, Acenta, Visia, and Acenta Plus. With the line-up assortment, you’ll certainly find something that’ll suit your lifestyle. According to the brand, you also have options to customise your ideal Micra model.

Across the line-up, the Micra received fresh exterior styling rudiments that bring out a whole new definition to the Micra's identity. And the fact that you have a choice to have it customized is mind-blowing, to say the least. Speaking of which, you can choose between two reformed finishes, along with upgraded LED headlamps to give it a bolder appearance.

Info found on https://simplysoldonnissans.weebly.com/blog/best-car-features-nissan-micra

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Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT As Experienced By An Owner

An ownership review of the Nissan Magnite Compact SUV

We came across this review on Team BHP’s website and simply had to share - for the love of the Magnite and to show off the Nissan Magnite experience with those considering buying one.

I really liked that they offered all the safety features even on the lowest Turbo variant. Within my budget, I could easily get the mid-spec model and with a slight bit of stretch, could go for the top-spec Nissan Magnite as well.

I have owned the car for 2.5 months now and, before going into the details, here is a quick list of my likes and dislikes about the car:

Likes

Good Turbo engine and smooth CVT gearbox with no noticeable lag

High ground clearance

Excellent safety features (Brake Assist, TCS, ESP, Hill Start Assist) even for lower (Turbo) variants

Good range of features, considering the price range

Great legroom and decent-sized cabin

Good looks & great on-road presence

Fantastic price range

Dislikes

No auto-unlock system for the doors; old manual pull-up locking pins

The rear seat can be cramped with 3 well-built adults

The driver armrest is too short, to the point of being useless

Only 2 airbags

Rear antenna height non-adjustable

Buying Decision

We are a family of 4 and owned a 2012 Honda Brio (SMT model), which had mostly been used for city travel with the very occasional highway trip and had served its purpose perfectly.

In December 2021, the Brio was still going good (~ 65000 Km), but as the 10-year anniversary was coming near, I was looking for a new car (Petrol) to replace/upgrade and I fixed a budget of approx.

My main requirements were:

Automatic Transmission (I have recently had pains in my left leg when operating the clutch in office-time traffic)

Good for both city and highway travel (I intend to use it for longer trips this time)

Safety

Decent mileage

Spacious and efficient

Good on-road presence

I was not keen on a hatchback (personal preference) and my first thought was to go for a Compact Sedan. But going through different forums and reviews I saw that there was nothing new in this segment – all the manufacturers were focusing on CUVs (based on current popular trends I guess). So I started looking at Compact/Mini SUVs as well.

Based on initial research, I made the below shortlist:

1. Honda Amaze VX CVT

2. MS Vitara Brezza VXi AT

3. Tata Punch Creative AMT

4. Tata Nexon XMA (S)

5. Hyundai Venue SX 1.0 Turbo iMT

Honda Amaze VX CVT

I test drove the Amaze first, considering that Compact Sedans were my first choice and out of some degree of loyalty to Honda. This ticked several boxes – the most budget-friendly of the lot, a decent smooth CVT (with some lag, as can be expected), decent safety features and decent mileage.

What went against it was the lack of a Turbo engine and Honda being no longer what it used to be back in 2012 (when I had bought the Brio). Plus, the Amaze has been around for like, forever…

MS Vitara Brezza VXi AT

Despite the fantastic chain of dealership and servicing options and a (surprisingly) good safety rating, I decided against the Brezza.

Reasons: Lack of Turbo engine and antiquated 4-speed AT gearbox. Also, no Brake Assist or ESP (though these are admittedly rare in cars of a 10Lakh budget in our country).

Tata Punch Creative

The newest car on the block and it did pack a “punch”. 5-star safety rating, good looks and good mileage. In my budget, I could go for the top variant, which meant I would be getting all the available features.

Cons: 3 cylinder non-Turbo engine, possibly jerky AMT gearbox, especially considering regular city travel, less rear-seat space. And once again, missing out on BA/ESP and even the Hill Start Assist.

Tata Nexon XMA(S)

A fantastic car. It had almost everything I wanted, including the advanced safety features.

The major cons I could find were the doubtful performance of AMT gearbox and lack of rear wiper/defogger/fog lights. Also being a low-end variant due to budget limitations, some other nice-to-have features were missing, for example, no LED headlamps, no parking assist, no 1-touch driver window (even my Brio has that one)

Seriously, I don’t know why the Sunroof is provided, but no rear wiper/defogger. I was expecting this from MS/Hyundai, but not from Tata. Our manufacturers and customers both really need to re-assess their priorities

Hyundai Venue SX 1.0 Turbo iMT

I was really interested in the new iMT gearbox. Went through all the reviews in Team-BHP forums and then went to the nearest dealership for a test drive. And I quite liked it. It gave me the comfort of a manual gearbox, but without the clutch – so my left leg could rest easy. I liked the car as well – good looks, good Turbo engine, nice interior space and packed with a lot of features.

Cons: The safety aspect was seriously lacking. It did not have a crash rating and also, all the safety features (Rear wipers, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability, Traction Control) were present only on the top variant (which was way beyond my budget).

Once again, comfort features are prioritized over safety

Additionally, the dealership experience was not that good. They kept pushing the i20 N-Line, even when I told them I was not looking for hatchbacks.

Nissan Magnite

While I was analyzing / test-driving the above cars, a friend suggested the Nissan Magnite. I had not considered this earlier mainly due to the lack of dealerships/service centres. At my friend’s suggestion, I looked at the Magnite in more detail and what I saw, really surprised me in a good way… Excellent looks, good Turbo engine and CVT gearbox, all the safety features as well as convenience features, decent interior space and right within my budget – on paper, it looked too good to be true.

I went through the detailed review on Team-BHP (excellent as always) and also the videos available on YouTube and decided it really was worth a test drive.

Luckily, there is a Nissan dealership nearby in my city. I visited the dealership and the salesperson was polite and courteous. He explained the features available in the different variants and arranged for the test drive. As I drove around in the Turbo CVT car, I really loved it. The Turbo engine was good with excellent power, CVT was butter-smooth with no noticeable lag, the suspension was pretty good and the creep function would be a boon in office-time traffic. The salesperson was fine with me driving around the city as per my route choice for nearly 10 Km (compared to Hyundai & Honda, where they pretty much dictated the route – not more than 1/2 Km at most). I later took a second test drive on the Magnite a couple of days later (this time with my family) on a different route, again ~10Km – once again, not even a frown from the salesperson.

Final Decision

By this time, I had pretty much decided to go for the Magnite. I really liked that they offered all the safety features even on the lowest Turbo variant. 

What remained to be checked was the service experience and the wait times.

Going through Team-BHP forums once again, I found BHPian swiftvxi06’s post (Story of White Beauty | My Nissan Magnite Turbo XL | Ownership Review). It's a fantastically detailed review and learning about his positive experience with Nissan’s service centre filled me with confidence (all the more since he is from the same city). Another relative who currently owns a Nissan Terrano also told me about his decent experience with Nissan’s service – so I was all set on this front.

Regarding the wait times, the salesperson told me it would take at least 2-3 months. However, he did have a topmost variant car readily available.

I was a bit apprehensive about this obvious push-sales technique but it did have some benefits – the car was in my preferred colour (Sandstone Brown), it costs only ~10K extra beyond my original choice of the top variant and I would (hopefully) get it before the new year.

I went ahead and booked the car. The salesperson readily shared the VIN number. With help from the Team-BHP article, I verified that the car was manufactured in November 2021. I asked for a stockyard PDI and went there the next day – the car looked good (if a little dirty) with very few km on the odometer.

Ownership Experience

I am currently working from home and as such, have not been able to drive much in the city in full traffic conditions. The car mostly stays in the garage on the weekdays, with only trips to friends/relatives on the weekends. However, we did do a couple of long drives (both around 500km round trip) and got a feel of highway travel in the Magnite. In all, we have clocked a total of 1300+ km on the car in these 2.5 months.

The overall driving experience so far has been, in a word, fantastic! The car has totally lived up to my expectations.

The driving position in the Magnite (with seat height adjustment) allows a commanding view of the road. Upgrading from my Brio, it is a considerable difference.

Ergonomics is good – all the necessary controls are on the steering or easily reachable from the driver’s seat.

Lack of auto-unlock is a pain though – the doors are not unlocked even when the car is set to Parking gear or even the engine turned off. You need to manually unlock, either from the central panel, or the old-age door pins.

The HRA0 1.0 Turbo petrol engine gives great performance with a nice pull and good strong power surge, especially on the open road.

The CVT gearbox is butter-smooth and I never noticed any lag in the low/mid-range, unless suddenly trying to accelerate to pass another vehicle.

Hill Start Assist is a boon as there are a couple of flyovers near my home where I sometimes get stuck on the incline due to traffic signals. The car has good stability at high speeds and never felt wobbly on the highway.

Regarding build quality, the Magnite feels solid. I had some apprehensions that the lower price may have resulted in weaker build quality, but really no such worry here. The recently released 4-star GNCAP ratings seem well-earned.

The ground clearance is awesome and the car absorbs potholes and small bumpers easily.

The Interior space in the car is awesome with excellent leg room and adequate thigh support in both front and back seats. The rear seat though is best suited for 2 adults and a child or 3 adults on the slimmer side. It will feel cramped with 3 well-built adults.

Internal storage space is good and boot space is quite adequate (although less on paper than its competitors).

To summarize, the Magnite is a genuine “Value for Money”. Considering that it undercuts most of its competitors from the price point, you can get all the necessary safety features and commonly used comfort features, with added good looks, good space and a smooth driving experience. Nissan has done a good job with this car.

I would highly recommend the Magnite to anyone looking for a Compact SUV.

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Sourced from https://www.team-bhp.com/

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Common Nissan Almera Problems And Easy Solutions

The Nissan Almera is a reliable sedan with many great features. As with any car being driven over years - there are common issues that may arise. This post discussed the issues you may experience with your Almera sedan and how to easily address and fix these.

Hissing Noise from Engine

Problem:

The engine is running rough, and there is a hissing noise coming from it, although there are no problems revealed when you do a fault check.

Solution:

Most likely, this is a problem with your airflow meter. It's probably a leak, which won't register when you do a diagnostic check because it won't be recognised by the ECU. Check your hose clips to start with, and make sure that they are tight and secure. You should take a close look at the trunking to see if there are any splits or cracks. If there are, then you'll need to replace them with spare parts from us. You can also try cleaning your airflow meter, just in case.

Immobilizer Light Is On

Problem:

The immobilizer light on your dashboard is permanently on, and your car occasionally stalls.

Solution:

This is a sensor issue, so it's very easy to do yourself. Change the sensors on the crankshaft and the camshaft with replacements here, and then reset your car's computer. This should resolve the issue, and your immobilizer light should turn off.

Car seat wearing early

Problem:

It is common on the Almera for the seats to wear early, particularly around the seat trim area and the drivers seat is usually te most prone to this issue. If the trim is not repaired then this will lead to the seats wearing out early.

Solution:

Replacing the seat trim will fix the problem, but as mentioned above, if you leave it too long then you will need to replace the seat cover also.

Timing chain problem

Problem:

You may have noticed that the car is having irregular idling, the engine is misfiring or spluttering, or it is stalling. These are common indicators of problems with the timing chain. The timing chain is a known issue on the Almera.

Solution:

The timing chain will need to be adjusted, most likely tightened. This should fix your problem. Watch the video below on how to carry out this repair:

Electric windows problems

Problem:

It is known on the Almera for the electric windows to fail. If you are finding that the windows are sticking, or are moving up and down very slowly, this is an indication of a problem with the window regulator.

Solution:

Replacing the window regulator will resolve this issue.

Engine management warning light

Problem:

If you have noticed that the engine management warning light is on the dashboard and the car seems to be misfiring, you have a problem with the oxygen sensor.

Solution:

You will need to fit a replacement oxygen sensor to resolve this problem.

Condensated headlights

Problem:

It is known on the Almera for the headlights to fill up with condensation. This is particularly a problem on cold mornings.

Solution:

The best thing to do is to drill small holes at the bottom of the headlight covers in order to allow any water build up to drain out. This is the solution we have found for this issue.

Hand brake self-releases

Problem:

When you put the car into park using the handbrake, it sometimes self-releases.

Solution:

There's a misalignment between the ratchets and the pawl teeth, which means that the brake can't be securely set. This was a big recall issue for Nissan, and if your car is still under warranty, then they will replace the brake assembly for free. If not, this is a job that you can do yourself with replacement parts from us.

Constant Stalling

Problem:

The car constantly stalls and sometimes doesn't start again for a while after stalling.

Solution:

This is a major fault that only really affects Almeras made between March 2000 and July 2002. It only affects the petrol version, and it's caused by a misaligned engine crankshaft and camshaft. While you can make this repair yourself, it's quite a big job that takes a lot of steps. In most cases, it's best to leave this to a Nissan dealership that may do the repair for free if the vehicle is still under warranty.

Grinding Brakes

Problem:

When you're driving at low speeds, there is a grinding noise coming from your brakes.

Solution:

This is a problem with your brake system, and the challenge is going to be finding which part of that system is causing the grinding. Check your brake pads and replace them with one of our options if they are worn. Clean your brake discs (and replace them if they are damaged) and any contact points, lubricating if necessary. In some cases, it will simply be a matter of replacing your brake fluid.

The Engine Is Running Rough

Problem:

When driving, the engine misfires once it's warmed up. As it gets hotter during longer drives, the engine starts to feel rough.

Solution:

This is an unusual problem that could have several different causes. In most cases, it's going to be best to take this to a mechanic who can run a full diagnostic check. If you're determined to try repairs yourself, then your first step should be to change the airflow cam sensor. If that doesn't do anything, try changing the crank sensor. In worst-case scenarios, this is going to be a problem with your ignition coil or a plug lead, both of which may need replacing.

Engine Stuttering

Problem:

Your Almera starts fine, but it stutters and sometimes cuts out when you rev the engine.

Solution:

This could be a variety of issues. Your first step should be to check the airflow sensor and then test that the fuel pump is working correctly. If that doesn't resolve the problem, try changing the engine coolant temperature sensor with one from our online store. This can be a tricky job to do yourself, but it is doable, and there are online guides that will walk you through it.

If you experience any issues with your new Nissan Almera - it’s always recommended to take it to a Nissan service center, especially if its still under warranty.

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Info posted on https://myheartbelongstonissan.over-blog.com/2022/05/common-nissan-almera-problems-and-easy-solutions.html

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The New Nissan Navara Was Built With Cabin And Ride Comfort In Mind

Nissan’s double cab aims to deliver exceptional ride comfort – no matter the road conditions.

The Navara double cab is all about driver and passenger comfort and style.

In a media release issued via MotorPress, Nissan noted that the new Navara stays true to its DNA, and delivers a bakkie that goes beyond getting occupants from A to B top to providing a vehicle that creates memorable journeys through convenience and ease of use.

“The bakkie’s comfort features make it the ultimate travel and worksite partner, well-equipped to effortlessly take on new challenges at every turn,” said Nissan.

Read more about this great bakkie, as reviewed by The South African: 

Peace And Quiet Make Better Comfort

Nissan has increased the amounts of sound softening insulation, laminated the windshield and front windows to create a Navara which offers “exceptional ride comfort”.

“These features make for improved quietness, further reducing the stress for both driver and passenger. For the convenience of the driver, Nissan includes a new steering wheel with improved styling of the instrument panel highlighting the eight-inch navigation screen and a seven-inch higher resolution TFT screen making it easier for the driver to park with the auto-folding door mirror and change lanes with confidence,” said the automaker.  

Nissan Has Your Back

Nissan added that to further prioritise both passengers and drivers, the Navara contains spinal support in the driver seat which promotes ‘neutral’ posture to reduce pressure on the spine, and the rear seats are now even more comfortable, with upgrades to the seat cushions and back shapes.

For additional convenience, the rear seats are designed with rear armrest cup holders, rear air vents and a USB port.

A Tougher Navara For All Road Conditions

“The Navara ushers in a new age of toughness and introduces a new ruggedly bold exterior made for extreme elements; however, one thing that we do not compromise on is the safety and interior comfort of our customers.

“This bakkie is designed to give you exceptional comfort as your adventure travel and worksite partner, well-equipped to take on new challenges while still offering optimal room and quiet comfort that supports you on any road,” said Stefan Haasbroek, who is Nissan South Africa’s marketing director.

Improved Stability And Handling

“The ride comfort on rough roads at any loading condition is further improved thanks to the rain-sensing wipers and suspension stroke control by the new dual-rate spring. Adding to the vehicle’s stability and handling, Navara Double Cab has a heavy-duty 5-link coil rear suspension (like an SUV) versus the usual pick-up leaf rear suspension,” said Nissan.

The company said the low-friction coil offers noticeably superior ride comfort along with the first-class cabin feeling, inspired by the engine push start button, intelligent key and dual air-conditioning ensuring everyone inside feels the comfort of the Navara.

“To further ensure that no one feels left out, Navara includes multiple USB points, giving the driver and passengers a chance to take charge and select the music of their choice,” noted Nissan.

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Article sourced from https://www.thesouthafrican.com/motoring/

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Comprehensive Nissan NP200 Review

After the rise in popularity of the Nissan 1400 champ, which was in production for 37-years, the Nissan NP200 clearly had large shoes to fill. The streets were crowded with these bakkies in the 1980s and 1990s, and they quickly became a firm favourite among South Africans. This is because the NP200 is affordable, light on fuel and practical in use.

But shortly after this trendy bakkie peaked, the model was discontinued because these bakkies could no longer fulfil local emissions requirements that came into effect in January 2008. 

Fast forward to 2019, and you’ll see the upgraded NP200 half-ton bakkie– the best small bakkie in South Africa. This roaring light commercial vehicle (LCV) is spacious, yet compact, and ideal for business or leisure activities. It is equipped with an ultra-modern interior to offer drivers a luxurious feel when you’re roughing it out in the dunes. Each year, the NP200 road test impresses and Nissan continues to provide customers with an affordable, workhorse.

According to Janine Van der Post from Wheels24, “it’s great as an everyday workhorse and definitely plays the part of a lifestyle bakkie when you need it. It’s zippy enough to race about to and from and steady enough to handle heavy loads for agricultural and commercial duties.”

This pretty much sums up the Nissan NP200 experience. But if you haven’t read enough to seal the deal on buying your first car, read on for an extensive Nissan NP200 review. The only decision you’ll have to make is the right engine to go with…

Any Nissan supporter knows how much goes into delivering a vehicle that truly exceeds customer expectations in every way possible. Customers want (and expect) their bakkie of choice to add value to their life regardless of their activity. And this is exactly where the all-new Nissan NP200 comes into play. This model has been perfectly engineered to offer customers a durable, cost-effective vehicle with a low Nissan NP200 fuel consumption. And confidently, the NP200 can offer this – without compromising on space or style.

Here’s why the Nissan NP200 is the best bakkie in South Africa

Almost everyone who looks at the Nissan NP200 needs to double-take. This impressive range has heads turning and tongues wagging because it’s too good to be true. It is compact in size, yet spacious enough for a comfy ride. The new and improved design is tough, sleek and stylish. And it’s designed to fit into any lifestyle – be it for work purposes, outdoor adventures or even your choice of vehicle for your daily commute.

The top light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in South Africa, as stated by the Ipsos Vehicle Quality Awards include the Nissan NP200: “The Ipsos Vehicle Quality Survey study calculates a quality score based on customer’s feedback at about three months after they’ve purchased the vehicle. Scores reflect proportions of problems and issues reported by these customers and so the lower the score the better the quality.”

The Nissan NP200 also won GOLD In the LCV segment as the best sub-one-ton pickup bakkie. And if we look at the full LCV rankings, the Nissan NP200 is in fifth place

The Nissan NP200 is spacious

The reason why this utility bakkie is such a solid vehicle choice for younger and older generations alike is that its running, repair and maintenance costs are affordable. This combined with its fuel-efficiency… it’s a no-brainer as to which vehicle you should be buying. If, of course, you are looking for an on-and-off-road vehicle.

Nissan South Africa summarised it perfectly in their NP200 review: “High-quality aesthetics provide the luxury and styling of a passenger vehicle, without compromising on the practicality and versatility that’s consistent with a bakkie.”

In this Nissan NP200 review, it’s important to note that the standard NP200 does not come fitted with the latest accessories or trims. But it certainly comes with nice-to-have features that will add comfort and convenience to your driving experience. Now, you can head out onto the open road in a spacious environment that offers plenty of storage. 300-litres to be exact. Pack your goodies behind the seat, at the back or around you because there is more than enough space. You can also enjoy features such as a glove box, door bins, drink holders and more to accommodate you on your road trip.

The Nissan NP200 looks good inside and out

As mentioned, the Nissan NP200 has plenty of leg and storage space to offer drivers. You can pack your goods comfortably without having to compromise on items because of your fear of too little strange space.

And to add to that here is further peace of mind. There is a Nissan NP200 best in class warranty of 3-years or 60 000 km, as well as a 5-year or 90 000km service plan. As an NP200 owner, you’ll be covered.

According to a Topcar review: “The NP200 – the ‘N’ stands for Nissan, the ‘P’ for pick-up and the 200 bit is apparently an internal Nissan designation – enjoys massive cabin space by half-ton class standards. As indicated by the addition of quarter windows behind the doors, there’s real-world stowage space behind the seats, and enough adjustment to accommodate large men (or women) up to around 1.9 metres in height.”

With an attitude to match its sporty and stylish exterior, an accessorised NP200 could kit your vehicle out with features such as a stainless-steel nudge bar, custom-designed alloy wheels with 15-inch rims, roof rains and more. In addition, you could spruce up your vehicle with some branding decals, carpets, and seats.

It offers a large payload

Janine Van der Post from Wheels 24 says “The NP200 has sharper lines, a new grille that makes it fit in line with other Nissan siblings. It’s fitted with a bull-bar at the front and a sports bar at the rear. Bumpers are black plastic and help the bakkie achieve a more rugged look. It also sports spotlights and cool decals. It looks just as good on the inside.”

As far as the interior of the NP200 goes, you can expect standard features such as power steering, air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a multimedia system. Should you wish to accessorise with new trims and Nissan approved accessories, you can opt for leather upholstery and much more.

The Group Nissan review team had the following to say about the NP200 interior features: “The Nissan NP200 is both modern and rugged in its styling, echoing its dual-purpose promise as passenger commuter and willing workhorse. Use it for one or the other or use it for both, you choose. Once inside, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the spaciousness of the cabin. In fact, it’s the biggest in its class, boasting ample storage space behind the seats as well as other storage areas including drink holders, a glove box and door bins to keep your valuables safe. Though it’s built to be functional, Nissan hasn’t skimped on aesthetics. From the instrumentation to the seating trim, the Nissan NP200 offers a sporty interior with quality finishes that allow you to enjoy a comfortable drive.”

The NP200 provides next-level safetyIt offers anti-lock braking

One of the many perks of the Nissan NP200 is the payload. Offering an 800kg payload, as well as the ability to connect a tailgate of up to 300kgs, it’s not often that you see a smaller utility bakkie design transport such a heavy load. The payload’s volume and length are two factors that make this bakkie the most feasible purchase.

To add extra safety to your NP200’s, you can add a cab protector roll bar to the back of your bakkie. This is particularly helpful when you want to transport objects that need to be tied down on specific points.

Another Nissan NP200 review says “safety features of this new workhorse include ABS and EBD, which prevents wheels from locking, airbags, crumple zones from the previous NP200 which are engineered around impact resistance while the engine compartment is designed to stack up in frontal impact collisions and seatbelts.”

A popular NP200 safety pack option is the anti-lock braking system (ABS). This feature assists you in normal and emergency braking situations, as it helps to prevent wheel lockup from happening. Now, you can travel safely, knowing that if you find yourself in an emergency, the breaks will pump early to slow you down.

Engine immobiliser Many customers will appreciate the engine immobiliser feature. Nissan has incorporated an anti-theft system into their Nissan NP200, with a chip that is embedded into the key. This feature ensures that you have a unique starting trigger that lets the vehicle know that it’s “you” when you start it.

The Nissan NP200 has the power to perform

The NP200 offers customers three different engine choices to choose from. These include an 8-valve petrol engine, 16-valve petrol engine or the standard-setting K9K turbo diesel. Regardless of whether you choose a petrol or a diesel vehicle to suit your driving needs, each option has the power to perform efficiently.

The Nissan NP200 range:

1.6 8V BASE

1.6 8V BASE A/C

1.6 8V BASE A/C + SAFETY PACK

1.6 16V MID DUAL AIRBAGS

1.6 16V HIGH

1.5DCI BASE A/C + SAFETY

1.5DCI HIGH

The NP200 provides a 5-speed manual transmission

The all-new Nissan NP200 offers power, control, and efficiency with short gear ratios to improve your drive. This impressive 5-speed manual transmission gives drivers the ability to accelerate at low speeds when fully loaded, and taller ratios in the top gears provide added fuel efficiency when you’re driving faster.

Suspension

Since this bakkie is designed to carry large loads, the suspension is set up to support it. It offers a leaf-sprung rear suspension with a coil spring supported H-shaped torsion bar at the back end. Together, these improve the ride quality when you’re driving or carrying a heavy load, in comparison to only the live-axle leaf spring.

According to Wheels24 and Pick a Car the Nissan NP200 has the best-in-class fuel economy

As said in a Nissan NP200 review by Wheels 24: “With a rated combined fuel consumption of only 5.3 litres/100km, you could go quite distance with this little Nissan soldier. And since there aren’t too many systems other than the air conditioner to consume more fuel, you’re guaranteed to get more than enough kilometres for your hard-earned Rand.”

As far as the NP200 road test goes, Pick a Car says, “We tested the NP 200 mostly in an urban scenario without much load and achieved a decent economy of 6.5 L/100km. In its advantage, the diesel NP 200 does quite well uphill, and manages to keep the economy down thanks to the extra torque produced by the diesel engine.”

It has Nissan genuine accessories

The range of accessories you can choose from is genuine and Nissan-approved. By utilising accessories from our range, you will be able to spruce up your ride and add a touch of personality to your vehicle.

It’s safe

The standard Nissan NP200 is safe; however, you can look into the approved safety features to add to your car:

Front passenger and driver airbags

Pop-up engine hood pedestrian protection

Anti-braking system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)

Rollbar

Remote central locking

Collapsible steering column

Cab Protector

Nissan Data Dot

The all-new Nissan NP200’s Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which Nissan NP200 should I buy?

Whether you want to drive a diesel or petrol vehicle, the Nissan NP200 offers both. With five petrol and two Nissan NP200 diesel price options to choose from, with different accessories and trims, the biggest decision will be deciding on which engine to select. Both are powerful and incredibly fuel-efficient; however, the engine you choose will offer natural advantages depending on what your bakkie’s core focus is. Our sales team are well-equipped with the information needed to assist you in making the right decision for your lifestyle and driving needs. You can call our agent on 087 075 1155 for a breakdown of each vehicle and its specs. Or, you can enquire online for more information on the Nissan NP200 bakkie at Group 1 Nissan.

What are the different Nissan NP200 options?

When choosing the best Nissan NP200 for your needs, there are five petrol and two diesel models to choose from. All of these are available to purchase in South Africa. The only difference between the five petrol vehicles are the accessories and trims, and vice versa for the two petrol options. Drivers can look forward to a standard base 1.6 8V or a 1;6 8V base A/C petrol variant, 1.6 8V base A/C with safety pack petrol variant, a 1.6 16V diesel variant or a 1/5dCi high spec diesel variant. Speak to our agent for a breakdown of each vehicle. After seeing many Nissan NP200 1.6 8v reviews, it’s clear that the 1.6V diesel engine is very popular.

What is the most popular Nissan NP200?

According to many Nissan NP200 1.6 8v reviews, it’s on par with the 1.5dCi high spec diesel vehicles in terms of popularity. The only difference is the engines, of course, as both cars come equipped with excellent safety and convenience features to make your drive all the better. You can enjoy features such as airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), adjustable seatbelts and headrests, central locking with power windows, a top-of-the-range multimedia player and much more!

What safety features can you add to the NP200?

Nissan puts safety first and ensures that vehicles meet or exceed safety regulations. The standard range comes equipped with disc front brakes that are ventilated, brakes on the rear drums, safety steering columns, anti-theft and DataDot technology. If you look at upgraded accessories and trims, you can invest in additional features such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and central locking.

Is the Nissan NP200 reliable?

Absolutely! This vehicle is one of the most hardwired vehicles in its market range. This iconic design is reliable, economical and offers drivers a 15 000 km service interval. You can also choose their service plan that comes with a 6-year per 150 000 km standard or anti-corrosion warranty to ensure that you are safe.

How much the Nissan NP200 carry?

The all-new Nissan NP200 can transport 800kg. Whether you choose to load heavy equipment or tools for work or leisure, you can rest assured knowing that the 1250-litre big load box can lift your items with ease.

Article sourced from hhttps://thenissanfan.home.blog/2021/05/13/comprehensive-nissan-np200-review/

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Nissan NP300 Hardbody - Top 3 Things You Need To Know

The Nissan NP300 Hardbody has the power to rise to any challenge. Learn more about its engine, versatility and safety features on the latest model below.

1. Versatility

Exterior Designed to carry almost any load, the Nissan NP300 Hardbody’s reinforced load-box inner panels are grooved to enable the insertion of a board for separate front and rear loading sections, while a horizontal selected board can also be inserted to divide upper and lower loading decks. Oval tubing in the styled roof carrier on selected Double Cab models matches the side step style and is ideal for light recreational cargo.

Interior The interior finish includes cloth seats, front and rear headrests and a sliding rear window. Redesigned pillar seals ensure extra firm window closure for a quieter, dust-free interior with maximum protection against water seepage in wet conditions.

2. Power

The Nissan NP300 Hardbody’s diesel engines are the result of a 50-year heritage of engineering expertise. So when it comes to reliability, power and performance, the second generation 2.5-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine is as dependable and responsive as you can get. The potent combination of turbo and intercooler produces awesome power and torque and comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Quieter, with reduced vibration and carbon monoxide emissions, the Nissan NP300 Hardbody diesel engines also use eco-friendly oil filter cartridges which can be completely incinerated after use, meaning they are environmentally responsible and hardworking.

Clean and easy shift changes are provided by the 5-speed manual transmission, and a braking systems load-sensing valve increases brake power to the rear when moving large loads, ensuring the NP300 Hardbody makes light work of the toughest jobs. Engaging 4WD locks the transfer case in a 50/50 torque split for maximum traction from the front and rear axles. Auto-locking hubs come standard on the Nissan NP300 Hardbody 4WD models. When not in use, the hubs are automatically released, improving fuel economy.

Limited Slip Differential on 4WD Diesel models automatically transfers torque to the non-slipping drive wheel, allowing you to power out of virtually any situation.

3. Standard Safety Features

Central locking with remote Standard in all Nissan NP300 HARDBODY Hi-Rider Double Cab models to protect your bakkie from theft.

Immobiliser and personally coded ignition keys Standard on all Nissan NP300 HARDBODY models at Group 1 Nissan and will keep your bakkie safe from theft.

Solid ladder frame chassis Absorbs the force of impact from the front in case of a collision.

Front Crumple zones Minimise impact in the cabin in case of a collision.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Standard on all Mid-Grade, 4x4 and Hi-Rider models. ABS helps prevent your wheels from locking to help you steer around unexpected obstacles.

Article sourced from: https://www.autotrader.co.za/

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The Nissan Micra Is Audacious

Nissan South Africa added a fourth variant to the Group 1 Nissan Micra range. Let’s take a look at the Micra Acenta Plus Tech model.

 Styling

A car made for those who never miss an update on Instagram. When I stepped outside to take delivery of my Nissan Micra test car, I was more than chuffed to take the keys to this after seeing it. An older Micra could not have had more perfect timing than to pull in to a parking bay next to mine. I took a long hard look at these two cars and how far the design and styling of the Micra have come. Since its extensive update, it’s now a very desirable and sporty looking vehicle, especially this Acenta Plus Tech model I received. 

It stood in the parking lot with prominent 17-inch alloy wheels and in the Echo Grey colour. As I got closer, the striking bi-tone black and orange interior immediately stood out. The Acenta Plus comes standard with the Energy Orange pack. The cabin also features a leather steering wheel as well as a leather shift lever and leather hand brake which is very nice, soft, touch considering it’s one of the places where your hands go most often. The D-shape steering wheel is thick and allows for a good grip whereas the gear lever is also chunky and sporty looking.

Additionally, it was also packed with features that include daytime running lights, front power windows, a manual aircon, cruise control, automatic headlights, six airbags and much more.

In case you don’t find the Acenta Plus Tech sporty enough, Nissan offers an extensive list of accessories for you to personalize the car.

 The Drive & Performance

This Micra is powered by a 0,9-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that puts out 66kW and 140 Nm of torque. The engine has been paired to a five-speed manual gearbox.

Ride quality in this model is excellent. Cornering is also effortless, the Acenta Plus Tech handles beautifully through corners and doesn’t feel unsettled at all. This is due to Nissan’s Intelligent Trace Control system which adjusts the brake pressure on individual wheels to help keep you on an optimal line through turns. This has been combined with the Intelligent Ride Control system, which applies subtle braking to prevent unpleasant upper body motion over bumps and enhance the overall comfort of your ride.

Despite the great drive, I found a big discrepancy with the Cruise Control system in what I set the speed to, to the speed it would display the car was doing. From the speed I set, the car would display that it was moving between 3-7 kilometres more than the set speed. I tested this many times and this discrepancy was there every time. “Sorry Officer, I set my car to the speed limit, but it decided it wants to go faster.” Tell me, who’s going to believe that story? But no it really does want to go faster it seems.

 Space, Comfort & Convenience

The one gripe I have about the interior of this car is the visor. In combination with the height of the seat and the size of the windows, the visor is just too big and can partly block some of your forward vision. This becomes an even bigger problem for tall drivers as opposed to shorter ones. 

The Micra Acenta Plus Tech model features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via its 7-inch touchscreen and has a dedicated “Siri” button on the steering wheel. This will come handy when you need to mirror your navigation apps or for music streaming. 

Seats are comfortable and are said to be “anti-fatigue seats”. There is sufficient shoulder space, headroom and legroom for adults all around the cabin, even tall passengers will feel comfortable enough. 

The boot offers a sizeable 300 litres of space which expands to 1004 litres when the seats are folded down. Rear seats do a 60:40 split allowing for the transportation of long items while still having a passenger or two in the rear. 

Cup holders are conveniently located in the centre console. For storage, a 1.5-litre bottle will fit in the door pockets while the bucket-type cubby accommodates for 10 litres or a 2.0-litre bottle. 

 Safety

This Nissan Micra model excels in the safety department and benefits from a host of smart safety and security systems. These include:

Rear parking sensors

Rain-sensing wipers

Auto-folding side-mirrors

An electro-chromatic rear-view mirror

Nissan Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)

Seatbelts in the car have the points with ELR + Double Pre Tensioner + Adaptive Load Limiter + Height Adjust

Six airbags

Hill-start assist

The Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology package: includes an around-view monitor that gives you a virtual 360-degree bird’s-eye view of your car, moving object detection, Blind Spot Warning and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking

 Fuel Consumption

The Nissan Micra Acenta Plus Tech has a claimed fuel consumption of 5.1l/100km on a combined cycle and a fuel tank capacity on 41 litres. Depending on your driving style, the routes you travel and the traffic you encounter, this figure is always more under real-world conditions.

 Price

Nissan Micra Acenta Plus Tech – R323, 500.00

As with all other Nissan vehicles, the Nissan Micra is covered by Nissan Assured and comes with a 6-year/150,000km Warranty; a 3-year/90,000km Service Plan; and 24/7 Roadside Assistance.

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Article from: https://thenissanfan.home.blog/2020/12/08/the-nissan-micra-is-audacious/

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The Nissan Navara pick-up is comfortable and economical

In 2019 Nissan revealed the Navara pick-up truck for sale, which has better road-going sensibilities without compromising its rugged off-road appeal.

The Japanese manufacturer said the upgraded suspension has improved the ride, handling and comfort of its popular truck, while also improving the load capacity. Modifications upfront mean less steering effort is required, while a 25mm lift at the rear and an SUV-like suspension set-up see the payload capacity increase to between 1,115kg and 1,180kg depending on specification.

The 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine was also updated to meet Euro6D-Temp emissions regulations and is available with either 161bhp or 187bhp. Both engines are available with a six-speed manual gearbox while the higher-powered unit can be specified with a seven-speed automatic.

Other new features include disc brakes front and rear, a system that automatically works to mitigate swaying trailers, and a new infotainment system that sees the screen increase from seven to eight inches. It has an in-built TomTom sat nav, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Styling of the Nissan Navara for sale is largely the same as before, with the main addition being a range of new wheel designs, which have also been upgraded from 16 to 17 inches on lower trims.

Paolo D’Ettore, LCV business unit director for Nissan, said: “This new generation Navara is developed from Nissan’s 80 years of experience designing robust and practical pick-ups, and represents an exciting new step for this vehicle.

“With its go-anywhere capabilities and award-winning engineering, the Navara will undoubtedly maintain its status as the hero of Group 1 Nissan’s used LCV range far into the future.”

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Article source: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nissan-navara-pick-more-comfortable-160938608.html

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Nissan Qashqai - Still the leader of the pack?

Love them or hate them, you can’t deny that crossovers and SUVs are the current golden child in the automotive world.

Plenty of brands claim to have invented the concept but regardless of who came up with the first one, it was Nissan that kicked started the SUV revolution in earnest with the Qashqai.

Quite what it was that made the Nissan Qashqai take off in the way it did is hard to pin down but its success is beyond question. Well in excess of two million examples have been sold since its launch in 2007 and it is a permanent fixture on the list of best-selling models at Group 1 Nissan.

2014 saw the launch of an all-new second-generation which was then upgraded quite significantly in 2017.

That update brought big visual changes, new driver assistance technology and interior improvements and was followed in late 2018 by a refresh of the engine line-up.

The engine change was driven by changing emissions rules but it has proved a worthwhile one. Borrowed from some-time partner Daimler, it’s the same 1.3-litre unit that appears in the Mercedes A-Class and does as good a job in the Nissan as it does in the Merc.

It might sound relatively small for a car the size of the Qashqai but modern engine technology is mightily impressive and its 138bhp feels perfectly adequate.

In the Qashqai, it offers a smooth, quiet and pretty responsive drive. There’s a lack of low-down torque but keep the revs up and it reacts quickly and feels more lively than the on-paper 0-62mph time of 10 seconds would suggest.

In our test car that’s helped by the six-speed manual transmission. It’s not as precise as some rivals’ but I still prefer it to the ponderous seven-speed auto that’s also available.

The official economy figure is around 50mpg, which was reflected in our car’s long-term trip computer, although I saw mid-30s thanks to a series of short, economy-ruining journeys.

While rivals like the Seat Ateca and Ford Kuga pride themselves on their “sporty” road manners, the Qashqai is closer to something like the comfort-focused Citroen C5 Aircross. The ride is very pliant, possibly verging on the too soft but it does a good job of offering consistent comfort over some terrible surfaces.

That smoothness is enhanced by decent cabin refinement and space that’s among the best in class.

The Qashqai at least makes up ground again with its standard equipment. Our Tekna edition features full-LED lights all around, with an adaptive front lighting system; safety and vision packs that load it with forward and rear collision alerts, lane departure warning, emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot warning and 360-degree parking cameras and parking assistance. An opening panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloys, part-leather upholstery and an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo also go some way to softening the pain of the interior.

Fundamentally, the Nissan Qashqai is a nice driving, fine-riding car. 

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Article source: https://nissanenthusiast.wordpress.com/2020/08/18/nissan-qashqai-still-the-leader-of-the-pack/

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Will The Next-Gen Nissan X-Trail Debut In 2020?

The third-generation T32 Nissan X-Trail has been around since 2013 and remains on sale until the present day, receiving a facelift along the way in 2016. It’s been widely speculated that a successor is on the way, and we got our first indication of this when the Japanese carmaker unveiled the Xmotion concept back in 2018.

Nothing materialised in the months following the concept’s debut, but the rumour mill started turning again when it was reported that Nissan would overhaul its entire European SUV line-up within the next 18 months.

More recently, a document filing with the Brazil government’s ministry of the economy showed what appeared to be the next X-Trail. The filing came complete with several patent drawings, giving us some hint at the fourth-generation SUV model’s design.

Now, there are renderings of the new X-Trail courtesy of Theophilus Chin, who combined aspects of the patent drawings and the Ariya concept to give us some idea of what the end product could look like.

As a refresher, the Ariya concept was first revealed at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show and is meant to mark the “start of a new era for the company as it seeks to redefine its philosophy and introduce a new design direction,” according to Nissan.

The overall shape of the new X-Trail is largely similar to the patent drawings from Brazil, and bears some semblance to the current T32, albeit with a few differences like a reshaped side window line and more defined creases on the body.

The successor (likely codenamed the T33) also sports a more aggressive C-pillar kink and smaller wheel arches compared to the soon-to-be outgoing model, while the rear features slimmer taillight clusters.

At the front, we see hints of the Ariya concept in the nose, which appears to be longer than what the patent drawings suggest. A sizeable V-motion grille dominates the X-Trail’s face, and this is flanked by sleek headlamps and large corner “inlets” that integrate additional lighting units. This two-tier lighting setup isn’t strange to Nissan, as it has been done on both generations of the Juke, although it is less striking here.

In any case, the new face is a lot simpler in design compared to the facelifted T32, but with a lot more aggression and presence. Finer details include the use of Nissan’s new logo on the grille, which is also applied on the rear tailgate.

The renderings do tie in rather nicely with spy shots of X-Trail prototypes undergoing testing, and it appears the SUV’s interior has been made more upmarket with a bevvy of displays and new, modern-looking switchgear.

Nissan has not revealed when the T33 will make its debut, but reports suggest it could be anytime between now and mid-2021. 

Group 1 Nissan will reveal if and when they acquire the next-gen Nissan X-Trail - stay posted!

Article source: https://nissanenthusiast.wordpress.com/2020/07/06/will-the-next-gen-nissan-x-trail-debut-in-2020/