Nissan INVITATION

Nissan has revealed the details of a new hatchback concept which previews the company’s next mainstream B-segment contender, to be sold alongside their Micra city car and the innovative Juke crossover. 

The concept is called INVITATION and is set to be unveiled at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, with a UK launch date from 2013.

The side of the concept car has a distinctive character line, known internally at Nissan as the ‘Squash Line’, which adds a powerful dynamism to its profile ,with distinctive sculpted front and rear wings. Inside, the open cabin environment combines modern-day practicality with impressive levels of quality and technology features.

Inside INVITATION

Nissan is aiming for an ultra-low CO₂ emission target of under 100g/km for the most economical model in the range, with all versions eligible to wear Nissan’s Pure Drive badge.

Among the innovative features of the car is Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) safety technology. This will be seen for the first time on a B-segment car and makes reversing and parallel parking a vehicle as stress-free as possible. 

INVITATION also incorporates Nissan Safety Shield Technologies, keeping the driver aware of what is happening around the car.

EV & Low CO2 Fleet Show

The EV & Low CO₂ Fleet Show is a one-day event being held at the world-famous Silverstone circuit on Wedneday the 18th April. The event will feature major motor manufacturers who have pioneered the development and production of electric vehicles, including Renault, Nissan, Peugeot and Citroen.

The event is being organised by Fleet World magazine in association with the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association, the trade association of the UK’s leasing and rental industries, with the event being sponsored by the Energy Saving Trust.

If you fancy attending the event, at the Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire, there will be a wide range of electric, hybrid and other low-carbon vehicles that will be available for driving around the famous track.

Ross Durkin, Managing Editor of Fleet World, said: “The show is really starting to take shape now. We’re delighted that four of the motor manufacturers who have really been at the forefront of EV development will be at the event in order to help fleet managers really understand the potential for incorporating electric vehicles onto their fleet”.

The EV & Low CO₂ Fleet Show will allow visitors to:

- Test drive the latest petrol-electric hybrids, diesel-electric hybrids, fuel-cell hybrids and electric range-extenders, as well as many of the latest low-emission petrol and diesel engine vehicles

- Discuss future drivetrain strategies with leading motor manufacturers that attend the event

- Find out more about low-emission light commercial vehicles

- Talk to EV charging point suppliers and recharging infrastructure providers

- Discuss low-carbon vehicle supply with leading vehicle leasing suppliers

For more details on the event you can phone 01727 739160 or visit http://evfleetshow.co.uk/

Juke Shiro

The new Nissan Juke Shiro has just arrived to top the range and comes with unique white interior features, a new exterior colour and dark grey 17-inch alloys with satin silver mirrors and handles.

The Shiro replaces Kuro (Kuro is the Japanese word for black) limited edition and Shiro moves to the opposite side of the colour spectrum as it means white in Japanese. The Juke Shiro comes with a host of white details to mark it out from lesser models in the range.

Inside the Shiro

The centre console is painted white, as are the door panels and window switch surrounds. The leather wrapped steering wheel, gear gaiter and the edges of the leather seats all feature white stitching, while the seats themselves have a double layer fabric with a white background colour visible through the perforated leather facing.

The interior also gets a leather covered centre armrest complete with white stitching, which also provides additional storage; illuminated chrome-plated sill protectors for the front doors and Juke-branded velour floor mats. The Juke Shiro is available in any of the colours offered on standard Juke models, but it does have one additional unique colour in its palette: Nightshade, a deep aubergine colour.

The Shiro builds on the top-of-the-range Tekna model with prices starting from £17,695. It is available in three engine choices – a 110PS 1.5-litre dCi; 117PS normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol; and the range-topping turbocharged direct injection petrol 1.6-litre DIG-T with 190PS. A 4×4 version and CVT automatics are also available.

Deliveries are due to commence from 1 March 2012 and like all Nissan Jukes, the Shiro will be produced at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Sunderland.

Nissan LEAF

RCS, a Nottinghamshire based printer, is reducing its transport emissions with fleet of six new Nissan LEAF EVs and using the new ABB rapid charger, this allows the LEAF to be charged to 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes. The company is also using solar panels and other energy reduction strategies to reduce their annual energy bill by £78k, thereby charging the LEAFs for free

“The environment forms a key part of our company ethos and our fleet of Nissan LEAFs build on our vision of becoming the UK’s most environmentally friendly printer,” explained Michael Todd, MD of RCS. “The LEAF is the first practical five door, five seat EV on the UK market and our staff have embraced all aspects of the car which is why we kept adding them to our fleet.”

SsangYong range

SsangYong is continuing to build its UK dealer network with the addition of two new dealers, Hares of Rustington and Pat Kirk Ltd in Strabane.  The SsangYong UK model line-up is headed up by the new Korando which was created by Giorgetto Guigiaro of Ital Design, offering the brand a contemporary look for the European market.

The new Korando is powered by a Euro 5 2.0-litre 175PS diesel engine and provides excellent fuel economy and impressive CO2 emissions of 157g/km, making this one of the most powerful in its class. The Korando is being pitched against the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Qashqai and offers you five models to choose from. You also get the option of a 6 speed manual, 6 speed automatic and a choice of S, ES and EX trim levels.

Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, said,”We and our dealers are focused on giving customers great service, so whether buying a new or used SsangYong, choosing accessories or helping to maintain their car in the years ahead, we are confident customers will appreciate the car, their dealer and the brand”. SsangYong contract hire is on the site now for the whole range.

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan’s popular Qashqai crossover has just been voted ‘Used Car of the Year’ by used car pricing experts CAP – for the second year in a row.

A panel of judges comprising of used car market and vehicle valuation experts at CAP said: “The Nissan Qashqai has created an entirely new ‘crossover’ sector and prompted other manufacturers to follow by marrying the practicality of a people carrier with the looks of a quality 4×4. By achieving this in a package that also offers economy, handling, strong build quality and reliability the Qashqai has become the perfect used car for our time.”

The CAP panel also noted that strong demand meant the Qashqai was always likely to sought by trade buyers and customers alike, meaning it depreciated slowly and outperformed the general market as a whole.

Launched in 2007, the Qashqai has become a top-selling mainstream model, rivalling conventional family hatchbacks and it has become a permanent feature in the UK top 10 best vehicle sales list. The double win from CAP comes on top of a similar award from leading consumer magazine What Car?, which named the Qashqai as its ‘Best Used Car 2011’ last month.

The Qashqai range consists of two petrol and three advanced diesel engines with a new 1.6-litre diesel with stop-start technology opening up the Qashqai to more company car drivers. If you are interested in leasing a brand new Nissan Qashqai then Nissan contract hire prices are on the site now.

Of if you prefer to buy a used, ex-fleet car then visit our buying an ex-lease car section for further details on how to do with this.

CLICK for the personal car lease offer

If you are thinking of getting a new hatchback for the New Year how about the Nissan Juke 1.6 Visia 5-door petrol, which is currently on offer on personal car leasing on a two year deal from only £180.70 per month (includes VAT).

This personal car leasing offer also includes full maintenance cover (routine servicing, mechanical repair, tyres, batteries and exhausts). Terms of the offer are based on a 24-month contract, 10,000 miles per annum and a six rental in advance initial payment, followed by 23 subsequent payments.

The Nissan Juke certainly stands out from the crowd and offers you 47.1 combined mpg and CO2 emissions of  139g/km and at this rental is one hatchback you ought to consider. If you want more information on this personal car leasing offer just fill out the Contact Form today.

Nissan X-Trail 4X4 Platinum

Nissan has released details about their new X-TRAIL 4X4 luxury Platinum special edition which features additional equipment not seen on any other models in the range. Only 200 of the Platinum model will be produced and the 4X4 is powered by Nissan’s advanced 2.0dCi diesel, with either manual or automatic tranmission.

Outside the 4X4 gets extra protection and style with additional protection plates below the bumpers and the side is treated to chrome side steps and chrome door protection mouldings.

Inside the Platinum model features leather uphostelry and electrically adjustable heated front seats, touch screen communication and satellite navigation system, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth plus a reversing camera that transmits the image onto a small screen incorporated into the rear view mirror. Nissan contract hire prices will be loaded shortly.

Nissan Micra

Two new special Micras have just been added to the range, complimenting an already comprehensive line up. The two new models are named Kuro and Shiro, meaning black and white respectively in Japanese. The new models are based on the mid grade Acenta specification but feature a number of items that are usually reserved for top-of-the-range models.

The Kuro is painted in Sapphire Black, a brand new metallic colour, and the Shiro is available with a choice of two white shades – Pearl or Alabaster. Both the Shiro and Kuro also feature an ivory-effect dashboard and lighter seat trim to add a touch of glamour inside.

Extra standard vehicle equipment includes parking sensors with parking space measurement, heated front seats and climate control. Nissan Connect, an integrated satellite navigation system, is also available as an option for just £400.

As a finishing touch, both Kuro and Shiro will have a special badge placed on the tailgate. Both Micra engines and transmissions are available in the new models; the 1.2-litre normally-aspirated and new supercharged DIG-S powerplants with manual or CVT automatic transmissions. Nissan contract hire prices will be loaded shortly.

Nissan LEAF

Siemens has just chosen the Nissan LEAF to become the first electric vehicle on its company car fleet and the three new electric cars join the employee pool vehicles at the engineering company’s Industrial Turbo Machinery business in Lincolnshire. Siemens has also ordered seven more Nissan LEAF’s to be used at other UK locations and is placing the LEAF at the centre of its electric vehicle (EV) fleet plans.

Siemens is also working with Lincoln City Council to install charging solutions across the city and has also installed its own company charging EV point as well. Mark Bonnor-Morris, business development manager of Siemens Mobility and Logistics, Traffic Solutions, said,”We’re moving people between our site in Lincoln and using the Nissan LEAF means we can travel through the city with zero emissions”.

All the cars have been leased over 24 months with a comprehensive service package bolted on. If you are interested in leasing a Nissan LEAF then we have prices on the site now.