Nissan Flexes Its Muscles In Crossover Sector With New Releases

For years, Nissan has been leading from the front when it comes to crossover vehicles. Designed to bridge the gap between cars and the more truck-like SUVs, the Japanese company's crossovers have found plenty of fans in what is a highly competitive marketplace. A testament to the success of the marque's endeavors so far, it has brought three new models to market in 2014 in order to refresh its range and build on previous success in this sector.

• An all-new Nissan X-Trail and Nissan Qashqai were announced at the Geneva Motor Show in April 2014. The firm also confirmed at the event that it would be making significant revisions to its highly-popular Juke, which has long been regarded as a leading light in the crossover sector. Indeed, the crossovers took centre stage at the motor show, highlighting how much emphasis has been placed on delivering new and exciting advances in this product area. Similarities can be seen right across the crossover range, from the large V-shaped grills and high wheel arches to the dynamic, flowing contours and elegant yet commanding road presence that's apparent with each model.

  The first Nissan Qashqai was a true pioneer in the crossover segment, its dramatic design, bold lines, and sturdy appearance representing a major shift from the car market that Nissan had been previously targeting. The original model debuted in March 2007 and helped to shift perceptions of what was possible. While the vehicle offered considerable practicality, rugged build, and high driving position more commonly seen in SUVs, it also had the running costs, nimble and responsive handling, and fuel efficiency associated with family hatchbacks.

  The all-new Qashqai is set to usher in a new era of crossover design thanks to the inclusion of numerous sector-firsts, innovative design elements, safety improvements, and technological advances. It has already secured What Car? magazine's Car of the Year 2014 award, thanks to its continued focus on safety, space, refinement, comfort, and economical motoring. Fractionally longer than the outgoing model by 47mm, as well as slightly wider and lower, the all-new Nissan Qashqai maintains the essential crossover style while taking on a more sleek and dynamic appearance. More focus has been placed on the use of quality materials and finishes and the interior of the new Nissan Qashqai is luxurious and opulent, offering a super-comfortable driving experience. Efficiency remains high with this model, while CO2 emissions on some models stand at just 99g/km.

  New technical innovations are apparent everywhere, from the raft of driver aids to the new NissanConnect navigation system, offering a plethora of information via the seven-inch screen. Protecting drivers and passengers in the Qashqai is the Nissan Safety Shield - a whole collection of safety features that together deliver a highly comprehensive protection package. Traffic Sign Recognition, Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Park Assist, and Driver Attention Alert are all included to improve safety and give the driver a helping hand.

  The release of the next-generation Nissan X-Trail has seen the model become fully integrated into the manufacturer's crossover range. The model is dynamic and sleek and more than capable of offering supreme comfort in the centre of a city or tackling the most rugged terrain. While the vehicle is more than happy taking on day-to-day tasks, it is just as comfortable being driven hard and taking on one adventure after another.

  As with the Qashqai, sleek curves and an aerodynamic profile are the order of the day when it comes to the exterior profile. LED headlamps and boomerang rear light clusters give the X-Trail a unique look and sense of purpose. Inside, the cabin is comfortable and spacious, with new technology such as the new NissanConnect multimedia system immediately in evidence. Via the seven-inch anti-glare touchscreen, it is simple to organise your music, navigate, connect to the outside world and get in touch with family and friends.

  Powering the new X-Trail is a 1.5-litre diesel engine, with two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions available, as well as a choice between a manual transmission and Nissan's virtually gearless Xtronic setup. The ALL-MODE 4x4-I version will allow drivers to maintain grip and traction on even the roughest ground, proving that the model is more than happy at the prospect of leaving the tarmac far behind when you're ready for an adventure. Just like the Qashqai, the X-Trail features the Nissan Safety Shield system and all of the aids that come with it.

  Despite being launched only a little over three years ago, the Nissan Juke has won a considerable following around the world, with more than 420,000 sales achieved in less than 40 months. Once again offering a more compact package with the focus firmly on style, dynamic handling, and interior refinement, the redesigned Nissan Juke will undoubtedly prove to be an equal hit with motorists. Alterations for the fully-revised 2014 version come in the form of significant styling changes as well as the introduction of a personalisation programme - the Nissan Design Studio – which will allow owners to really put their own mark on their Juke and ensure it reflects their personality and lifestyle better than ever before. There's an all-new engine line up too, which includes the DIG-T 115 and DIG-T 190 turbocharged petrol engines. There's now more space available inside the Juke, with luggage capacity up 40 per cent on previous 2WD models, ensuring the vehicle is even more practical than before. As with the new X-Trail and Qashqai models, the NissanConnect multimedia system has been made available, along with Nissan Safety Shield technologies and driver aids.

  To find out more about the new Nissan Juke, X-Trail, and Qashqai models or to book a test drive please call us on 0333 2220401 or visit us to enquire online at www.pentagon-nissan.co.uk. You can be sure of receiving expert advice and guidance when it comes to the range of vehicles in stock, as well as full details of our latest offers and affordable finance packages.