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Nissan
Country of Origin:
Japan
South Korea
Thailand
USA
Models:
350Z
Altima
Armada
Maxima
Murano
Navara
Pathfinder
Patrol
Qashqai
Sunny
Tiida
Xterra
X-Trail
|
Key:
| * |
Top speed electronically limited |
| 2.5SC |
2.5-litre supercharged engine |
| 2.5TC |
2.5-litre turbocharged engine |
| 2.5D |
2.5-litre diesel engine |
| 2.5TD |
2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine |
| I4 |
4-cylinder engine in inline configuration |
| V6 |
6-cylinder engine in V-shaped configuration |
| FWD |
Front-wheel-drive platform |
| RWD |
Rear-wheel-drive platform |
| 4WD |
Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform |
| 5M |
5-speed manual |
| 5A |
5-speed automatic |
| 5AM |
5-speed automanual |
| CVT |
Continuously variable auto transmission |
| l/100km |
Litres of fuel consumed every 100 kms |
|
Nissan 350Z
Ever so slightly redesigned in 2006, the 350Z is the halo
model for the Nissan lineup. It is very fast, looks outrageous and easier on the
pocket than a comparable German product. For 2007, the car received an upgraded 3.5-litre V6, with either a manual or an automatic transmission.
A new hood design also marks 2007. Features that make the 350Z such a performance bargain are a carbon-fibre driveshaft, drive-by-wire throttle, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist and convenience features such as automatic temperature control and a premium stereo. Other standard features on this rear-wheel-drive sports car includes power windows with auto up-down, power door locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, vehicle security system, heated outside mirrors, cloth seats with eight-way manual driver and four-way manual passenger adjustments and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter boot. A bunch of airbags and traction control are standard.
Navigation and Bluetooth phone are available. The convertible is officially not sold here yet.
|
Premium Sports Coupe
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
BMW Z4
Honda S2000
Porsche Cayman
|
Price Range |
Dhs 140000 - 150000 (US$ 38000 - 40800) |
Body Styles |
2-door coupe |
Weight (kg) |
1517 -
1603 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.5 V6 RWD |
6M/5A |
306 |
363 |
10.0-10.4 |
5.7-6.2 |
250 |
Good |
Looks, power, handling, value for money |
Bad |
Few cheap
interior bits, cramped cabin, hard ride |
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima, a roomy and practical midsize sedan, has been completely redesigned for the 2008 model year, with slightly more sporty handling and a little more extrovert styling than the competition. The Altima sits at the top of the class in terms of power. Available are a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre V6, both with a choice of six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions. The Altima is the only one in its segment to offer a manual gearbox with the V6. Also, it will be sold in either sedan or coupe form, although the coupe will only be available with the V6. The spacious Altima offers standard features such as power windows, keyless entry and start, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power steering, and an in-glass antenna for the nine-speaker Bose CD/MP3 stereo with iPod connectivity. Also available are power mirrors, optional electric seats, sunroof, cruise control, leather, 17-inch alloy wheels and HID headlights. ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist are standard, as are front airbags. Side and curtain airbags are also available.
|
Midsize Sedan / Coupe
Road Tests & Articles:
2008 Nissan Altima V6 road test
2008 Nissan Altima V6 Coupe road test
Competitors:
Honda Accord
Mitsubishi Galant
Toyota Camry
|
Price Range |
Dhs 69500 - 130000 (US$ 18800 -
35400) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan, 2-door coupe |
Weight (kg) |
1415 - 1550 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
2.5 I4 FWD
3.5 V6 FWD |
6M/CVT
6M/CVT |
175
270 |
244
349 |
8.5-9.0
9.6-9.8 |
8.0-9.5
6.7-7.3 |
200*
227 |
Good |
Power, legroom, cabin quality, equipment for price |
Bad |
Rides slightly firm, soft steering, average rear headroom |
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is the largest passenger vehicle in Nissan's lineup besides its commercial buses and vans. Big and powerful, it is capable of towing heavy trailers, hauling eight passengers, and traversing some off-road terrain. Based on a fullsize pickup platform, the Armada accommodates seven or eight passengers depending on configuration, in a roomy cabin that is comfortable, convenient and nicely accessorised. Both rear seating rows fold flat, giving the Armada enormous cargo capacity. The Armada is built at Nissan's American factory, as the Japanese wouldn't touch something so oversized. It comes equipped with a powerful 5.6-litre V8 that would've offered impressive acceleration had it not been for the Armada's titanic weight. It comes with dual-zone air conditioning, adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, in-dash six CD changer, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, power locks with remote keyless entry, running boards, a roof rack, ABS brakes, airbags and alloy wheels.
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Large 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
2005 Nissan Armada first look
Competitors:
Chevrolet Tahoe
Ford Expedition
Toyota Land Cruiser
|
Price Range |
Dhs 127000 - 169000 (US$ 34500 - 46000) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
2518 - 2556 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 5.6 V8 4WD |
5A |
305 |
521 |
15.2 |
8.0 |
192* |
Good |
Roomy interior, ride, decent power, luggage space |
Bad |
Fuel economy, handling, size, third-row access |
Nissan Maxima
The Maxima was a hot car when it was first unveiled in this
iteration. However, Nissan's GCC division chose to let this model stagnate to
the point where it was easily overshadowed by the newer Altima, even when the
Maxima was redesigned in other markets and transformed into a luxury cruiser.
The GCC-spec Maxima also still uses Nissan's older version of the corporate V6,
with a displacement of 3.0-litre, combined with front-wheel-drive, and with a
choice of five-speed manual and four-speed auto gearboxes. Performance is very
respectable even after all these years. It comes with automatic air-conditioning, CD
player, power windows, power mirrors, power locks with remote keyless entry, ABS-assisted
disc brakes, cloth seats, front airbags and many wheel choices, depending on
model. The basic model gets 15-inch steel wheels, while higher models get
16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels. Options include an in-dash CD changer with
subwoofer, cruise control, sunroof, rear electric sunshade and leather cabin
trim.
|
Midsize Sedan
Road Tests & Articles:
2005 Nissan Maxima road test
Competitors:
Chevrolet Lumina
Mitsubishi Galant
Toyota Avalon
|
Price Range |
Dhs 67000 - 106000 (US$
18200 - 28800) |
Body Styles |
4-door
sedan |
Weight (kg) |
1380 -
1410 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.0 V6 FWD |
5M/4A |
227 |
288 |
9.6-9.8 |
7.3-8.0 |
240 |
Good |
Fair interior
space, ride, good power, luggage space |
Bad |
Outdated
compared to rivals, torque steer |
Nissan Murano
The Murano attempts to combine the smooth ride and responsive handling of a car, the cargo space of a wagon, and the high driving position of a 4WD, and it succeeds on all counts. What it loses out on is off-road ruggedness, though that matters to few buyers. The Murano can be considered a crossover vehicle, with its 4WD looks and car-like drive, but we'll leave the 4WD classification for vehicles which truly cannot be categorised anywhere. The Murano delivers decent performance, thanks to the same 3.5-litre V6 engine that is used in the 350Z sports car, but detuned and mated to an CVT automatic gearbox in this application. The CVT is a high-tech automatic that actually has no gears to shift, while offering superior gas mileage compared to a regular auto. This Nissan does not have three rows of seats, so it accommodates only five passengers. Standard equipment on all three versions includes dual-zone automatic temperature control, a good CD audio system, power windows with auto up/down feature in front, keyless remote entry, reclining rear seats, and large 18-inch alloy wheels.
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Premium Midsize 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
2008 Nissan Murano road test
2005 Nissan Murano first look
Competitors:
Ford Edge
GMC Acadia
Hyundai Veracruz
|
Price Range |
Dhs 126000 - 130000 (US$ 34200 - 35300) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1810 - 1816 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 3.5 V6 4WD |
CVT |
245 |
333 |
10.9 |
8.8 |
200* |
Good |
Looks expensive, ride, funky interior, handling |
Bad |
Impractical shape, useless off-road |
Nissan Navara
The Navara is a stylish work truck, and essentially a pickup
version of the Pathfinder. Like the Pathfinder, it offers good hauling capability
and marginal on-road handling. It offers decent interior space and more convenience features
than most competitors. It is offered with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
engine with a five-speed automatic and 2WD, or a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with a six-speed
manual transmission and 4WD. The two versions share the same features that include
16-inch alloy
wheels, bedliner, power door locks, front fog lamps,
4-speaker audio system with CD player, power windows, chrome door mirrors, dual power outside mirrors with LED turn signal
lamps, keyless entry, chrome rear bumper and speed-sensing
wipers. Safety features include dual front airbags and ABS brakes. Climate control, premium trim and
special upholstery are optional equipment. It is apparently only available in double cab five-seater
body style with a long rear load bay.
|
Midsize Pickup
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Chevrolet Colorado
Ford Ranger
Toyota Hilux
|
Price Range |
Dhs 62000 -
74000 (US$ 16800 - 20100) |
Body Styles |
5-door
pickup |
Weight (kg) |
2000 -
2112 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
2.5 I4 RWD
2.5TD 4WD |
5A
6M |
162
171 |
230
403 |
13.0
9.8 |
20.0
11.8 |
150
170 |
Good |
Cabin
features, large cargo bed, manageable size |
Bad |
Terribly
slow, lumpy handling, cramped rear seating |
Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder can be considered a proper off-roading 4WD. It is built on a fullsize pickup platform, thereby offering good off-road capability but
marginal on-road handling. The current Pathfinder is significantly larger than previous models. It offers more interior space and more convenience features. It also offers third-row seating to carry up to seven people. The 4.0-litre V6 that powers the Pathfinder is a larger, retuned version of the engine that powers the 350Z. Its five-speed automatic transmission is geared to use the engine's torque characteristics. The 4WD features optional Hill Descent Control, which limits downhill speed without driver intervention, and Hill Start Assist, which briefly holds the Pathfinder on a slope while the driver releases the brake pedal and applies the accelerator. Standard features include fabric upholstery, cruise control, power mirrors, windows and door locks with keyless remote, CD stereo with six speakers, reclining backs on the middle row seats, airbags, ABS and alloy wheels. Options include power seats, halogen foglights, running boards, roof rack cross bars and leather seating.
|
Midsize 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
2006 Nissan Pathfinder road test
Competitors:
Ford Explorer
Honda MR-V
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
|
Price Range |
Dhs 106000 - 140000 (US$ 28800 - 38200) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
2104 - 2208 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 4.0 V6 4WD |
5A |
266 |
390 |
13.1 |
8.9 |
190* |
Good |
Space, torque, off-road capability, manageable size |
Bad |
Fuel economy, on-road handling, cramped third row |
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol is Nissan's most capable 4WD in its lineup. It is smaller than the Armada, but still big enough to qualify as a big 4WD. It has garnered a reputation as an excellent off-road vehicle in the Middle East, even though it has been fighting a losing battle with the overrated Toyota Land Cruiser for decades now. It is also popular for its smooth on-road ride, though its handling leaves a lot to be desired. The latest engine is a 4.8-litre inline six-cylinder, alongside the older 4.5-litre inline-six which eats more fuel, and the frugal diesel 4.2-litre inline-six. A new five-speed automatic with manual sequential shift facility is available on petrol models alongside the manual. The latest updates give the Patrol an edgier new front end and freshened rear end. Straight-line drive transfer allows on-the-fly shifting from 2WD to 4WD with one touch of a lever. The latest Patrol has an all-new interior featuring better quality materials and more equipment. Along with two foldout cargo-area seats, it has room for seven. Front airbags are standard, among other features.
|
Large 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
2005 Nissan Patrol road test
Competitors:
Ford Expedition
Jeep Commander
Toyota Land Cruiser
|
Price Range |
Dhs 92000 - 177000 (US$ 25000 - 48100) |
Body Styles |
3-door wagon, 5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
2364 - 2531 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
4.5 I6 4WD
4.8 I6 4WD
4.2D I6 4WD |
5M/5A
5M/5A
5M |
194
245
122 |
350
400
272 |
16.8-17.3
16.7-17.2
10.0 |
12.5-13.5
9.9-10.9
18.5 |
170
190
150 |
Good |
Utility, off-road ability, ride, flexible interior |
Bad |
Painfully slow, handling, fuel economy, outer size |
Nissan Qashqai
The all-new weirdly-named Qashqai is built on Nissan’s new “C” platform,
providing high body stiffness with reduced body weight. The Qashqai offers a choice of 2WD
and full-time 4WD with a single underpowered 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an advanced CVT
transmission. The fancy interior seats five, and includes features such as intelligent key,
power windows and mirrors, rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat, cloth upholstery, automatic headlights and wipers, and xenon headlights. Also available are steering wheel-mounted controls, cruise control, a
CD audio system with six speakers and 6-disc CD changer, auto air-conditioning with dual zone temperature control and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
While it looks like a 4WD, the poseur 2WD model should prove popular as a
hatchback alternative, considering it does not offer much more cargo space than
a standard hatchback anyway. Aside from the strong bodyshell, safety features
include stability control and front airbags, while side and curtain airbags are
optional.
|
Sub-Compact 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Daihatsu Terios
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
|
Price Range |
Dhs 69000 - 83500 (US$ 18700 - 22700) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1453 -
1529 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 2.0 I4 FWD/4WD |
CVT |
142 |
196 |
8.0-8.3 |
10.7-11.3 |
178-180 |
Good |
Decent cabin space, low price, fuel economy,
style |
Bad |
Slow acceleration,
limited cargo room, no offroad ability |
Nissan Sunny
One of the longest-running nameplates in the region, the Sunny has become popular for its reasonable price and traditional reliability, all while competitors drove their own prices up. However, the Sunny soon fell behind in terms of equipment, and the all-new Tiida arrived as an unofficial replacement to the Sunny in Nissan's lineup. Nissan Middle East is openly pushing the Sunny as a fleet car now, leaving the Tiida for individual sales. That fact has led to the Sunny receiving only a facelift in its latest iteration, while having its engine lineup reduced to just one. The new car is in fact a rebadged Samsung SM3, sold only in Korea. There is good head room, but other interior dimensions fall behind its competitors. Available as a four-door sedan, the Sunny is now available only with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, with a manual or automatic transmissions. Standard features include electric power steering, air conditioning and a cloth interior. Options include a CD stereo system and power accessories. Optional safety features include dual front airbags and ABS brakes.
|
Compact Sedan
Road Tests & Articles:
2005 Nissan Sunny road test
Competitors:
Mazda 3
Mitsubishi Lancer
Toyota Corolla
|
Price Range |
Dhs 42000 - 47000 (US$ 11400 - 12800) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan |
Weight (kg) |
1100 - 1120 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 1.6 I4 FWD |
5M/4A |
110 |
148 |
6.9-7.4 |
9.5-10.5 |
180 |
Good |
Front cabin space, low price, fuel economy |
Bad |
Slow acceleration, rear legroom, grip at limit |
Nissan Tiida
Common hard-working people desire to own a car with a decent amount of interior space, fuel economy, reliability and adequate performance, all for a reasonable price. The all-new Tiida arrives as an unofficial replacement to the Sunny in Nissan's lineup. The fact that it's partly based on the Renault Megane, a European sub-compact, means you get some Euro driving dynamics alongside traditional Japanese reliability. It is pleasantly surprising how big the Tiida feels inside. There is good head room and even tall passengers will find rear seat legroom as good as that in many much larger cars. Available as a five-door hatchback or a four-door sedan, the Tiida is available with either a 1.6-litre or a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, with manual or automatic transmissions. Standard features include electric power steering, tilt steering column, 60/40 split folding rear seats, air conditioning with micro filter and a CD stereo system. Safety features include front airbags and ABS brakes. Power accessories are optional.
|
Compact Sedan / Hatchback
Road Tests & Articles:
2006 Nissan Tiida 1.6 Hatchback road test
Competitors:
Ford Focus
Mazda 3
Toyota Corolla
|
Price Range |
Dhs 45000 - 61000 (US$ 12200 - 16600) |
Body Styles |
4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback |
Weight (kg) |
1140 - 1150 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
1.6 I4 FWD
1.8 I4 FWD |
5M/4A
6M/4A |
110
126 |
148
174 |
7.0-7.5
7.2-7.8 |
10.0-11.5
9.2-10.5 |
180
200 |
Good |
Cabin space, interior ambience, fuel economy |
Bad |
Slow acceleration, wind noise |
Nissan Xterra
The rugged Xterra is a simple but capable alternative to the
Pathfinder, incorporating as much off-road gear as possible while ditching most
luxury features..The five-seater Xterra is powered by the Pathfinder's 4.0-litre V6 engine,
with 4WD, low-range gearing and either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.
Three trim levels will be available, namely X, S, and SE. All feature power windows and mirrors, power steering,
CD audio system, manual air-conditioning, remote keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels, low tyre-pressure indicator and
weird little steps on rear-side bumpers. The S version comes with front fog lamps and a six-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD changer. The top-of-the-range SE adds movable aerodynamic roof-rail cross bars, trip computer, cruise control, and 17-inch
wheels. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, ABS brakes with brake-force distribution and brake assist. The SE adds curtain airbags and
stability control. Key exterior styling features include large flared fenders, big roof rails
and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack. The interior
has a 60/40 split folding rear seat, available fold-down front passenger seat,
unique blue or charcoal seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
|
Midsize 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
2008 Nissan Xterra road test
Competitors:
Jeep Wrangler
Hummer H3
Toyota FJ Cruiser
|
Price Range |
Dhs 91000 - 109000 (US$ 24700 - 29600) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1982 - 2001 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 4.0 V6 4WD |
6M/5A |
261 |
386 |
12.7 |
9.0 |
190* |
Good |
Fair cabin
space, strong engine, off-road capability |
Bad |
Fuel
economy, unrefined, on-road grip, bare cabin |
Nissan X-Trail
The X-Trail is Nissan’s entry for the small road-going 4WD market, though for a long time we thought it was really a midsize comparable to the old Pathfinder in size. Developed to attract young adventurous buyers, we find the X-Trail particularly unattractive, but it has proved to be a runaway success with older people just looking for a conservative vehicle that looks like a 4WD. The X-Trail has undergone only slight exterior redesigns and interior upgrades ever since it was launched years ago and is beginning to look dated. Powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine coupled with a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission, it isn't particularly fast, but a reasonable long-distance cruiser. Full-time four-wheel drive is available when the computer system senses the need for all wheels to be driven to suit demand, but it will get stuck if you take it beyond the beach. The interior is full of storage spaces, including cup-holders, centre console box and other nooks and crannies. ABS and airbags are standard.
|
Compact 4WD
Road Tests & Articles:
none
Competitors:
Honda CR-V
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Toyota RAV-4
|
Price Range |
Dhs 76000 - 88000 (US$ 20600 - 23900) |
Body Styles |
5-door wagon |
Weight (kg) |
1427 - 1440 |
Version |
Performance |
Engine |
Gearbox |
Power (hp) |
Torque (Nm) |
Fuel Econ (l/100km) |
0-100 kph (sec) |
Top Speed (kph) |
| 2.5 I4 4WD |
5M/4A |
165 |
230 |
9.2-9.8 |
10.2-11.2 |
176-186 |
Good |
Car-like ride, roomy, manageable size, utility |
Bad |
Boring styling, slow acceleration, weird cabin |
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Copyright © 2004-2007, DriveArabia.com; All rights reserved
Drive Arabia serves Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates new and used car markets
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