• First public showing of QASHQAI compact crossover
• New Active Luxury grade on Micra
• Upgraded 2007 Pathfinder
  

Following its recent world premiere in Paris, Nissan will be showing the QASHQAI, its new compact crossover, in public for the first time at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

Inspired by the concept car of the same name that was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the QASHQAI is a new vehicle for Nissan in Europe, with sales starting in February 2007.

It will cater for those car-buyers who want a more dynamic design than that offered by a traditional C-segment car, but who are not attracted to the large, aggressive nature of a compact SUV. Full details of QASHQAI can be found at www.nissanpress.co.uk

Micra Active Luxury

As well as the QASHQAI, Nissan will be presenting a new version of its popular city-car, the Micra. Designed to reflect the emergence of stylish city-living small car buyers who want an up-to-date luxury taste and prestige in their cars, Nissan has just introduced its own definition with its ‘Active Luxury’ grade on Micra & Micra C+C.

The seats are trimmed in a mix of light grey perforated Alcantara® and high quality soft leather (nappa). Each seat features a distinctive leather terracotta stripe that runs the length of the cushion and seat base. For an extra touch of refinement, the terracotta colour is also in the flocked glove box.

Nissan has introduced a new and exclusive pale grey metallic body colour called Porcelain on the Active Luxury. Sixteen inch* 11 spoke alloy wheels are standard, while chromed headlamps, a discreet rear spoiler and small front foglamps combine to give the exterior an understated feel of contemporary luxury.

Sales of the Micra Active Luxury will start across Europe in mid-September with prices starting from £10,995 for the 1.4-litre three-door hatchback.

2007 Pathfinder

The Pathfinder will be upgraded for 2007 with the fitment of Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist to automatic versions of the SUV.

Hill Descent Control is a system to facilitate a well controlled descent of steep inclines without driver intervention, while Hill Start Assist allows easy starting on steep ascents. The descent system uses engine software to regulate the speed of the vehicle during steep descents, allowing drivers to concentrate on steering without applying the brakes.

Similarly, to facilitate easy departure on a steep ascent, the Pathfinder’s brakes will hold the vehicle for up to three seconds after the brake pedal has been released, allowing the driver to apply the power smoothly to prevent roll-back.

As well as the addition of these two systems, 2007 model year Pathfinder will be Euro 4 compliant, with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) being fitted as standard on automatic versions. The same engine changes also apply to the Navara pick-up.

Prices for the 2007 Pathfinder remain unchanged with the range starting from £22,995.

Nissan’s stand is situated in Hall 1, number 331.

Renowned for its stylish furniture and designer lighting, the Conran Shop is going to have a slightly different look this month. The Nissan Micra C+C+Conran will take centre stage in the window display at the Fulham Road store to coincide with the launch of the WA – meaning Japanese Style – collection.

Designed by Sebastian Conran alongside the original designers of the Micra C+C at Nissan’s London Design Studio, the C+C+Conran is a stylish concept car which aims to be non-gender based and also have an air of sophistication about it, as well as being contemporary. So it seems appropriate that the culmination of this venture should not only be displayed in London but in one of the most fashionable areas – Chelsea.

Conran said that his inspiration came from nature and traditional Japanese lacquer-ware which is evident in the exterior colouring of the car – Blushing Black paintwork that is accented with red reflections and a discreet leaf pattern on the boot lid. This naturalistic pattern continues through into the car and onto the red leather upholstery.

The car will be on display in the Conran Shop on Fulham Road in Chelsea until Sunday 1 October.