Nissan Product Updates: LEAF, Micra & Qashqai​

Nissan LEAF

Nissan has confirmed the evolution of the highly successful LEAF electric vehicle (EV) by announcing two versions of the LEAF 3.ZERO. This new offer will broaden the appeal of EVs to more customers, and both models are ready to order from January 9, 2019.

The new LEAF 3.ZERO features the 40 kWh battery which had great success in 2018. New body colours and two-tone colour combinations will complete the choices. Customers can place their orders for the new LEAF 3.ZERO from now.

The new Nissan LEAF e+ 3.ZERO Limited Edition will also be available to order from January 9 across European markets. This limited edition – of which only 5,000 units will be produced for Europe – will feature a higher output capable of delivering 160 kW (217 PS) and longer range capabilities with expected driving range of up to 385 km* from a single charge.

At the centre of the new LEAF e+ 3.ZERO Limited Edition is an Intelligent Power-enhanced battery. It has 25% more density and a 55% increase in energy storage capacity. Through innovative design and clever engineering, the new higher-power battery contains 288 cells compared to the 192 found in the 40 kWh equivalent.

On the road, the new LEAF e+ 3.ZERO Limited Edition 62 kWH battery will deliver a 40% range increase over the new LEAF 3.ZERO which is equipped with a 40 kWh battery. This represents more than an additional range of 100km for a comparable usage, a clear evolution of the LEAF.

Nissan Micra

Three new customer choices have been added to the Micra range – an all-new upgraded and more efficient turbocharged petrol engine with ‘world-first’ technology; the debut of an Xtronic automatic (on sale in the UK from February) linked to the same engine; plus the arrival of a more powerful ‘warm hatch’ flagship powertrain with lowered ride height, revised suspension and sharper steering. In addition, Nissan has also launched an all-new grade, the Micra N-Sport, which delivers an exclusive design upgrade both inside and outside the car.

As well as delivering ‘More Micra’ than ever before, each new version offers improved powertrain refinement and response on all road surfaces and in all driving conditions.

The three new powertrains have been developed through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. By using the strength and resources of the Alliance, Nissan can deliver synergies which push the boundaries of what is possible from a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Each offers the highest levels of performance and refinement to customers, meets the strictest standards of reliability and durability as well as reduced CO2 emissions.

The new Micra powertrains are now on sale in the UK, joining the existing 1.0-litre 71 PS naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.5-litre 90 PS diesel engine.

Nissan Qahsqai

The Nissan Qashqai is now on sale with an all-new 1.3-litre petrol engine. It's the latest chapter in the success story of the Qashqai, Europe's best-selling crossover, and one which further enhances the SUV's appeal with consumers. The highly efficient new engine, which is available in 140 PS and 160 PS outputs, delivers reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

The engine is making its Nissan debut in the Qashqai. It is available linked to a six-speed manual transmission and an all-new seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), both of which are front-wheel drive. It's the first time a DCT has appeared in a volume Nissan model, and provides customers with a sporty and more direct dynamic experience, improved standing-start performance and smooth power delivery.

There are three versions of the new 1.3-litre engine – a 140 PS six-speed manual, a 160 PS six-speed manual and a 160 PS seven-speed DCT. Torque figures are 240 Nm for the low output, 260 Nm for the high output manual and 270 Nm for the DCT.

This enhanced petrol powertrain line-up sets a new standard for drivability in the Qashqai. Customers will notice improved response and acceleration through more power and torque, smoother and more linear power delivery, and a quieter driving experience. Service intervals are also extended.

In the Qashqai, the three new 1.3-litre powertrains directly replace three older ones – the 1.2-litre 115 PS manual and CVT, and the 1.6-litre 163 PS manual. All the new powertrains are compliant with the latest Euro 6d-Temp emissions standard.

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan Motor Company Ltd. today announced that the next-generation X-Trail for the European market will be produced in its Kyushu plant in Japan. This model was previously planned for production in Sunderland, UK, as announced in 2016.

Since that time, Nissan has increased its investments in new powertrains and technology for its future European vehicles. Therefore the company has decided to optimise its investments in Europe by consolidating X-Trail production in Kyushu, the production hub for this global model. Other future models planned for Nissan Sunderland Plant, the next-generation Juke and Qashqai, are unaffected.

Production of the next-generation Juke and Qashqai in Sunderland, the biggest car plant in the UK, is supported by major new facilities including a recently-launched new Paint facility and a second new extra-large press.

Current production in Sunderland also includes the Nissan LEAF, Europe's best-selling electric car, which reached a record 46,989 production last year, up 177% from the previous year. The new Nissan LEAF e+ upgrade, including an extended-range 62kwh battery, launches in the coming months.

*Nissan forecast range for WLTP combined cycle protocol tests. Final homologated range data for LEAF 3.ZERO e+ Limited Edition expected later in 2019.