The Nissan Patrol has been revised for 2007. The new model was released at the Melbourne Motor Show, today. The new model features the availability of a new diesel engine and cruise control.

Other announcements reveal a new 2007 model of the highly admired 350Z sport cars will be released in Australia next month. More power and new colours are the highlights of this newly refined model, one of our Editor's favourite cars.

But, perhaps, the biggest news from Nissan is that the company plans to re-enter the light car market, after a long absence, with the local release of the Nissan Micra later in the year. The popular Micra, which will once again be sourced from the Nissan plant in England, should prove an enjoyable treat for light car buyers. Our Editor expects it to be a far more attractive acquisition than Barina, Getz, Jazz, Rio and Yaris. In fact, it is expected to rival the best cars in the light car segment, such as the Colt, Fiesta, Polo and Swift.

Nissan's other new model is the Dualis. Thankfully, the name Qashqai will be dropped for the Australian market and replaced by a nearly as bad a name, the Dualis. This new model is also sourced from the Nissan's UK plant. This new small cross-over lookalike is due later this year.

New 350Z

Nissan Australia unveiled a new 350Z with a more powerful, next-generation engine, revised exterior styling and new exterior colour palette at the 2007 Melbourne Motor Show today.

The updates to the 350Z reinforce its credentials as a pure sports car with thrilling and involving performance and a more dynamic driving experience.

At the heart of the 2007 Nissan 350Z is the award winning next generation engine - designated VQ35HR - with nearly 80 percent of major parts redesigned it provides improved acceleration and overall power for enhanced driving pleasure.

Maximum power output has risen from 221 kW to 230 kW on the back of the changes to the engine. Peak torque output has also increased from 353 Nm to 358 Nm and the maximum engine speed has also increased by 500 rpm to 7,500 rpm.

To achieve the additional performance, a dual intake system has been fitted and the variable valve timing system has a wider range of operation, plus the addition of a common length exhaust manifold reduces back pressure. Those changes combine to boost low and mid-range torque.

In order to achieve the higher rev limit, the crank journal and crank pin have increased in size. At the bottom of the engine, a ladder frame has been added to stiffen the crank and reduce vibration.

The introduction of a second knock sensor, an asymmetric piston pattern, improved cylinder cooling and iridium spark plugs will combine to improve the efficiency of the ignition cycle, while an increase in compression ratio from 10.3 to 10.6 has liberated more top end power. Despite all these changes, weight and fuel consumption remain unchanged, but the engine’s centre of gravity has been lowered by 15 mm.

To accommodate the new engine the bonnet has been discreetly redesigned and is now reminiscent of the first generation 240Z, thanks to a stylish ‘power bulge’.

Three new exterior colours will also be offered. Solar Orange is a striking shade but also contains a subtle green “flip” which can be seen in soft light and gives the car a surprising tone, while a new grey – Carbon Silver - and San Marino Blue complete the colour line-up.

On the inside, there are larger head restraints with active restraints, to minimise the chances of neck injury in the event of a rear impact.

Standard features include composite carbon-fibre drive shaft, traction control system, viscous limited-slip rear differential, electronic drive-by-wire throttle, dual outlet exhaust and vehicle dynamic control (VDC) on Track variants. An optional five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) is available on all automatic variants.

Independent multi-link suspension front and rear with a front strut tower brace and an integrated rear strut tower brace combined with front and rear stabiliser bars guarantees sure-footed handling and dynamics.

All models wear 18-inch six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels with upgraded Bridgestone Potenza tyres for 2007 for increased on-road refinement.

Standard interior features include heated leather sports seats, automatic climate control air-conditioning, Bose 240 watt sound system with seven speakers including a sub-woofer, power windows and heated exterior door mirrors, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls and a three-bay gauge cluster for oil pressure, voltmeter and trip computer.

Pricing on the 2007 model year 350Z Coupe now starts at $62,990* and $67,990* (manual models), while the Roadster is now available for $73,990*. On models with an optional automatic transmission the price increases by $2,000.

Nissan’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Hannya, commented on the update to the company’s halo model in the range; “The changes are designed to not only improve on the performance of the 350Z but build on its reputation as one of our best performance sports cars.

“I am sure customers will appreciate the 350Z’s more dynamic driving experience,” Mr Hannya said.

The new 350Z will be available, locally, from next month.

*All prices quoted are recommended retail pricing and do not include dealer delivery and on-road costs.

New Dualis

Nissan’s new Dualis was unveiled for the first time in Australia at the Melbourne Motor Show today.

Due to go on sale, locally, in the final quarter 2007, the Nissan Dualis is set to be a catalyst for change in the small car market.

Unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the Dualis will go on sale in Europe as the Qashqai from next month.

The distinctive styling of Dualis is a combination of the sleek shape of a passenger car with the strength of an SUV to provide something different in the new car market.

From certain angles it has the agility of a passenger car, from others the tough stance of an SUV. Put it all together, though, and it quickly becomes clear that Dualis is one of a kind: there’s nothing else quite like it on the road. Perhaps the closest competitor is the slow selling Dodge Caliber, which coincidently shares an odd name and unappealling styling.

The Dualis exterior is matched by an asymetric interior, providing a focused cockpit environment for the driver and a relaxing space for the occupants. High seating positions provide the sense of security normally found in an SUV, yet Dualis is a more dynamic performer with the acceleration and handling capabilities of a sporty hatch.

All of the major and minor controls have been wrapped around the driver, who is separated from the front seat passenger by a high centre console.

One of the most significant controls sits towards the front of the centre console just behind the short-throw gear lever – the chunky switch for Nissan’s highly praised electronically controlled ALL-MODE four-wheel drive system.

Despite having greater ground clearance than an ordinary hatchback, the all-wheel drive system in the Dualis is there to provide greater traction for safer driving and extra control in all weather conditions.

Powered by a lively petrol 2.0-litre lightweight all-aluminium 16 valve engine developing 103 kW and 200 Nm of torque, the Dualis offers impressive performance.

Two transmissions will be available - a slick six-speed manual or advance CVT.

CVT is a computer controlled ‘stepless’ transmission providing a virtually limitless number of ratios, ensuring the engine is always working as efficiently as possible, resulting in smoother acceleration as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions.

For a more sporty drive, the CVT system has a manual override. Operated via the central gear stick, six set ratios can be accessed manually.

Dimensionally, Dualis sits between small car segment hatchbacks and compact SUVs. Sitting on a wheelbase of 2,630 mm, it is 1,610 mm tall, 1,780 mm wide and 4,310 mm long. While the wheelbase and width match average figures of its rivals, Dualis is about 100 mm longer than a typical hatchback but 150 mm shorter than a typical SUV. Similarly, it is taller than rival hatchbacks by between 100-150 mm, yet up to 130 mm shorter than an SUV.

Initial design concepts started in Japan but the majority of the design and development work was undertaken in Europe, notably at Nissan Design Europe in London and at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in Cranfield, also in the UK. It will be built at Sunderland in Nissan’s award-winning plant in the North East of England.

Nissan’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Hannya, commented on the positioning of Dualis: “The small car segment has been about conventional cars that offer conventional performance."

“A passenger car with SUV attributes, Dualis brings unique qualities to one of the most conservative sectors of the new car market."

“The styling is bold, emotional, distinctive and unmistakably Nissan and we look forward to announcing more details on the Dualis as we get closer to its launch late this year,” said Mr Hannya.

New Micra

Nissan Australia has taken the wraps off the Micra, the company’s first light car competitor in Australia for over ten years, at the 2007 Melbourne Motor Show today.

To be launched in late 2007, the Micra will form an integral part of Nissan’s line-up by filling a void in one of Australia’s largest segments in the market.

Quite unlike anything else on the road, Nissan’s Micra is the model that brings a distinctively different and undeniably elegant look to the city car market.

The Micra has an assertive character with its principle ‘arch’ design cue and dominant shoulder line which is echoed in the Micra’s rounded roofline. The car’s highly individual ‘face’ also incorporates thoughtful and practical features such as the ellipsoid head lamps which integrate wing-top sights to ease parking and the placing of the car in traffic.

The Micra, designed in both Japan and Europe, combines a dramatic new look with clever design and easy-to-use technology.

Designed with ease of use in mind, the Micra’s priority is manoeuvrability: with a chassis designed to be agile, a responsive 1.4-litre engine and impressive turning circle of under nine metres, the new Micra is as user-friendly on the road as it is in the cabin.

Despite its small stature, the Micra cabin is surprisingly spacious inside and has the added versatility of a split folding rear seat.

A comprehensive safety package includes dual SRS airbags and seatbelt pretensioners for the driver and front seat passenger.

Nissan’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shinya Hannya, announced the return of the Micra today at the Melbourne Motor Show.

“Nissan has been investigating a number of products with a view to returning to the light car market and I am very pleased with our choice,” said Mr Hannya.

“In 2006, the light car segment was the fastest growing segment in the market. With over 20 percent growth compared with 2005 and 11,000 buyers in the market, we believe the Micra will be very well placed to capitalise on this demand."

“The Micra is well designed to meet the needs of consumers with its combination of value, equipment and performance,” said Mr Hannya.

New Patrol

Nissan’s 2007 model year Patrol wagon made its debut at the Melbourne Motor Show today.

The update to the popular 3.0-litre turbo diesel in the Patrol range not only brings the engine into line with Euro 4 emissions control requirements, but allows the fitment of cruise control across the range.

While the tried and tested TB48 4.8-litre petrol engine remains unchanged, the ZD30 3.0-litre turbo diesel has benefited from the fitment of a common-rail fuel injection system. The result is a noticeable improvement in engine refinement and responsiveness which is especially useful off road where flexibility and the smooth delivery of masses of pulling torque at low engine speeds are important ingredients to successful off-road driving.

While the maximum power and torque figures remain unchanged 3.0-litre diesel models equipped with a manual transmission at 118 kw and 380 Nm respectively, the maximum power is now available from 3,200 rpm, 400 rpm lower than before.

Nissan’s Patrol wagon diesel line-up remains unchanged with the five-seat DX and seven-seat ST, ST-S, ST-L and Ti variants.

Apart from the updated 3.0-litre diesel, customers also have the choice of the powerful 4.8-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine available on ST-S, ST-L and Ti models.

A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission is available with the ZD30 diesel engine and the TB48 petrol comes with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Nissan’s 2007 Patrol remains as tough and as capable as ever: it will still climb a 39-degree gradient and wade through 700 mm of water.

Beam axles front and rear allow excellent wheel articulation over the roughest terrain, while the long suspension travel and generous ground clearance all contribute to the Patrol’s formidable off-road ability.

Pricing of all 2007 model year 3.0-litre diesel Patrols increases by $250.