2009 Nissan Murano

Issue 15
July - September’09
2009
Nissan Murano
Quantum
leap
www.nissan-me.com
Road Test 2009 Altima
Technology Nissan Connect
Feature Qashqai Evolution
Motor Sports GT Academy
EDITORIAL
CARLOS GHOSN
PRESIDENT & CEO
NISSAN MOTOR CO. LTD.
Many efforts are being taken to protect the automotive industry’s future during
the current conditions. At the end of the day what makes us attractive is what
kind of technology we are providing and what kind of cars we are putting in the
markets. The one thing that is certain about the future is that people will continue
to drive cars…
Atsuo Kosaka
MANAGING DIRECTOR
NISSAN MIDDLE EAST FZE
Greetings and welcome once again to the latest issue of our Nissan SHIFT_
magazine. The previous two months have been an exciting time at Nissan
Middle East. First and foremost it gives me immense pride to report a milestone
achievement for Nissan in the Middle East market.
Thanks to the combined efforts of our distributors across the region
we achieved in excess of 200,000 vehicle sales in Financial Year 2008. This
represents a new record for sales of Nissan cars, SUVs and light commercial
vehicles across this region. The Middle East continues to be of increasing
strategic global importance to Nissan Motor Company and we have an
aggressive plan to refresh and increase our product range in the coming years.
Currently the all-new 2009 Nissan Murano SUV is launching across the region
and we have further products to launch this coming Autumn.
I can also report that Nissan’s regional reach is expanding as our brand will be
represented by an additional new partner in the Iraqi market in the near future.
On the marketing front we have been busy capitalizing on the inclusion
of our iconic Z sports car in the forthcoming multi-platform video game ‘Colin
McRae: DiRT™ 2’ from developer Codemasters. This game – due for release
across the region from Autumn - is the to highly anticipated sequel to the
popular off-road racing game. This global race game not only uses state-ofthe-art simulation technology but is uniquely designed to coach better driving
habits for race drivers via its in-game hero race driver instructors – one of whom
is Middle East rally legend Mohamed Ben Sulayem. Together with the game’s
Middle East retail partners and Sony PlayStation we will stage a regional virtual
racing competition. The eventual winner will drive off with a brand new Nissan
Z sports car and in the process we will create lots of new passionate drivers for
the Nissan brand. Until next time….
www.nissan-me.com
www.nissan-me.com
1
Issue 15
July - September’09
Editorial Team
Monal Zeidan
Hakam Kherallah
Pankaj Dev
Design & Production
Published for
Advertising
AdCom Advertising & Publishing
Nissan Middle East FZE
AdCom Advertising & Publishing
Editorial Office
by AdCom Advertising &
P.O. Box 34556, Dubai, UAE
P.O. Box 61111, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE
Publishing
Tel.: +971-4-3522337
e-mail: [email protected]
P.O. Box 34556,
Fax: +971-4-3595983
Website: www.nissan-me.com
Dubai, UAE
E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright
Law prohibits reproduction in whole or part of any matter, without prior written permission of the publisher.
Legal Disclaimer
Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Nissan Middle East FZE and the publisher. We shall not be held liable in any manner.
10
2009 MURANO
Quantum leap
4
14
2
News
24
Interview
26
Technology
28
Motor Sports
Hirotaka Mima
Road Test
Nissan Altima
18
Feature
22
Heritage
Nissan Connect
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Micra
GT Academy
www.nissan-me.com
www.nissan-me.com
NEWS
350Z TO STAR IN BIG-NAME
VIDEOGAME DIRT 2
NISSAN RUNS TRAINING SESSION
FOR FLEET CUSTOMERS
activity, in order to maximise what we feel is a
market tailor-made for Codemasters’ portfolio of
products, including our official Formula 1 game
lineup in 2009 and 2010.”
A Colin McRae: DiRT 2 regional virtual racing
competition on PlayStation3 will kick off across the
region in September 2009. The winner will drive off
with a brand new Nissan Z sports car, a version of
which is featured in the game. A localized website,
www.dirt2arabia.com, includes all information
related to the competition.
“Pluto is proud to be the official distributor of
the widely popular DiRT racing series of games in
the Middle East. As the regional gaming market
continues to grow, Pluto together with Codemasters
aim to bring the latest and most popular games
to customers here which in turn, reflects our
commitment to the Middle East,” said Rami El
Hussein, Managing Director Pluto. “We are sure
that Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will be a huge success
in the region where gaming enthusiasts and racing
fans can choose to play with or compete against
UAE champion rally driver Ben Sulayem.”
Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is scheduled to be
released in September 2009 for the Xbox 360®
The DiRT 2 press conference in Dubai, featuring Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Monal Zeidan of Nissan Middle East
T
he phenomenal growth of the video
gaming industry across the Middle
4
a
The session focused on intensive service
range within the Nissan Model Line in the Middle
training on the Navara and Pickup commercial
East,” said Ibrahim Abou Samra, manager, LCV
to ensure they get the best out
vehicles, focusing on the technical features
Unit and Fleet operations at Nissan Middle East.
of their vehicles.
and familiarising fleet customers with Nissan
East Training Centre was conducted exclusively
in 1969.
game will distributed regionally by Pluto Games.
for fleet owners’ workship managers.
Colin McRae: DiRT 2
NISSAN’S SUNDERLAND PLANT
WINS QUEEN’S AWARD
Codemasters.
PlayStation
players to the most diverse and challenging real-
Division of Sony Gulf FZE the total Middle Eastern
world environments. This World Tour will have
video gaming industry was said to be worth $750
players competing in aggressive multi-car and
million in 2008 – a reflection of the region’s young
intense solo races at extraordinary new locations,
gaming demographic.
from canyon racing and jungle trails to city
stadium-based events.
significant as it will feature the image and voice of
“As motorsports is my ultimate passion, I am
Middle Eastern rallying legend Mohammed Ben
honored to be featured in Colin McRae: DIRT 2, one
Sulayem – the first time an Arab racing celebrity
of the most anticipated racing games of the year,” said
has featured in a videogame. Colin McRae: DiRT 2
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, 14-time FIA Middle East
also continues Nissan Motor Company’s marketing
Rally Champion. “Working closely with Codemasters’
tactic of placing its cars in video games around the
team to develop a digital version of myself was a surreal
world with its 350Z sportscar featuring prominently
experience. I look forward to the worldwide success
in Colin McRae: DiRT 2 gameplay.
of the game and I am confident that motorsports fans
“We are delighted Codemasters chose to use
run
Windows LIVE, Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP. The
Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will feature a roster
The multi-platform rally racing game is
has
model was introduced in selected global markets
of contemporary off-road racing events, taking
the
training
workshop for its fleet customers
A service training session at the Nissan Middle
East continues this September with
to
issan
computer entertainment system and Games For
the launch of Colin McRae: DiRT 2 from developer
According
video game and entertainment system, the PS3
N
Fleet customers at the training session
will have a great gaming experience.”
the famous Nissan Z sportscar in the latest version
“Codemasters is delighted to have entered
of its renowned rallying game” said Monal Zeidan,
into this partnership with Mohammed, Nissan and
General Manager, Marketing and Corporate
PlayStation for the launch of Colin McRae: Dirt 2
Communications Nissan Middle East.
in the Middle East. Codemasters has a reputation
The ‘Z’ as it’s affectionately known to thousands
of producing the world’s leading racing games
of car enthusiasts around the world - was officially
and Colin McRae: Dirt 2 is the epitome of our
introduced into Nissan’s Middle East product
development technology”, commented Hal Bame,
range in 2003. Through four previous generations
Director Distributor Territories Codemasters. “We
Nissan’s affordable sportscar has achieved iconic
believe the entire GCC region is at a tipping point
status with performance car fans achieving over
in the video game industry and plan on investing
1.5 million global sales since the first Datsun 240Z
heavily in product, on-line and overall marketing
The sequel to the critically acclaimed smash hit
of 2007, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is set to revolutionise
off-road racing. Big event atmosphere, incredible
service standards.
“The Nissan Navara & Nissan Pickup are
the main pillars of the Light Commercial Vehicle
locations and a stellar line-up of the most powerful,
launch of the Micra.
“It also demonstrates that by winning the
with hundreds of thousands of cheering spectators.
right models for the plant and reacting quickly to
A line-up of best of breed vehicles from race one
market conditions we have the ability to grow.
lets players focus on fast-paced, redline racing.
“The high motivation and commitment of the
Each can be customised and upgraded to enter
workforce in Sunderland is the reason why we
different classes and grow with the player’s skill
win these awards.
and reputation.
“Although 2008 has been an extremely
With a host of traditional and new events,
tough year and we’ve had to take some difficult
including Rally, Rallycross and Raid, Colin McRae:
but necessary steps to protect the plant,
DiRT 2 will deliver an unprecedented experience on
Qashqai has still performed above the original
a tour that goes places racing fans have never been
project plan.
before. Built on the latest iteration of the award
www.nissan-me.com
three in a row from 1992 to 1994 following the
that followed Qashqai’s introduction in 2007.
stunning locations in London and LA, each lined
Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is rally, redefined.
won the award in its 23-year history, including
and Note as well as the outstanding success
events in lush jungles, huge stadiums and around
options, including full 8 player head-to-head racing,
three years. It is the fourth time that the plant has
recognises the long-term achievement of Micra
Colin McRae: DiRT 2 sets its spectacular
damage. Complete with comprehensive multiplayer
customers as well.”
president for manufacturing, said: “The award
together in an all new World Tour.
Colin McRae: DiRT 2 delivers jawdropping levels of
passing on the advantages to our third party
Trevor Mann, Nissan Europe’s senior vice
officially licensed off-road racers are brought
winning EGO Engine at Codemasters Studios,
“By offering this kind of training to
our fleet customers’ technicians, we are
“Looking ahead to the future, we’re confident
N
A Qashqai leaves Nissan’s Sunderland plant
as the global leaders in the crossover market that
issan’s plant in Sunderland, United
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise recognises
the production model of the Qazana concept will
Kingdom, has been given a top
the plants increase in overseas sales from 2005
award for its continued achievement
to 2007. During that time revenue was increased
in international trade.
www.nissan-me.com
by 51 percent to more than $3.67 billion over
repeat this success.”
The Sunderland plant provides vehicles to
45 worldwide markets.
5
NISSAN LAUNCHES PIXO SMALL CAR IN EUROPE
N
issan has launched a new small car in
engine that makes 68PS and returns a fuel
airbags and power steering. A CD player with MP3
Europe – the Pixo.
economy of just 4.4l/100km.
playback is also included, as are front cup holders
Sliding into the brand’s small car
But despite its small size, the Pixo strikes a perfect
and rear screen wipers. Available features include
line-up below the Micra and the Note, the Pixoaims to
balance between design and practicality. The five-door
side airbags, remote central locking, electric front
capitalise on the downsizing trend and provide budget
car has room for four adults and their luggage, with an
windows and front fog lamps, as well as a folding
motoring at its most affordable, while still boasting the
boot space of 129 litres with the rear seats up.
rear seat, ESP and curtain airbags.
quality and reliability of the Nissan brand.
The Pixo is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol
Standard features include ABS and electronic
brakeforce distribution, as well as twin front
Nissan hopes the Pixo will introduce the brand to
a new group of customers.
TOP 40 SWISS NISSAN DEALERS
VISIT THE MIDDLE EAST
N
issan’s top 40 dealers from Switzerland
desert to experience the Nissan 4x4 line-up during
paid a visit to the Middle East as a
test drivers. They also visited a Nissan, Infiniti and
reward for achieving their sales targets
Renault showroom in Dubai.
in their home country.
T
he Formula 1 circus came to the
Middle East earlier this year for the
Bahrain Grand Prix, and will return
again in November when Abu Dhabi hosts the
season finale.
The GT-Cup was launched to motivate its dealer
Former world champion Fernando Alonso,
The dealers were given the trip after either
network. The competition has a dedicated website
driving for the ING Renault team, was given use of
achieving or exceeding their sales targets over a
– www.gt-cup.ch - which informs the dealers of
a Nissan GT-R during his stay in Bahrain, as was
six-month period in a Nissan Switzerland challenge
their ranking during the competition, and gave them
his teammate Nelson Piquet.
called The GT_Cup.
several opportunities to win prizes through quizzes
Their visit to the UAE included a trip into the
NISSAN AND ISLAND RECORDS TEAM UP
FOR SPECIAL EDITION QASHQAI
Former F1 world
champ drives GT-R in
Mideast
on the site – the main prize being a trip to Dubai.
This year, 2009, marks the tenth year of the
Renault-Nissan Alliance.
NISSAN OPENS NEW RUSSIAN PLANT IN ST PETERSBURG
the start of production at our new plant Nissan
become an integral part of the local community.”
The St Petersburg Plant will employ 750
with the release of a special edition Qashqai
workers at start of production with one shift. More
in the UK that features Nissan Connect, the
jobs will be created by Nissan’s supplier companies
company’s new digital entertainment centre.
and businesses that will support operations at
The Qashqai n-tec comes with Nissan
the new plant. Mr Ghosn said the plant would
Connect as standard, giving music lovers
be an important contributor to Nissan’s vision of
everything they need to enjoy their top tunes
sustainable growth and return to profitability.
on the move. It features a CD player with
Today the share of Nissan in the Russian total
MP3 and WMA playback, an FM/AM radio,
industry volume totals 5.7%. For Nissan, Russia
an auxiliary socket and a USB port for full
represents one of the key global markets, ranking
iPod connection.
number one market in Europe and standing as
Additionally, Nissan and Island Records
have launched a new digital hub, www.
qashqaisland.co.uk, which showcases unseen
music video footage, free music downloads and
offers tickets to concerts. Artists can also use
the site to promote their music.
I
6
N
Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, and governor of St
Ghosn joined more than 1,000
Petersburg, Valentiana Matvienko.
guests at the opening of a new
assembly plant in St Petersburg, Russia، recently.
The $200 million facility will be able to
Anyone test driving a Qashqai n-tec model
produce 50,000 vehicles a year, focusing initially
sland Records has managed some
to Hollywood and Amy Winehouse, Island has
in the UK gets 25 free music track downloads
on the Teana business-class sedan and the
of the world’s greatest musical acts.
associated with the best.
and the chance to win tickets to see an Island
X-TRAIL SUV.
From Bob Marley to U2, Frankie Goes
And now it can add Nissan to that list,
Records artist play live.
The ceremony guest list included the Russian
www.nissan-me.com
number five globally. It also is an important part of
issan’s president and CEO Carlos
www.nissan-me.com
Carlos Chosn hailed the new facility as a
great moment.
“This is Nissan’s breakthrough in Russia,”
he said.
Nissan and Renault-Nissan alliance strategy.
Fujio Hosaka, general director of Nissan
Manufacturing Russia, said: “The St Petersburg
plant allows Nissan to localise our production
and contribute to the development of the
domestic auto industry. We hope to support
“The opening of our plant in St Petersburg in
to the local economy by creating employment
the current conditions underlines our confidence in
opportunities, sharing of advanced technologies
the high potential of the Russian economy. With
and development of the supply chain.”
7
GT-R IMPROVES NURBURGRING LAP TIME
N
issan’s GT-R has improved its lap
The previous recorded lap times for
and chief vehicle specialist on the GT-R said:
time at the renowned Nurburgring
Nissan’s flagship performance car at the
“This record demonstrates our commitment
Nordschleife circuit in Germany to
‘Ring were:
to the continuous evolution of the Nissan
7 minutes 27 seconds 56 on April 15, 2009
GT-R. We would like to continue delivering
7 minutes 29 in April 2008
the passion and pride of ownership to our
team’s commitment to constantly challenge the GT-
7 minutes 38 in September 2007
customers by improving its performance
R’s performance.
Kazutoshi Mizuno, chief vehicle engineer
every year.”
7min 26 seconds point 70.
This new time underlines Nissan engineering
NISSAN ELECTRIC VEHICLES TO ENTER
PRODUCTION IN 2010
N
issan has announced that it will
Kanagawa, is one of the company’s core bases
firms are committed to raising the awareness of
put zero-emission electric vehicles
of manufacturing and will establish best practice
environmental issues to their customers.
into production at its Oppama
for electric vehicle (EV) production. From the
The deal in Singapore is one of several
autumn of next year, EV production will start
zero-emission
The news comes shortly after it was
with a capacity of 50,000 units per year, which
Renault-Nissan taking place in 12 countries
announced that the Renault-Nissan Alliance
will increase for the start of mass-marketing of
around the world.
has formed a partnership with several agencies
EVs in 2012.
Plant in Japan from 2010.
in Singapore to explore the development of a
zero emission vehicles program.
Nissan’s
Oppama
plant,
located
in
vehicle
initiatives
involving
A memorandum of understanding has been
As part of the strategy, Nissan has formed a
signed by the Alliance as well as Singapore’s
partnership with European rental firm Europcar
Energy Market Authority, the Land Transport
to market the vehicles on a global scale. Both
Authority and the Economic Development
Board. The organisations have agreed to set
up a team to promote the introduction and
expansion of electric vehicles in Singapore.
Lawrence Wong, chief executive of the
EMA, said: “EV development is an exciting
new area, particularly relevant to the Singapore
context.
“Singapore is well positioned for the
deployment of EVs due to our relative small
size, urban environment, robust electrical grid
and our IT infrastructure.”
Thierry Koskas, Renault electric vehicles
programme director, added: “Singapore is for us
a key priority, as the geography of the country
and the focus on environment issues make fast
Alliance and local agency officials in Singapore
and strong development of electric cars.”
The GT-R at the Nurburgring
GT-R VOTED WORLD PERFORMANCE CAR OF THE YEAR
N
issan’s flagship GT-R has been
The
GT-R
named the best performance car on
Porsche,
the planet by a panel of 59 judges.
Mercedes-Benz
Aston
overcame
Martin,
to
win
challengers
from
Lamborghini
and
The World Car of the Year judges said “the
World
R35 throws even former GT-Rs into the weeds
the
2009
Performance Car of the Year award.
via an all-new 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 providing
485 horsepower and 588Nm of torque. The drive
of the GT-R, especially on a track, reveals an
incredibly flexible all-wheel-drive chassis.”
So impressed by the GT-R were the judges
that they suggested that “it may be the world’s
best enthusiast car.”
“The Nissan GT-R has been on a winning streak
since its global launch at the Tokyo Motor Show in
late 2007” said Monal Zeidan, general manager,
marketing
and
corporate
communications
department at Nissan Middle East.
“Being chosen as the 2009 World Performance
Car is a recognition Nissan can be extremely
proud of and shows that the concept of designing
a supercar for anyone, anytime, anywhere was
the correct strategy for our company.”
8
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9
Cover Story
10
Q
T
he new Murano marries the DNA of its
predecessor with the latest technology, taking
the legendary nameplate forward in inimitable
style. The 2009 Murano has already received great
response from the Middle East’s motoring public.
T
he Murano isn’t just a car – it’s a
idea met with enormous success and the
further ahead. The most striking resemblance
transformation of sorts. Ever since it
Murano’s first version sold 123,000 units in 131
with the first generation car is the signature
was launched in 2003 in the United
countries worldwide. To build a successor to
upswept rear side window line. Other prominent
States, it laid down the rules of what an urban
such a hugely influential and successful vehicle
changes are observed at the front and rear of
crossover should look like. Fusing the brawny
required a much bigger effort than building just
the new car. The massive chrome effect grille
looks of an SUV with the driving dynamics and
another regulation car. The new version needed
up front and the LED tail light treatment at the
refinement of a saloon car, the Murano heralded
to keep the best of the original and build upon it
rear, along with a new outline for the vehicle
a new market segment altogether. The novel
with added flair and tech.
gives it its distinctive, signature look. The
uantum leap
www.nissan-me.com
www.nissan-me.com
And that’s exactly what
sharply styled greenhouse area gives the new
the
generation
Murano a touch of sportiness, while the flared
Murano does. It shares its
wheel arches with squared edges endow it
DNA with the original, but
with the much needed brawn.
adds
second
more
refinement,
Just like the exterior, the interior of the new
sophistication, technology,
car has undergone an overhaul too. Nissan has
equipment
visual
focussed on making the new car look and feel
appeal to take the game
more luxurious from the inside. The instruments,
and
11
the seats and most other materials are not only
wheel with an advanced 7.0 inch screen sat-nav
new but of a much higher quality. Double stitched
at your service to guide you through the city.
facilitates using the camera during night as well.
For audio entertainment, the Murano gets a
leather trim along with smart use of aluminium
The Murano also features a panoramic
high quality 6-speaker, 160 watt stereo system as
inserts makes the interior of the new Murano look
sunroof that extends from the end of the front
standard. The standard fit audio system is good
more like a premium luxury sedan than a SUV.
windscreen to over the rear seats. While the
enough, but Nissan has an even higher grade audio
The fabulous interior looks even more appealing
latter half of the sunroof is fixed, the first half
system on offer for the hardcore music junkies.
during the night with unique subtle interior
can either be raised for ventilation or be slid
The 11-speaker, 288 Watt Bose system with a
lighting highlights the classy touches, while also
back. All parts of the roof are of a dark hue for
separate 10-channel amplifier is exceptionally
helping the occupants to locate features and
the sake of privacy.
powerful, and is more than capable of turning the
buttons without having to turn on the main cabin
The new, high quality leather covered power
Murano’s cabin into a high decibel theatre. The
lights. The intuitive in-cabin lighting system also
seats provide greater support and comfort,
six-CD changer audio system with AM/FM radio
complements the stylish instrument cluster well.
and have a memory function on the eight-way
also has an AUX-in jack socket for MP3 players.
Nissan has showered the interior of the
adjustable driver’s side. The passenger seat
“The new Murano has received impressive
gets a four-way power adjustment feature.
response from the public since its official launch
Murano with loads of technology. The first thing
that you’ll notice as you buckle up for a spin
Nissan has been one of the pioneers in the
in the Middle East recently”, said Monal Zaidan,
is the proximity sensing intelligent key which
use of rear view cameras, and the Murano uses
General Manager, Marketing and Corporate
doesn’t require you to slot it in. You just need
some of the world’s best camera technology for
Communications at Nissan Middle East.
to push the dashboard integrated start/stop
making life easier for the driver. The new Murano
He added: “The new Murano is the epitome
button to turn the ignition on or off if you have
has a tailgate-mounted camera that displays the
of a modern, luxurious SUV that doesn’t shy
the key with you. Audio and telephone controls
section behind the car on the screen whenever it is
away from the driveway of a nightclub. With
are ergonomically integrated into the steering
put in reverse gear. Advanced infrared LED lighting
stylish, sculpted looks, latest technology and a
sporty drive, the Murano fuses the desirability
earlier generation engine to improve efficiency
speeds, while being light and easy to turn at
and presence of a SUV with the sophistication of
and performance. The changes have boosted the
lower speeds.
a saloon. No wonder, it’s one of the most sought
power of the engine by 25 PS and torque by 7
To bring the mammoth Murano to a halt
after vehicles in its class the world over”.
Nm over its earlier iteration. Thanks to the power
from high speeds with reassurance, disc brakes
boost and enhanced aerodynamics, maximum
have been employed all round. A tie rod has
speed has increased by around 10km/h.
been added to the brake servo to provide that
The Murano, despite primarily being an
urban machine doesn’t stray from its SUV origins
12
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when it comes to its loading capabilities. The
Courtesy the new structure, the Murano
additional bite to the brake pedal. ABS with EBD
crossover offers generous loading space inside
now has 95 percent more lateral stiffness and 75
and Brake Assist come as standard in the new
with intelligently designed seats and doors to
percent less vibrations when compared with its
Murano to ensure secure braking.
make loading/unloading a breeze. The power
predecessor. A mention also needs to be made of
To make the new Murano an able off-
assisted tailgate can be opened and closed by
the careful aerodynamic work that has been done
road machine Nissan has equipped it with its
remote control, either via a button on the key fob,
beneath the car to reduce under-floor turbulence
advanced ALL MODE 4x4-i all wheel drive
the dashboard or the tailgate. The tailgate takes
and resultantly cabin noise. A lot of sound
system. The intelligent four-wheel drive system
7.0 seconds to open, 9.0 seconds to close, and
absorption material has gone into the floorboard
is capable of distributing torque to the wheel
comes with an anti-pinch mechanism to prevent
of the new car to keep the cabin quiet.
where it’s needed. The system makes the vehicle
the door from closing if there’s an obstacle in the
The fire breathing V6 monster under the
run as a normal FWD car under normal driving
way. A warning tone accompanies the opening
bonnet of the new Murano is mated with a
conditions, with most of the torque being sent
and closing operation.
new
transmission
to the front wheels. As much as 50 percent of
The 60:40 split rear seat backs fall flat by a
system. Extensively re-engineered, the new
the toque can be delivered to the rear wheels if
mere pull of a lever. What’s more they can be put
CVT reduces friction by 20 percent, improving
need be, though. The system also has a yaw rate
back in their original position via a remote control
fuel efficiency of the car. The new transmission
control feature to keep understeer and oversteer
in the dash or in the loading bay. The seats fall
also switches ratios much more quickly and is
in check and comes equipped with electronic
flat in a moment, and take about 8 seconds to
capable of changing its shift pattern in tune with
stability control (ESP) for added control.
be raised back.
the driving style.
generation
Xtronic
CVT
To augment all those active safety features,
The Murano shares its underpinnings with
The new Murano employs a multi-link
Nissan has loaded the Murano liberally with
the US-market Nissan Altima. By virtue of the
arrangement for its rear suspension while a
passive safety equipment that ensures the greater
rigidity of the new platform, the new Murano is
sub-frame mounted strut-type system does
protection in frontal and side impacts. The front
45 percent stiffer than its predecessor. The stiffer
duty at the front. Nissan engineers have made
of the vehicle also incorporates many impact
chassis can handle the raw power of the 3.5-litre,
liberal use of aluminium to reduce weight, and
absorption features for the safety of the occupants
268PS V6 that propels it much better not only
have employed anti-roll bars both up front and
as well as the pedestrians. Along with front, side
around a set of challenging hilly bends, but off
at the rear to keep body roll in check. Handling
and curtain airbags, which comes as a standard
the road as well. The V6 propelling the Murano
is further aided by advanced, high performance
fitment, the new Murano also features low friction
has been voted the best engine in the world
dual flow path dampers. Nissan’s TOPS (Twin
seat belts that require less force to pull them from
many times over by independent observers. A
Orifice Power Steering) delivers a progressively
their housings and have greater flexibility that
host of improvements have been made to the
heavier and direct steering response at higher
makes them more comfortable to wear.
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13
Road Test
Nissan Alti ma 3.5 V6
The Altima isn’t just your
regular family sedan.
14
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T
hat’s obvious from the start, when
tipped exhausts, mounted just above an
available in high-intensity xenon form – show a
you first look at the smart but
under-body diffuser. This is not just for show
clean, distinctive look with more than a hint of
athletic profile of the car. Lines
– it’s an aerodynamic aid that helps to keep
sporting intent. Other exterior features include
sweep down the car, culminating in the fighter
the car stable at higher speeds, as does the
electrically folding mirrors with inset indicators.
jet-inspired taillights and sporty dual chrome-
boot-mouted spoiler. The headlights too – also
The whole package sits on 17-inch five-spoke
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15
wheels. Jump inside and you’ll see a clean
you should have no trouble finding your ideal
and logically-laid out interior. Notable touches
driving position.
The
Altima
eschews
the
traditional
automatic gearbox in favour of a continuously
include the wood-effect inlays (which are also
Incidentally, jumping inside the Altima is
variable transmission, or CVT. Called Xtronic,
available with a metallic sheen) and the optional
particularly easy, thanks to keyless entry and
the transmission uses a single belt and
sunroof – openable in the winter and thankfully
engine start. Just keep the key in your pocket
moveable cone-shaped pulleys, rather than
closeable and coverable when the sun gets to
and the car will detect its presence, allowing
cogs, to create a ‘gearless’ system that delivers
its hottest.
the doors to be unlocked at the push of a
peak power torque whenever you want it, with
Despite the sporty appearance of the
handle-mounted button. Once inside, press
ultimate smoothness. It’s a system that Nissan
Altima, it will easily seat five, with comfortable,
the sporty engine-start button to fire up the
has been using for some time in its other
supportive seats in the front and plenty of leg
3.5-litre V6, which will put 270bhp through
passenger cars and it works well – once you get
and headroom in the rear. The front seats are
the front wheels.
used to the lack of kick down when you hit the
electrically powered and can move in eight
That’s a lot of power for the nose of the car to
accelerator. If you still hark after the good old
different ways. Combined with the steering
deal with, but there’s no sign of the feared torque
days of manual shifting, just flick the gearlever
column that adjusts for both reach and rake,
steer that can plague front-wheel-drive cars.
over to find the six-speed manual mode.
The steering on the Altima is light, which
is
control is included as standard on the V6 model
is perfect for manoeuvring around town. The
impressive for a car in this price bracket.
that we tested, while vehicle dynamic control
wheel can be spun around with ease, making
Produced by stereophonic experts Bose,
(VDC) is available as an option. VDC helps the
that tight parking spot much less hard work that
it puts out a clear sound with some serious
driver keep control of the vehicle in the event
it would normally be. And at higher speeds the
bass – even before you fiddle with the graphic
of a skid.
Altima is nimble without being overly stiff and
equaliser. Rest assured, if you want people to
harsh through the suspension.
hear you coming, they will.
Entertainment-wise,
16
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there’s
plenty
The
sound
system,
incidentally,
Inside the car, there are dual front airbags
and side impact airbags built into the seat that
of
You can hear other objects coming at you
deploy in the event of an accident. More side
choice. The Altima comes with both CD and
as well, with the optional rear parking sensors.
impact curtain airbags are built in to protect
tape players, as well as an auxiliary socket for
Should you not see an object when reversing,
both front and rear seat passengers, while
an MP3 player or any type of external sound
an audible signal will sound to alert you.
active head restraints help to reduce the risk of
source. Whenever your music collection is from,
The Altima is available in six different exterior
you’ll be able to play it through the Altima’s Bose
colours with a choice of grey or beige cloth
Despite its popularity in the region, the
sound system (Theoretically you could even plug
upholstery, or luxurious beige leather. Safety
Altima continues to stand out, and with good
a record player in through the auxiliary socket,
features include a tyre pressure monitoring
reason. It’s dynamic good looks and its balance
although we wouldn’t recommend it. Stick with
system that alerts the driver to a flat, as well
of comfort and a sporty ride make it a very
tapes, CDs and MP3s).
as standard anti-lock brakes (ABS). Traction
attractive proposition as a family sedan.
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whiplash injury.
17
FEATURE
Urban
nomad
N
omadic at heart, but suave and sophisticated
in its form – the Qashqai is a gypsy dressed in
formals.We take you through the development
phase of this fantastic crossover.
T
he Qashqai was designed to take
The Qashqai’s design philosophy revolves
the Murano, to a new level. With a
around the word ‘lean’. While the word ‘lean’
compact size, the Qashqai aimed at optimising
can mean ‘making more for less’ from the
a small SUV, even more than its bigger brother,
manufacturer’s point of few, for Nissan’s
for the urban jungle. Aptly combining the
designers its meaning lay on the lines of a
design features of a car and an SUV to give the
‘muscled surface, an athletic form and some
user the best of both the worlds, the Qashqai
tensioned panelwork’.
broke
new
design
While at his apartment in London, Nissan
and substantiated Nissan’s position as the
Design Europe’s Design Director Stephane
undisputed leader in the crossover segment.
Schwarz happened to be musing over the
Nissan
18
Qashqai: The Design
the crossover genre, heralded by
ground
has
in
been
crossover
working
hard
on
meaning of ‘lean’, prompting thoughts of the
developing this platform further with state
tensioned limbs of athletes. And that was
of the art technologies and breathtaking
the inspiration that produced the ‘bone-line’
designs, reflected in their upcoming compact
that’s such a distinctive styling feature of the
crossover range, which is still in its conceptual
Qashqai compact crossover, creating a graphic
stage. As of now, the Qashqai is the most
signature that’s echoed by the twin bulges in the
compact crossover vehicle on offer by the
bonnet. He presented this idea to the rest of his
Japanese firm.
colleagues. Their appreciation and approval
The crossover’s designing process was
gave birth to the crease that originates from
started from scratch in 2003 at Nissan Design
the front wheel arches and gracefully rises
Europe – the brand’s design centre located
to define the crossover’s shoulder line, as it
in London. The Qashqai then took birth as a
flows into the taillight clusters. While it may
compact crossover concept in 2004 when
come across as a mere fold in the metal
it was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show.
to few, this crease is a significant element
The production version was presented to the
in defining the Qashqai’s dual function of
world on the 6th of September 2006, at the
shapeliness and sportiness.
Paris Motor Show. Since then the car has been
The whole idea behind the design took
produced at Nissan’s Sunderland factory in
birth in an apartment; in Schwarz’s own words,
Europe and exported to other markets like
‘a
Japan, Australia and the Middle East.
inspirational because you’re uninterrupted and
non-professional
environment
can
be
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19
The Qashqai is assembled in Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK
four wheel drive to cater to the customer’s
worked to offer a safe ride, the passive safety
the Qashqai owes a better part of its crafting
preference. A CVT gearbox was mated to
elements on the other hand were assimilated
With all the hard work that went into the
more than a new product. It was a proof that
to the design centre itself, which at one point
the engine to offer precise shifts and the
within the interiors. Thanks to the vision and
design and engineering of the Qashqai, the
Nissan was one of the best names in the
in time was a British Rail maintenance depot.
ultimate convenience during city commutes
smart work of the engineers, the Qashqai
crossover was sure to win its accolades. For
business when it came to crossovers. The
Schwarz reckons that this depot was the ideal
with its automatic function. As compared
boasts of six airbags - dual stage driver and
the designers and engineers, the Qashqai
Qashqai was to play testimony to the fact
birthplace for the Qashqai since it epitomizes
to a conventional car, an SUV’s high centre
front passenger airbags; thorax side airbags
was designed with a passion to create a car
that even its precursor Murano’s success
the idea of the ‘urban nomad’.
of gravity leads to reduced controllability
mounted in the front seats and full-length
that would be loved not only by customers
wasn’t a fluke but a well deserved one.
Schwarz moved to Nissan in 1994 after
For the company though, the Qashqai was
STEPHANE SCHWARZ:
DESIGN DIRECTOR, NDE
A
Bachelor
of
Science
in
Transportation Design from the Art
Center College of Design in Switzerland,
By mixing the response and comfort of a
in an emergency as well as longer stopping
curtain airbags on both sides – all within the
from all genders and age groups, but also
Today the Qashqai boasts of some of the
an illustrious start at Pinninfarina. Since
hatchback and the practicality of an SUV, the
distances. Therefore 4x4s aren’t known to be
compact body of a crossover. The active
by the on lookers who would go weak in
best sales figures ever for a production
then he has been an integral part of a
Qashqai comes across as a sleek and compact
the best when it comes to braking. The Qashqai
headrests on the front seats, minimize the
their knees looking at its breathtaking form.
vehicle of its stature, and counting.
car for the city, but tough and agile for journeys
however broke new ground in terms of braking
likelihood of whiplash injuries to the neck
number of projects for various markets
away from the town.
as well. The ABS, EBD and Traction Control
in case of rear impact, while the full-length
were optimized to offer a secure braking feel,
shatter proof panoramic glass roof, made from
inspiring confidence in the driver.
laminated glass, ensures protection in the
Qashqai: The Engineering
For combining the best abilities of an SUV
and a hatchback, the engineers behind the
that Nissan has presence in. In 2003,
he started to pen the design for the
crossover concept, which was displayed
at Geneva in 2004. The same year he
event of a roll-over crash.
Qashqai: The safety
The safety features of the Qashqai
was promoted to the designation of
Qashqai chose the flexible Nissan-Renault
For Nissan, safety of the driver, passengers
earned it the Euro NCAP five star rating for
Design Director at NDE where he began
Alliance C platform for its basic development.
and even the pedestrians is top priority. The
adult occupant protection. The Euro NCAP
For the suspension, the front end employed a
Qashqai was designed to employ some of
(European New Car Assessment Programme)
sculpting the crossover concept into a
strut mechanism for comfortable ride quality,
the best safety equipment on board. Active
is known to be one of the most stringent
while the rear end was given a compact multi-
safety came in the form of anti-lock brakes
safety regulations in the world and after the
link suspension setup for precise handling,
with electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
safety tests, awarded the Qashqai 36.83
reduced body roll and high speed stability,
and brake assist, which constantly alters
points out of the maximum 37. The Qashqai
thus imparting the Qashqai with the dynamic
the front rear balance to achieve optimum
also earned a respectable four stars out
abilities yet unseen on such a big vehicle.
brake performance. The 4x4 mode improved
of five for child protection. In pedestrian
Engine choices came in the form of four
safety further by providing the Qashqai with
protection, the vehicle received two stars,
options - 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines
maximum traction when driven on various
only 0.38 point short of three stars. Currently
and 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre diesel mills. All these
kinds of road surfaces.
no vehicle in the small family category has
engines were made compatible with a two or
20
Qashqai: A success
can get to the essence more quickly’. However,
While the active safety elements constantly
production form, better known today as
the Qashqai.
received the maximum four.
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21
HERITAGE
Small Wonder
T
he Micra was erstwhile Datsun’s
an import. Before long, it was one of the most
cheap cost of ownership. As time progressed
contender for the growing small car
sought after entry-level cars in Europe.
further, the Micra shed its conventional looks
market throughout the world. The car
In 1990, the Micra was the eleventh most
for a more curvaceous design, which made it
debuted in 1982 and was initially produced in
popular new car in the UK with almost 50,000
a popular car amongst the fairer sex. In some
Datsun’s production plant in Japan. Since Nissan
units sold. Taking this popularity into account,
countries, it even earned the nickname ‘the
were slowly phasing out the ‘Datsun’ moniker,
Nissan decided to start production of the second
handbag car’. But its popularity today attracts
the small car was initially shipped with the
generation Micra in UK itself at their production
buyers from all genders and age groups while
Datsun-Nissan Micra/March badging. It entered
plant in Sunderland. Over the years, the Micra
its ‘easy to drive’ characteristic makes it an ideal
the European market in the summer of 1983 as
grew in popularity for its Japanese reliability and
choice for a city car.
The Micra is one of the most successful Nissan cars. Reliable, rugged,
cheap to own and easy to drive, the Micra has won hearts across the
world. Although it is not marketed in the Middle East. Here’s a chronicle
of the car’s journey through time.
produced over 250,000 K12s since the model’s
launch, for sale in up to 45 markets. To tackle the
growing sport-hatch segment, Nissan released
a performance variant of the Micra, called the
160 SR with a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing
111bhp. It was released as a direct competitor
Micra K10 (1982-1992)
to the MINI Cooper, Ford Fiesta Zetec-S and the
Initially produced only in Japan, the first
Citroën C2 GT. In 2007, the Micra underwent
generation Micra was actually called the
more changes that we currently see in the
March in the Asian market. The car was known
market, while the chassis got a new numbering
as the ‘K10’ (K-Ten) in the enthusiast circles
– K12C. This would be the last Micra in the K12
series, before a completely new model comes
for its chassis production numbering came
appended with the letters ‘K-10’. Badged as
Micra K12 (2003-present)
Micra K12 (2003-present)
the Datsun-Nissan Micra, the export model
came with a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre all-
Micra K10 (1982-1992)
The new car will be based on a completely
The third generation Micra was introduced
models, and a Renault-sourced 1.5-litre diesel
new chassis and engine platform. Due to
aluminium engine in its bay. The model got
again with deeper bumpers, a new front grille,
hatchback version. Though the K10 ceased
at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. The design
unit. In July 2004, Nissan announced that a
the increasing popularity of the Qashqai, the
a minor upgrade in 1985 with larger taillights
minor interior details, headlight changes, an
production on 21st December 1992, Europe
was radically different with the conventional
Coral Blue K12 Micra had become NMUK’s one
new Micra production will be shifted from the
and a turbocharged variant of the 1.0-litre
electronically controlled carburettor, and a
still has a large number of these first generation
small car look being shed for a curvaceous,
millionth car for the UK market. Its Sunderland
Sunderland factory to a newly set up plant in
mill. In 1989, the Micra was updated yet
larger, 1.2-litre engine with 59hp and a 5-door
Micras still running on the road.
taller and wider design. The range of engines
factory, which was now a vital export hub, had
Chennai, India.
Micra and Motorsport
drivers. In Japan, Nissan has been sponsoring
West Japan Series and East Japan Series, and
a similar event called the March Cup, which has
a ladies series running simultaneously. At the
been running since the era of the K10 Micras.
end of the season, the best performing cars
Usually a JGTC support race, it is held in two
from both sides meet up for the Champions
separate five-round championships called
Cup final at the end the season.
The Micra’s first stint with motorsports
started with its participation in the Japan Rally
Championship. Introduced in ’87, a 740kg
Micra K11 (1992-2003)
Micra K11 (1992-2003)
22
by this year end.
options improved to 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol
rally-prepped Micra participated in the newly
The second generation Micra’s production
introduced sub-1600cc Class A category. To
wasn’t restricted to Japan alone. For the
comply with the FIM homologation rules, a
European
production
production version of the rally car was publicly
commenced at the Sunderland factory in
sold as the Micra Superturbo R. The K11 on
Britain. The K11 was launched with a revised
the other hand started a new series of its own
1.0-litre/54bhp engine and was complemented
in Europe’s national rally championship, called
by another 1.3-litre unit producing 75bhp.
the Micra Challenge - a one make race that
Technologically this car was quite superior to
had the drivers racing similar-engined cars.
the outgoing model, with fuel injection, power
It was a one-of-a-kind event since it was one
steering, toughened safety-cage and side-
of the cheapest forms of rallying at that time.
impact door beams, pre-tensioning seat belts
Though this event lasted only from 1995 to
and a driver side air bag. The car received
1999, the K11 cars gained a lot of popularity
facelift at regular intervals - 1996, 1998 and
as entry level rally cars for enthusiasts and are
2000 - to keep up its popularity. The K11 Micra
still used in some of the local races. The K11
also became the first Japanese car to win the
even spawned a new event called the Micra
European Car of the Year award (1993).
Stars Cup, a one-make race event for celebrity
market,
the
Micra
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The Micra has had a successful
motorsport career
23
INTERVIEW
FEATURE
Senior Manager, Passenger Vehicles - Marketing Department at Nissan Middle East
H
irotaka Mima runs from
senior manager in the marketing
our interview abruptly
department, it’s the reason he joined
and quickly returns with
the company back in 1993.
He then spent five years with the
product strategy department until the
a small, slightly battered model car.
Fresh out of university, he arrived
opportunity arose to return to the Middle
It’s a burgundy 1969 Nissan
at Nissan HQ in Tokyo as a trainee
East – literally. He arrived in the region
a
and worked in a local dealer in Kochi
in 2006 to take charge of Passenger
matchbox, and the date stamped
Prefecture in Japan as a salesman
Vehicle
on the bottom says 1975. For Mima-
for two years before taking charge
department. And he made sure his tiny
san, now Nissan Middle East’s
of the Middle Eastern marketing and
model Z car came with him.
“It reminds me why I entered Nissan,” he says.
of customer relationship management into
overwhelmingly positive.
“I keep it on my desk. This car is very
dealers – stressing the importance of long-
“We are a very trusted brand, moreso than
attractive to me, and I frequently said to my
term relationships with customers, rather than
a lot of our competitors. And on top of that
father when I was four or five years old, ‘I will
just getting the quick sale.
customers feel that Nissan is a performance
Fairlady
240ZG,
the
size
of
line-up
at
the
marketing
definitely purchase this vehicle”. Although
It’s an approach that the current economic
product brand. In general people have a good
it hasn’t happened yet! But I wanted to join
climate has made easier to show the benefits
opinion of Nissan in this region, there’s some
the company that was producing this kind of
of, he says.
sporty essence in every single product. We
attractive product.”
“Some customers may take six months
have high performance DNA together with very
Mima now lives in Dubai, coincidentally
to make a decision on a new car, but the
attractive design, and that design differentiates
the first place outside Japan that he visited
sales team must maintain that relationship
us from our competitors. We are further
on business, in 1997.
until the sale is complete, and after it, through
enhancing such sportiness with attractive new
“There weren’t so many buildings then,”
aftersales and until they choose their next car
products such as GT-R and 370Z.”
he said. “There was a Bedouin taste to the
by proactively anticipating their needs and
All brands must evolve, Mima believes,
culture and I liked it more then. Today, there’s
enhancing customer satisfaction. We must
but that performance edge is a perception that
too much construction.”
make sure that customer purchases another
Nissan wants to keep as it moves into the future.
Nevertheless, Mima has developed an
Nissan product.”
“We will soon introduce electric vehicles, first into
appreciation of his experiences in the Middle
The way customers think in the Middle
Japan and the US and then across the world. And
East and the people from myriad cultures that
East has been the biggest change compared
our brand image will be changed by that. We must
work at Nissan.
to Mima’s previous experience of the Japanese
have more eco focus in the future, but personally
domestic market.
I hope to keep the sporty drive and sporty design
“The three years since I joined Nissan
Middle East have been the most valuable times
of my life as a human being,” he says.
“If I was still in Japan I couldn’t have this
wider scope of sight and exposure to diversity.”
Mima’s current job focuses on brand
24
sales department until 2001.
“The biggest difference is the amount
of word of mouth perceptions between
customers,” he says.
“They rely very much on what friends and
family think.”
management for Nissan’s range of passenger
Thankfully, the perception according to
vehicles. His current aim is to instil the virtues
various Nissan’s customer researches, is
“
“I keep it on my desk.
This car is very attractive to
me, and I frequently said to
my father when I was four or
five years old, ‘I will definitely
purchase this vehicle”
“
Hirotaka Mima
DNA after electric vehicle introduction.”
Future Nissans will be a world away from
the cars of the company’s heritage, but there’s
at least one man hoping that those vehicles
will share at least something in common with a
small, red toy car, sitting in Nissan Middle East’s
headquarters.
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25
technology
FEATURE
Nissan
but pedestrians is a major concern and Nissan
Connect
In its bid to make the in-cabin experience
safety gets as much prominence as passenger
passengers more comfortable, Nissan has
safety while designing its vehicles.
now come up with a new type of filter which
In that regard, Nissan has made some
will bring a smile on the faces of those with
major strides using the latest technology. The
pollen allergies. The new filter that utilizes the
Far Infrared Image Sensing technology is one
anti-allergenic properties of natural grape
such major advancement. The new technology
seed polyphenol, is significantly more efficient
employs a sensor that works in tandem with the
in eliminating allergens that are the cause of
vehicle’s lighting system to detect pedestrians
pollen allergy.
at night at distances up to 50 meters. The
N
iPods and various other USB storage devices to
shortest and, for the first time, “Eco” – which
multimedia
Nissan
be connected directly to the system for playing
optimises the route for good fuel economy. By
Connect – for small cars, such
music files. The user can browse through the
default, the scale of the map on the screen is set
tracks stored on the player, or control volume
to a zoom level appropriate for the road type.
Developed with German technology gurus
using the touch screen or the steering wheel
The zoom level, however, can also be manually
Bosch, Nissan Connect is a high-end piece of
mounted controls. The screen displays the
controlled using a turn-dial control.
tech of the type usually found only on high-end
song title, artist and directory folder.
option
–
as the Note.
luxury cars. But true to Nissan’s philosophy of
Nissan Connect also supports mobile
another unique feature of Nissan Connect,
segment-busting technology, Nissan Connect
phones and other Bluetooth audio-streaming
which employs a second radio tuner to receive
is now made available on a compact family car.
devices for playing music without a physical
real time information on traffic flow. If a route is
Apart from offering the convenience and user-
connection. The information about the playlist
experiencing congestion, the system proposes
friendliness of a portable navigation device,
is displayed on the central screen. The storage
a detour, which can be accepted or rejected by
Nissan Connect has the added convenience of
area above the dashboard also keeps the audio
the user. Using a quicker or shorter alternative
full integration into the centre console.
players invisible to prying eyes when the car is
saves time and fuel, as well as helps reduce
The face of Nissan Connect is a large
parked and unattended to. Apart from all the
emissions. One can also update the system’s
five-inch touch screen at the top of the centre
advanced functionalities, Nissan Connect also
installed Points of Interests like hotels, fuel
console, replete with dashboard-integrated
has the good old radio bundled in with a total of
stations, safety cameras etc. using the USB
switches for easy control. The switches are used
12 radio presets in FM and 6 in AM.
port. Map updates can be conveniently loaded
for the most commonly used functions while
In addition to the entertainment features,
intuitive touch screen controls help complete
Nissan Connect’s navigation system offers an
Nissan Connect also facilitates pairing
tasks effortlessly.
array of convenient, intuitive features in nine
a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone with the
a
languages. Unlike other portable navigation
system, allowing the driver to make and receive
single CD slot with the capability of playing
devices, Nissan Connect integrates various
calls with his hands safely on the steering
conventional CDs as well as MP3 and WMA
vehicle sensors and takes speed information
wheel. To make browsing through the call lists
sound files. In tune with today’s digital times,
from the vehicle network to make sure that it
and phone book easier, the phone’s phonebook
a USB and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio inputs jack
does not suffer from signal loss in conditions like
and call register is automatically downloaded
connections are also mounted in the storage
while entering a tunnel. Routes to the intended
to Connect’s memory if the phone supports
area above the dashboard. The system allows
destination can be calculated as fastest,
phonebook synchronisation.
Integrated
26
TMC, or Traffic Message Channel is
audio
system
features
using the in-built SD card slot.
www.nissan-me.com
Normal filters are capable of blocking dust
is
and pollen particles with a minimum size of 10
controlled to illuminate the pedestrian and
micron. While such filters are efficient enough
alert the driver. Another application of infrared
to remove the pollens in particle form, they
sensor technology is Intruder Warning. An
cannot stop smaller particles such as diesel
infrared sensor embedded in an A-pillar detects
particulates or other pollen allergens of minute
the entrance of an intruder into the vehicle and
variety. Grape seed polyphenol has the ability
issues a warning.
to neutralise allergens of cedar pollen and dust
illumination
pattern
of
the
headlamp
10,000
mites. The scientists at Nissan have made full
pixels image enhancement compared to
use of the natural substance’s unique property
conventional infrared devices, the Far Infrared
to create this high performance filter by soaking
Image Sensor has its application beyond the
the filter fibre in natural grape seed polyphenol.
Capable
issan has created a brand new
Grape Seed Polyphenol filter
leads the way in making sure that pedestrian
of
up
to
1,000
to
automotive world. The hi-resolution sensor can
As an additional advantage, the fibre in the
be applied to veterinary sciences, to monitor
new filter carries electric charge that further
the health of animals, through an infrared
enhances its capability to trap small to very
thermal-mapping process. This technology is
small particles efficiently. The new filters have
being evaluated as a cost effective solution
already been introduced in Nissan’s range of
by livestock agriculture industry.
small cars in Japan.
Nissan Connect is a ground-breaking
innovation, as it offers an advanced custom
designed communication and entertainment
system in a market where cost constraints
prohibit the introduction of such products.
Due to lack of options, drivers have to opt for
devices that are not designed specifically for
their car. Such add-ons pose a serious threat
to the safety of occupants due to their partial
functionality and added injury risk in case of
an accident, as they are generally clampon units. Not being integrated into the car’s
dash, such units also gather the attention
of miscreants who are perennially looking
to break into the car to steal such objects.
Nissan Connect, thus with its intuitive features,
advanced tech and seamless integration is
a major leap forward in the communication
technology of compact family cars.
Nissan Far Infrared Image Sensor
Nissan has always had an unrelenting
focus on passenger safety. The company has
given the automotive industry many active and
passive safety firsts and still endeavours to
make its vehicles the most reliable machines
under a life threatening situation. In today’s
modern times, the safety of not just passengers
www.nissan-me.com
27
motorsports
Q&A
Virtual to real:
Nissan GT Academy
T
a success
o get behind the wheel of a real-life
In its fourth year, the 24h of Dubai is a very
mechanical faults and other incidents during the
a racing gamer. Simulation racing
well reputed international racing event. As a
first 12 hours saw the car spending too long in
requires almost as sharp reflexes and skill level
result, the Nissan PlayStation Race Team had
the pits, negating the fantastic show put up by
as real life racing, minus, of course the hazards
a strong international line-up of competitors.
Lucas and his team members Johnny Herbert,
and the physical stamina. Nissan and Sony
The taxingly long distance and blistering
Rob Barff and Alex Buncombe.
Playstation3 realized that these virtual racers may
Arabian Gulf heat didn’t make things any easier.
The second 12 hours went far more smoothly
actually have the talent to perform as professional
Competitors included toughies like German
but the distance between them and the eventual
racers on the racetrack as well. This is where the
touring car racers Roland Asch and Kurt Thiim
winners was too great, so the Nissan PlayStation
idea of GT Academy took birth, a pan-European
in the Besaplast Racing Team’s and Chinese
team had to settle for 45th place overall and ninth
gaming competition in which 25,000 competitors
GP2 driver Ho Pin Tung.
in their class. But Lucas and his Nissan 350Z
made
GT4 crossed the finish line, proving that a driver
opportunity to race in the TOYO Tires 24 Hours
to compete in events across the UK as a
trained on Gran Turismo could transfer his skills
of Dubai endurance race.
preparation. The races were also helping them
onto the track.
The search for a virtual racer with some real
racing talent began with 25,000 Playstation 3
Schlomer
and
Ordóñez
were
get their racing licenses and understand a variety
of Nissan racing cars better.
Later in the year, Lucas participated in
As the race day came closer, Lucas, along
Buncombe. In the first race of the two, he raised
the Eiger Norwand course in the Gran Turismo 5
with his team mates was all geared up to
his position from 11th on the grid to sixth when
Prologue racing game. The quickest drivers from
prove to the world that he was as good a racer
the chequered flag was waved. In the second
race Lucas’ teammate Buncombe started
France, Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Denmark
from fourth position on the grid and
and Sweden were invited to the Silverstone
‘Lucas (right) with co-driver Alex Buncombe’
the GT4 European cup with teammate Alex
owners competing to set the fastest lap around
Spain, the UK & Ireland, Germany & Austria, Italy,
‘Lucas (left) with fellow GT Academy winner Lars Schlomer’
temporarily took pole position
lap.
Q How much more difficult / easier do you find
however,
real racing when compared with virtual racing?
fell behind later due
A I think real racing is much tougher and more
to an interruption
complex than virtual racing. Virtual racing is
German taxi driver Lars
by the safety car
very exciting and fun, and helps you learn a lot
Schlömer and Spanish
and a pit stop.
about how a real car feels like to drive, as the
circuit in England to prove their skills behind
on
the wheel of a real Nissan GT-R. The
fitness
and
the
opening
Buncombe,
winners were also tested for physical
stamina.
Q Any near misses while racing the real car?
were not looking in the mirrors when I was
overtaking them. Even though they didn’t see
We achieved our first podium finish in my first
me, I was lucky to pass them without a crash.
GT4 race at the tough Silverstone track. The
Q Are you a better real or virtual racer?
In my first GT4 race, a Ginetta car tried to
third position was like a win for me. I committed
overtake me. The driver braked very late,
much, much more serious than virtual racing
competitive
aggressively,
and you have to keep your concentration at
event.
and took the
100% levels all the time to be quick and safe!
the
managed to win.
times similar to an ex-Formula 1 GP winner.
half and drove
to
A Yes, I think my team is really happy with my
while overtaking slow cars. Sometimes they
from the highly
fight
the track. I pushed hard later and eventually
real racer thus far?
committed some mistakes, I was still doing
be very close to reality. However, real racing is
T e n
Bernard when I made a mistake and ran off
QAre you satisfied with your performance as a
A Yes, in Dubai 24 Hours I had some incidents
over in the latter
emerged as winners
was racing with French competitor Fabrice
successful career is my dream, my passion.
were ninth in our category. Even though I
Playstation Gran Turismo series is designed to
Ordonez
guy. I want to live for racing. To turn it into a
performance thus far. In Dubai 24 Hours we
took
student Lucas Ordóñez
months
BMW ahead
A I think I’m a good virtual as well as real racer,
some mistakes in the race, as I couldn’t train
of him which
but now I think I am improving as a real racer
hit my door and I went off the track. In Italy
on, they
enough after Dubai 24 Hours. I am satisfied
he overtook in
by a tremendous margin. Every time I get
recently, I saw a Porsche spinning hard and
were all
with the result though and looking forward to
the final lap for a
aboard a racecar I learn a bit more and I see
approaching me in the rear view mirrors. So
to
the next few races.
third place, podium finish.
myself improving. I’m sure by the end of this
I decided to go off the track. Had I taken the
compete
set
with
the
The success of Lucas in these
legends of
world-class races is testimony to Nissan’s belief
motoring in
season I will be much better real racer.
Q Do you plan to take up real racing as a
Q How was the competition during the first
corner, probably my car would have been
rounds of GT Academy, any incident you’d
destroyed. But then that’s racing and you
like to recall?
have to cover up for the mistakes of other
in a real car as he was in the virtual world.
that a virtual racer can become a successful real
24h
Unfortunately the second GT Academy winner,
life racer. The attempt of GT Academy to create a
A Yes of course, now I’m giving my hundred
because I spent many hours on the Playstation
of Dubai endurance race, all thanks to GT
Lars Schlömer had to be withdrawn from the
real racing driver from a Gran Turismo player has
percent to concentrate as a Nissan GT
trying to achieve Spain’s top time. Then at
Academy. Driving alongside them on the team
race for safety reasons. He missed crucial
not stopped though. Nissan will keep honing the
Academy Playstation driver. I’m training hard
Silverstone in the European final I had some
A Nissan: Car brand for my life!
were British Formula One legend Johnny
practice sessions due to illness and it was
skills of Lucas, and with the kind of performance
at the gym to keep fit. I spend many hours in
incidents. In one of the training tests we had
People: Without them I wouldn’t be what I am
Herbert, who also has a Le Mans 24 Hours win
decided that he had not enough experience,
he has delivered in a very short span of time, the
a day interacting with the media to make the
to jump a wall but I fell from the top, hit the
under his belt, Alex Buncombe, a seasoned
particularly of driving at night, to take on a
day when he joins ranks with some of the best
effort worthwhile for my sponsors. I want to let
grass and sustained a minor injury. Then
Nissan 350Z GT4 race car driver and GT
gruelling endurance event.
car racers in the world is not too far away.
them know that they have chosen the correct
another incident was in the dogfight race. I
the TOYO Tires
28
Lucas Ordonez won the Nissan GT Academy, beating 25,000 Gran Turismo players from 10 European countries
in a competition to find a real racing driver in a sea of virtual racers. He subsequently finished the Dubai
24-hour race and secured a podium finish in the GT4 European cup.
When the race got underway, a series of
Academy’s head of driving, Rob Barff.
racing car is the ultimate dream of
from 10 countries would compete to get an
LUCAS ORDONEZ
www.nissan-me.com
career?
www.nissan-me.com
A The virtual competition was very tough
drivers as well.
Q A word or two about Nissan – the brand, the
people and the experience?
today.
Experience: My life has completely changed in
less than a year.
29
me & my Nissan
AMIR Abu Al Feilat
What’s your favorite stretch of road?
There’s a stretch by the Dead Sea that is amazing.
What made you buy the 350Z?
350Z
I have a 2005 model 350Z and I bought it because I felt the style was unique. I also really
liked the colour.
What made you choose a sports car over something more practical?
Again, the style of the car won me over.
How many kilometers have you put on the car so far?
Around 55,000.
If you have to switch careers, what would you do?
I’d stay doing something very similar to what I do now. Perhaps I could own a hotel owner,
or at least manage one.
What do you have on the car’s stereo?
I listen to all different kinds of music, it really depends on my mood at the time.
If you only had one more tank of fuel that you could put in the car, what would you do with
it?
I’d drive all the way Beirut
Can you describe yourself in one word?
Lucky
How sensitive are you to other people’s judgment?
Not at all. I generally take people’s opinions and do the exact opposite of what they say I
should do.
Name:
Amir Abu Al Feilat
What’s the fastest you’ve driven you car on the public highway?
34
Job:
Restaurant owner
I love Arabic food.
Where from:
Jordan
Where’s your favorite destination?
Hobbies:
Sports in general
Favorite pastimes:
Going on vacation in Europe
Saudi Arabia
Alhamrani United Company
Madinah Road
P.O. Box 701 Jeddah 21421
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel No.: +966 2 6696690
TLX:
601556 AFAF SJ
Fax No.: +966 2 6673658
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.nissan.com.sa
Kuwait
Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Company
4th Ring Road, Al-Rai
P.O. Box 2198, SAFAT 13022, Kuwait
Tel No.: +965 4737977
Freephone: 804888
Fax No.: +965 4723677
Email: General Enquiries: [email protected]
Website: www.nissankuwait.com
U.A.E
Abu Dhabi & Al Ain
Al Masaood Automobiles
P.O. Box 322
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Tel No.: +971 2 6811118
Fax No.: +971 2 6776689
E-Mail: almasood@masaood .com
Website: www.masaood.com
250kph
Age:
Nissan Middle East FZE
Jebel Ali Freezone
P.O. Box 61111
United Arab Emirates
Tel No.: +971 4 881 7500
Fax No.: +971 4 881 7497
Website: www.nissan-me.com
What’s your favorite cuisine?
Greece
What’s your favorite feature on your 350Z?
Dubai & Northern Emirates
Arabian Automobiles Co.
P.O. Box 2128
Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tel No.: +971 4 2952222/2699770
Fax No.: +971 4 2952828
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.arabianautomobiles.com
The front grille.
Oman
Suhail Bahwan Automobiles LLC
P.O. Box 156, Muscat, Postal Code 112,
Sultanate of Oman
Tel No.: +968 24560111
Fax No.: +968 24560101
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.suhailbahwangroup.com
Qatar
Saleh Alhamad Almana Co.
P.O. Box: 91, Doha, Qatar
Tel No.: +974 4441334
Fax No.: +974 4441337
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.shalmana.com
Bahrain
Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons BSC(C)
Tel No.: +973 17 211211
Fax No.: +973 17 731206
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.almoayyed.com
Lebanon
Rasamny Younis Motor Company S.A.L.
BLVD, Chiyah, P.O. Box 11-2737
Beirut - Lebanon
Tel No.: +9611 273 333
Fax No.: +9611 274188
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Website: www.rymco.com.lb
Jordan
Bustami & Saheb Trading Co.LTD
Opp. King Abdullah Bldg.
Gardens, P.O. Box 8182
Amman 11121 Jordan
Tel No.: +9626 553 2456
E-Mail: [email protected]
zaid@ nissan.com.jo
Egypt
Nissan Motor Egypt
6 October City, 3rd Industrial Zone
Area 6,7, Egypt
Tel No.: +2 02 8340920
Fax No.: +2 02 8340930
Mobile +2 010 60 74 788
Syria
Rakha Shallah & Hboubati Co.
P.O. Box: 33661
Harasta -Homs Highway, Damascus, Syria
Tel No.: +963 11 532 99 35 (Lines, 6-7-8-9)
Fax No.: +963 11 532 99 40
E-Mail: [email protected]
Yemen
The Tehama Trading Company
P.O. Box 4422 Shamsan Street,
Hodeidah,
Republic of Yemen
Tel No.: +967 3 228496 /7/8/9
Fax No.: +967 3 228385
E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Algeria
Nissan Algerie S.A.R.L.
6 Boulevard Colonel Amirouche
Alger - Algerie
Tel No.: +213 21 63 56 55
Fax No.: +213 21 63 58 42
E-Mail: [email protected]
rania.sifi@ groupehasnaoui.com
Morocco
Siab
166 Boulevard
Moulay Ismail
Casablanca - Morocco
Tel No.: +212 22 409 167 / 68
E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Tunisia
ADEV
39, Av. Khireddine Pacha B.P.33,
1002 Tunis, Tunisia
Tel No.: +216 71 783443
Fax No.: +216 71 841100
E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Sudan
Bashir Motors
El Nefeidi Group Building, Parlman Street East
P.O. Box 1222
Khartoum - Sudan
Tel No.: +249 183 762031, 780500, 785074
E-Mail: [email protected]
Azerbaijan
Nurgun Motors
2054 Block, M.Narimanov Street, Baku.
Azerbaijan Republic
Tel No.: +994 12 496 6600, +994 12 479 569
E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Rashad [email protected]
Armenia
Muran LLC
47 Komitas ave., Yerevan, Armenia
Tel No.: +37410 280350
E-Mail: [email protected]
Uzbekistan
Premium Auto
10A Tuena Street
Tashkent 100147, Uzbekistan
Tel No.: +998 71 295 8877 Fax: +998 71 295 8880
E-Mail: [email protected]
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