Autoblog

Nissan announces Russian expansion

Dan Roth — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan, Russia

Nissan wants to be big in Russia. Right now, the brand brand lays claim to 5.9 percent of the Russian market, and the plan is to increase share to ten percent by 2016. That means moving nearly 500,000 vehicles a year, more than triple the 161,000 total units moved in 2011. Nissan plans to muscle up its production at its St. Petersburg plant, doubling output to 100,000 vehicles for 2014.

With upgrades to the press and plastics shops, the St. Petersburg facility will produce five different models at the same time, including the Qashqai, Teana, X-Trail and Murano. The revived Datsun brand will also figure into the plans. Datsun is being ramped up in growth markets as a low-cost boutique product developed and produced locally to appeal to an emerging customer base.

For further details, check out the press release posted below.

Continue reading Nissan announces Russian expansion

Nissan announces Russian expansion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 May 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda "envious" of Nissan's Qashqai, ponders rival

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Nissan, UK

Honda hasn't been profitable in Europe since 2007, and would like to break the two-percent market-share barrier in the EU and Russia. To do that, it is looking at a rival to Nissan's Qashqai. Nissan's compact CUV alone outsold the entire Honda lineup in Europe in the first nine months of this year, and by no small margin: 153,079 to 105,918.

Those kinds of numbers have Honda justifiably envious of Nissan's little crossover, as apparently offering the CR-V in Europe hasn't generated the same sort of consumer response. Even so Honda's CEO, Takanobu Ito, will say nothing more than that "we are thinking about doing something like that" - a decision could still be a ways off, to say nothing of an actual production vehicle.

Nissan also has city cars like the Pixo and Micra spreading the gospel in the A-segment, and it's likely turning some of those drivers into Qashqai graduates. Likely with that in mind, the company head said they are also considering expanding the Jazz/Fit line, but a true A-segment fighter looks a long way off, with Ito saying, "maybe there will come a time when we will consider A-segment cars for Europe."

Honda "envious" of Nissan's Qashqai, ponders rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan builds one millionth example of vehicle with name nobody can pronounce

Noah Joseph — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Nissan, UK

Nissan Qashqai - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few companies do crossovers quite like Nissan. Even after setting aside actual SUVs like the Xterra, Pathfinder and Armada, Infiniti's offerings QX, EX and FX, and the crossovers its developed for its sister company Renault like the new Koleos, the Japanese automaker produces its own crossovers by, well... the truckload. Here we've got the Rogue, the Juke, and the Murano, joined overseas by such models as the Patrol/Safari, the X-Trail, and this, the Qashqai.

You may not be familiar with this particular CUV (pronounced "KASH-ky") because it's not sold in North America, but it's closest in size and mission to our Rogue. Available in standard five-seat and long-wheelbase seven-seat configurations, the Qashqai was launched in 2007 and facelifted in 2010. It's offered with a range of four-cylinder engines, driving either the front wheels or all four through CVT or manual transmissions, and takes on the likes of the Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander. It's also popular in the Japanese and Australian markets, where it's known as the Dualis.

In addition to production in Japan and Iran (whose nomadic tribe Turkic Qashqai gives it its name), the crossover is built primarily in the UK at Sunderland, where the vehicle's production has just passed the million-made mark, standing as one of the most prolific automobiles ever made there. In fact, no other vehicle has reached that number in such a short time in Britain's considerable automaking history.

According to Nissan, over the course of the four-and-a-half years of production, Qashqai production at Synderland has accounted for as much steel as is being used to build all the facilities that will support London's Olympic games next year. And if you line up every Qashqai produced at the Sunderland plant, they'd measure 2,700 miles end-to-end - that's enough to line Britain's entire coastline.

Not about to stop there, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn recently announced during a meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron that an all-new Qashqai will be entirely designed, engineered and built in the UK. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan builds one millionth example of vehicle with name nobody can pronounce

Nissan builds one millionth example of vehicle with name nobody can pronounce originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Renault Captur concept to spearhead family of CUVs

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Renault

Renault Captur concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault is planning a line of crossovers based on Nissan platforms and styled after the Captur concept that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

According to Auto Express, the new family of soft-roaders will start with Nissan Juke-based Captur, slated to be the smallest in the lineup, and offer a mid-size model based on the upcoming Qashqai, while the top-spec model will ride on Nissan X-Trail underpinnings.

Engine sizes will range from 1.6 to 1.8 liters, and there will likely be two versions of Renault's twin-turbo diesel on offer, generating 128 or 158 horsepower. Renault promises to use heavy styling cues from the Captur concept, including its huge Renault badge, curvaceous bodywork and full-width grille.

According to AE, the entire range should have debuted by 2016, with the first models arriving sometime in 2014.

Gallery: Renault Captur concept: Geneva 2011

Gallery: 2011 Renault Captur concept

Photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: AutoExpress]

Report: Renault Captur concept to spearhead family of CUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First Nissan Qazana prototype caught testing

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:13:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Nissan

Just when you thought Qashqai was about a weird a name as a car could get comes some spy shots of the Nissan Qazana. Mmmm... yeah, you're right. Qashqai is still weirder. However, the Qazana, which we first saw in Geneva, is weirder looking than the Qashqai. Or practically anything else, for that matter. But it's not bad-weird, just weird-weird. That said, sticking with the maxim that all SUVs (and cars that look like SUVs) want to either be WW2 Jeeps or lunar rovers, the Qazana isn't that odd. We quite like it.

The lads at AutoExpress just caught some spy shots of a Qazana prototype, complete with black trash-bag crypsis. Despite the budget camo, it does look like some of the show car's more novel elements are making it into production -- specifically, its large headlights. It even seems as though the highly-stylized grille will see the light of day.

AutoExpress claims that it doesn't stop there: The motorcycle-inspired (and highly whacked-out) interior will also allegedly make the final cut. In terms of where it fits in the lineup, the Qazana will slot below the larger Qashqai. Like the Qashqai, look for the Qazana to be built at Nissan's Sunderland, UK plant. Here's hoping Nissan chooses the bold path and brings out a Qazana that truly resembles the concept. Odds of it making to the US? We'd normally say "zilch," but we did just get the Cube, so who knows?

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan Qazana

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: First Nissan Qazana prototype caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dacia shows off new production Duster 4x4

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Renault, Diesel, Off-Road

Dacia Duster - click above for high-res image gallery

You know what the problem with Autoblog is? Not enough Romanian cars! To rectify this hateful situation, we present to you the all-new Dacia Duster, a compact SUV that "rewrites the 4x4 rulebook." What that means is that in Europe, most SUVs are in fact soft roaders. Totally useless in the rough stuff despite their fancy all-wheel drive systems and too expensive for the majority of the people to purchase. The Duster, on the other hand, is going to cost little (hey, it's a Dacia!) yet be quite capable when the going gets rocky, muddy and/or roadless.

We've seen a tricked out, snow-racing version of the Dacia Duster before, but that's not the borscht and potatoes of the new Duster, so to speak. Designed primarily with emerging markets in mind (Russia, Turkey, Brazil, Maghreb), the Duster will also be badged as a Renault and sold in continental Europe. Never forget that it was Renault who helped Dacia to get off the ground in the mid-Sixties by handing over the tooling to the Renault 8, which reemerged as the Dacia 1100 (and the totally awesome 1100S).

Despite its cute-ute looks, Dacia is claiming that the Duster is the real, all-terrain deal. The stats seem to back that up: eight inches of ground clearance combined with 30 degree approach and 35 degree departure angles reminds us of ye olde Jeep Cherokee (hey, the old AMC-developed Cherokee had a lot of French in it). While missing the Cherokee's low gears, the Duster gets a three-stage transmission featuring an auto torque-split mode, lock and two wheel-drive. The tranny tech is actually sourced from Nissan (also owed by Renault) and it figures to work really well. in fact, there is some speculation that the Duster is based off Nissan's Qashqai. Also helpful is that the Duster weighs just 2,816 pounds in 4x4 guise (2,596 pounds as a 4x2). Then you factor in a torquey diesel power plant (105 horsepower, 266 pound-feet of torque) and you've got yourself quite an impressive bad road beasty.

Chances of us getting it here? Slimmer than none. First of all, whomever it is that still owns to rights to the Plymouth brand (Chrysler, Fiat, Daimler, the UAW, Obama?) would have nothing but dollar signs in their eyes if a Duster showed up. Then, of course, there's the undeniable fact that car makers have a sick aversion to giving us cheap, simple, rugged utilitarian diesel trucks. However, you're more than free to purchase an X5 xDrive35d from BMW, and soon you'll be able to buy a reworked Infiniti QX56 that halfway resembles a FX. Good stuff, right? We'll be getting a glimpse of the Duster up close and in the flesh come Geneva, but that'll be fleeting. Press release can be found after the jump.

Gallery: Dacia Duster 4x4

[Source: Dacia]

Continue reading Dacia shows off new production Duster 4x4

Dacia shows off new production Duster 4x4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan updates Qashqai crossover - and no, we're still not gonna get it

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Nissan

2010 Nissan Qashqai - click above for high-res image gallery

The Nissan Qashqai has a silly name. Though not as silly as the Qashqai+2, the seven-seat version of the British built small CUV. But silly name not withstanding, the slightly smaller than a Nissan Rogue compact crossover has been something of a sales phenom for Nissan, selling more than 500,000 copies around the world since 2007 despite not being offered in the North American market.

For the 2010 model year, some things are changing, and some aren't. The biggest and most obvious difference is the front end, which is all-new and quite handsome looking. We especially like the sculpted lower fascia and intake. And while it is slightly smaller than the Rogue we do have in America, the Qashqai (named after a nomadic Iranian tribe) looks tougher. In the rear, the song remains largely the same, though the taillights have been slightly revised. The colors you see here are both new -- Magnetic Red and Mineral Gray.

Inside, functionality is up with a new dash computer, gauges, lighting and "oddments" storage. Refinement is also up, with more baffling in place to reduce NVH, along with a revised windscreen and A-pillars to cut wind noise. The suspension has also been redesigned to improve both ride comfort and handling. All in all, the Qashqai looks to be a pretty tasty package. But you can almost set your watch to the fact that Nissan will not be bringing it to our red, white and blue shores, and while we like the Rogue just fine, we'd just assume that Nissan give us this one instead. What do you think? Check out the ress release after the jump and the high-res gallery below, and then let us know which one you'd prefer to see on sale in America.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Qashqai

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan updates Qashqai crossover - and no, we're still not gonna get it

Nissan updates Qashqai crossover - and no, we're still not gonna get it originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Nissan previews wacky Qazana crossover concept

Chris Paukert — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Nissan

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Qazana Concept

To borrow a phrase: Great Googly Moogly. Looking something like a Apple-branded lunar rover, Nissan has released its first images of its Qazana concept, an "intelligent, all-wheel drive crossover which is masculine, agile, lean, and designed for the tough city streets."

The compact crossover appears to be the latest take on the emerging sportscar softroader aesthetic populated by genre-benders like the BMW X6 and Infiniti FX, and to a lesser extent, lower-to-the-ground mainstream offerings like the Toyota Venza. For whatever it's worth, the Nissan Design Europe team says that they were influenced by the "motif of a modern day beach buggy and a four-seat motor-bike." Why this idea didn't result in a more skeletal open-top off-roadster on balloon tires (the Qazana rides on modest-for-a-concept 20-inch wheels), we're not sure, but we think this design has merit on its own regardless. While we wouldn't expect a greenhouse quite this radical or the some of the motorcycle-inspired interior details to see production, a UK-built smaller counterpart to the smash hit Qashqai has been promised, and the Qazana could well influence the design.

Sadly, at this juncture Nissan is mum on what sort of powertrain (if any) motivates the Qazana concept, so we'll just go with the obvious: moon rocks and space ice cream. High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan Qazana

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Nissan previews wacky Qazana crossover concept

Geneva 2009: Nissan previews wacky Qazana crossover concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan 360: the Qashqai

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Crossover, Nissan

The Qashqai is a European-designed, Japan- and Euro-market crossover. We didn't drive the gasoline version, but the diesel is doable, if a little slow off the line, and the steering is pretty crisp for a CUV. The Qashqai +2 adds a third row... but there really isn't a lot of room back there, only suitable for new additions to the family. In a theme among all of the Nissan vehicles we drove today, the interior is quite pleasant. As ever, the Euros get mid-range vehicles with some really nice fit and finish. The leather in the diesel was especially nice, if a little puffy. The center console pleases the eye at a glance, but when you look closely at it you realize there are enough buttons and glyphs for a Sikorsky helicopter. It really takes scrutiny to decipher, and you don't want to do it while you're driving. But the panorama roof? Magnificent.

You can head over to the Nissan 360 event site for more details on the vehicles. But first, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the Qashqai

Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Nissan 360: the Qashqai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Nissan

Click above to view the new Nissan Qashqai ad.

After Nissan scored creative points with its last Qashqai spot showing the 'lil CUV taking to the half pipe and performing skateboard stunts that would make Rodney Mullen's head spin, its now released a new campaign that involves - God help us - a driving dog, a Thai musical stunt team and a flaming hoop. The ad is part of Nissan's newest viral campaign that will highlight four amateur performance groups - the first from Thailand, followed by teams of Flemish, Polish and African descent - on the blog.spannerleague.com website. Look for new videos to pop up each month, but without further ado, hit the jump to watch man's best friend risk life and four limbs along with his band of (obviously fake) Thai musicians.

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand

VIDEO: Nissan Qashqai gets even more extreme, in Thailand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qashqai+2 = 7

Alex Nunez — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Click image for a high-res gallery of the Nissan Qashqai+2

Nissan's Euro-market compact crossover, the Qashqai, is growing. This week, the automaker announces the impending arrival of the Qashqai+2, a seven-seat variant. A ridiculously lengthy press release touting the car's enhanced practicality and the "independence" it bestows upon owners can be read after the jump, but you can distill it down to this: Nissan's going after families, since that demo is underrepresented on the five-seat Qashqai's sales charts.

The Qashqai+2's wheelbase is stretched five inches over the standard car, and it's eight inches longer overall. To accommodate the third row, the roofline has also been raised and reshaped a bit. There's no denying that the Qashqai is an attractive vehicle, and that adjective can also be used to describe the impressive , optional panoramic glass roof. The +2 also gets a 40/20/40 split second row bench, as opposed to the 60/40 you'll find in the five-seater. Powertrain options are identical to the regular Qashqai -- two diesels and two gasoline engines are offered along with a variety of standard, automatic, and CVT transmissions depending on which powerplant you choose.

So, what about that third row? Well, if the pictures are any indication, it looks like its suitable for young'uns, mostly -- or maybe grown-ups you're not particularly fond of. Using it also vaporizes the car's cargo space. The public gets its first look at Qashqai+2 at the London Motor Show this July, with sales to follow in October.

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Qashqai+2

[Source: Nissan via Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading Qashqai+2 = 7

Qashqai+2 = 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aztek flashback: Nissan UK offering custom fit tent for SUVs

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Etc., Crossover, Nissan

While the Pontiac Aztek was a sales failure, it did have the ability to quickly turn into a camping appliance with a rear end that could be converted into a tent. Nissan must love the idea since it has developed a dome-shaped tent attachment for its UK utility vehicles. The tent attaches to the back, where the rear liftgate can be left ajar to provide a more open area for additional sleepers. Four adults can sleep in the 9x9 enclosure, with a couple more campers bunking in the car. The vehicle can also be easily detached from the tent if errands need to be run.

While tent accessory is handy, it does come at a price tag well beyond most stand-alone portable living quarters. The Navara tent costs £260, and the tent for the Pathfinder, X-TRAIL, Murano or QASHQAI will run you £460. Here in the States you can get a gently-used pop-up camper for a little more than $1,000 USD. The safety of the tent may also be a question mark, as it isn't hard to imagine a Darwin candidate turning on the car to get some heat (and carbon monoxide) into the shelter. Lets hope that doesn't happen. The Nissan press release is pasted after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: Nissan Tent UK

Continue reading Aztek flashback: Nissan UK offering custom fit tent for SUVs

Aztek flashback: Nissan UK offering custom fit tent for SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All your robot CUVs are belong to us: Nissan Dualis viral videos

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 May 2007 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Crossover, Nissan

Click image for a gallery of the Nissan Dualis and its launch event

The new Japan-market Nissan Dualis (Qashqai in Europe) is a good-looking CUV that will have room for seven in a compact form factor. Nissan's marketing gurus have cooked up four viral marketing ads that feature an 11-foot-tall robot designed by anime creator/mecha designer Shoji Kawamori that's wreaking havoc all over town. The robot's name is Dualis, and it's nicknamed the "Powered Suit." We're guessing that the premise of the spots is that Nissan's new CUV is fun to drive, but when considering the robot's carefree and unpredictable behavior, maybe Nissan is warning us to keep both hands on the wheel.

Take the jump to see all four 20-30 second videos, but we must forewarn you that the recent Transformers previews featured here make what you're about to see look like something ahigh school kid did on his Mac. We don't think the exaggerated shoulder pads on the "Powered Suit" are going to bring back any 80's fashion, either.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Gallery: Nissan Dualis (JDM)

Continue reading All your robot CUVs are belong to us: Nissan Dualis viral videos

All your robot CUVs are belong to us: Nissan Dualis viral videos originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Nissan's 7-seat Qashqai

Chris Shunk — Mon, 14 May 2007 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Nissan

If we told you that a seven-seat Nissan was on its way with a turbo-diesel option, inoffensive looks, and a reasonable price tag, you'd think it was too good to be true. Well, it actually is true if you live in Europe, where the Qashqai currently serves as Nissan's soft-roader. For now, however, there is only room for five, but the folks over at Car Online have shots of an extended Qashqai with an additional eight inches of length beyond the b-pillar that provides room for a third row of seats.

Judging by the lack of incognito camo, this crossover looks to be well on its way to market, and it will be powered by a 115-hp 1.6L engine, as wellas both the Qashqai's 2.0L gasoline and turbo-diesel engines. An additional £1,500 is tacked on for the added 200mm, which brings the base price up to £15,000. We can plainly see the additional length of the Qashqai vs. the standard wheelbase version, but it's still hard to believe two people can sit in the small area that makes up that third row of seats. We're guessing the aft-most bench will be akin to the benches in the Toyota RAV-4 and Mitsubishi Outlander, meaning only little people and children need apply.

[Source: Car Magazine]

Spy Shots: Nissan's 7-seat Qashqai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Hitting the half pipe in a Nissan Qashqai

John Neff — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Nissan

Viral videos seem to be all the rage with ad agencies on retainer by the automakers. Debates are still swirling over whether or not the recently posted video showing a 14-year-old crashing his family's brand new Ford GT500 is real or a viral video from Ford itself. You'll no doubt spot this carboarding commercial for the Nissan Qashqai for the marketing tool it is, but you still get to see a small CUV tackle the half pipe with Tony Hawk-like moves. Follow the jump for the second commercial in the series.

[Source: Fresh Creation]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hitting the half pipe in a Nissan Qashqai

VIDEO: Hitting the half pipe in a Nissan Qashqai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan going Rogue with new CUV

John Neff — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Nissan

Today Nissan released a sneak peek at a new small crossover utility view called the Rogue that it will be debuting at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in January. Automotive News reports the Rogue will be smaller than the Murano and be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine when it goes on sale late next year as a 2008 model. Since no other information is available on the Rogue, we can only speculate that it may be built on the same Nissan/Renault Alliance "C" platform as the recently unveiled Nissan Qashqai to be sold in Europe. We met up with the Qashqai at the Paris Motor Show and were very impressed with not only its design, but also its build quality and use of upper-end materials in the cabin. The 2.5-liter engine that will find its way into the Rogue, however, is larger than any of the four engines being offered in the Qashqai, which includes a 1.6-liter gas engine, 1.5-liter diesel and a pair of petrol and diesel 2.0-liters. Ignoring the fact that we in North America just love power, the larger engine might also indicate that this is a bigger CUV than the Qashqai. Who knows? We're just throwing out guesses here.

[Source: Automotive News]

Nissan going Rogue with new CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: SHIFT_convention - the Nissan Qashqai

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 13:23:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Nissan

Nissan debuted the Ford Focus-sized Qashqai (say Kash-kai) crossover in Paris on Thursday, and our man on the spot, John Neff, was as impressed with Nissan's new softroader as he was underwhelmed with Mitsubishi's new Pajero. (Although we have to admit, you're not likely to see a Qashqai dominate the Dakar rally.)

The Qashqai was designed virtually from the ground up by Nissan Europe, and it goes into production at Nissan's U.K. facility later this year. The Qashqai is the first European vehicle built on the Nissan/Renault Alliance "C" platform. Let's hope Nissan's new "Urban Nomad" makes it North America before long.

Lots of live and studio shots after the jump, plus Nissan's press release.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: SHIFT_convention - the Nissan Qashqai

Paris Motor Show: SHIFT_convention - the Nissan Qashqai originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan unveils Qashqai ahead of Paris

John Neff — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Nissan

UPDATED: More pictures added after the jump

Since spy shots had already spoiled the surprise, Nissan decided to unveil its Qashsai compact crossover for Europe ahead of its official debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The car's development was a true English effort, with styling coming out of Nissan Design Europe in London, engineering from Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield and production set to begin at Nissan's factory in Sunderland.

Nissan makes no bones about the Murano's styling influence that can be seen in the Qashqai, and why should it? The compact SUV is being positioned as a bridge for European consumers tired of being stuff into C-segment cars but who aren't quite ready for a HUMMER H2. Four engines will power the Qashqai: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas (113 hp/118 ft-lbs.), a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas (138 hp/148 ft-lbs.), a 1.5-liter diesel (105 hp/177 ft-lbs.) and a 2.0-liter diesel (148 hp/236 ft-lbs.). Mated to those engines will be a myriad of gearbox choices, including a five- and six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic and a CVT. Finally, to imbue the Qashqai with some degree of off-road prowess, either 2.0-liter model can be equipped with Nissan's ALL-MODE 4x4 system.

The Qashqai appears to be an attractive all-around package, though it appears it won't be coming Stateside to face off with the Toyota RAV-4 and new Honda CR-V, among others. The CUV will be exported to Nissan's home market of Japan and "other overseas markets".

(More pics and press release after jump)

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan unveils Qashqai ahead of Paris

Nissan unveils Qashqai ahead of Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Qashqai caught cruising Paris

John Neff — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, Nissan

The 2007 Nissan Qashqai is based on the concept of the same name that debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. Nissan thought it would fan the flames of expectation before the production version's European debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show in late September with a teaser video. Too bad some fast snapping Parisians caught the Qashqai completely uncovered already. The ute appears smaller than a RAV-4 (no third row) but with the same basic shape and increasingly common kicked up window outline ahead of the D-pillar. We'll have much more information on the Euro-only Qashqai when we meet it in person at the Paris show in a few weeks.

[Source: YouTube, Hollywood Extra, CarScoop]

Nissan Qashqai caught cruising Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Qashqai caught testing in Germany

John Neff — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Nissan

The Nissan Qashqai is a crossover SUV concept that debuted at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, and the author of the linked article is sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that spy pics of a production version testing in Germany prove that Nissan is ready to bow out of the passenger car business in Europe. Um... OK. While we seriously doubt that credibility of the author's claim, it does appear Nissan is readying this RAV4-sized ute for the European market. The requisite smattering of four-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants are expected to power the Qashqai and a public unveiling of the production version may happen at the 2007 Geneva show.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

[Shout out to g for the tip]

Nissan Qashqai caught testing in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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