Nissan South Africa took the occasion of the Johannesburg International Motor Show to showcase its latest products from different ends of the performance spectrum. The firm’s entire portfolio is on display from its pick-ups to high performance models such as the GT-R. More notable, however, was the Resonance concept car and news of the Leaf and the introduction of the Nismo brand to SA next year.
Resonance
This striking concept model hints strongly at the future design direction of an upcoming Nissan crossover. The angular exterior treatment is offset by a cabin, that according to Nissan, has been inspired by first-class travel; a VIP lounge experience that serves up class and luxury in a futuristic design.
A future model bearing these design cues will in all likelihood feature some form or hybrid or all-electric drivetrain.
Leaf
The Leaf is the brand’s first all-electric model. Nissan states that this is the very first 100 per cent, zero emission EV to be sold in the country.
“It is with products like the new Nissan LEAF where we push the boundaries even further, allowing South Africans to take the next giant leap forward in passenger mobility with us, and at the same time incorporating intrinsic Nissan brand values in everything we do,” says Mike Whitfield, managing director of Nissan South Africa.
Nissan Motorsports (Nismo)
For those with a less eco slant on motoring Nissan is introducing the Nismo brand to SA next year. The company’s in-house tuning arm is well known for competing in the highest levels of racing around the world. Several models will be given the Nismo treatment from the Juke to the range-topping GT-R.