Nissan SA has showcased no fewer than five new vehicles at Auto Africa… And although the 350Z roadster is a head-turner, a battery of bold off-roaders (Dunehawk, Murano and Patrol) overshadows the ragtop.
Nissan SA has showcased no fewer than five new vehicles at Auto Africa… And although the 350Z roadster is a head-turner, a battery of bold off-roaders (Dunehawk, Murano and Patrol) overshadows the ragtop.
Following the launch earlier this year of the 350Z, the roadster version of the highly-rated Japanese sports car is scheduled to go on sale in South Africa by mid-2005.
The car’s fully-lined, electrically-operated top, with glass rear window and demister, folds down to fit snugly under a streamlined lightweight tonneau cover. During top-down driving, a tempered glass wind deflector behind the seats improves occupant comfort.
Fitted with the same 3,5-litre all-aluminium V6 and safety features as the coupe, the 350Z Roadster has luxurious interior appointments: Electrically-adjusted seats in leather, climate control, cruise control, remote entry, in-dash 6-CD audio system, drilled aluminium pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
But now on to the SUVs… The Dunehawk concept will give visitors to the show a view of what Nissan claims is its “Sport Utility Vehicle future”. Dunehawk is an intimidating sight and touted as “an innovative combination of SUV and MPV”. It is a midsized 4×4, with a rugged ladder frame chassis, 20-inch wheels, minimal overhangs and the electronically controlled ALL-Mode 4WD system first seen on the acclaimed X-TRAIL. “The Dunehawk will be ideal for an adventurous lifestyle, yet it’ll be just as at home on smooth tarmac,” Nissan says.
The Murano is arguably the most elegant of the SUVs on Nissan’s stand and will in all likelihood be launched in South Africa by the end next year. It can best be described as a crossover vehicle that combines city-smart sophistication, stand-out-in-a-crowd styling and practical advantages in terms of both aerodynamic efficiency and interior space.
-->
Powered By
|
