Nissan Debuting New Small Car, CUV in Geneva

Special Coverage

Geneva
Auto Show

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. will reveal to the world the design of its new global B-car tomorrow at the Geneva auto show.

The car, based on Nissan’s new V-platform and replacing the Micra, is expected to be sold in most major markets, starting this month in Thailand. Sales will begin in Europe by fall.

Available in as many as three body styles, U.S.-bound cars will sourced from Nissan’s Mexico plant that currently builds the Versa subcompact for the U.S. market.

Nissan says weight reduction was a major goal with the new V-platform, along with improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

To achieve its powertrain performance targets, the Japanese auto maker has confirmed a plan to use dual injectors (one at each port or two per cylinder) for its small displacement engines.

One of the first models to feature an engine with the dual-injection system will be the new Nissan Juke B-segment cross/utility vehicle, also debuting at Geneva. Nissan calls it the industry’s “first small crossover.”

The Juke, based on the global B-segment platform used by Nissan and alliance partner Renault SA, will be available with a 115-hp 1.6L engine with the dual injectors, 187-hp turbocharged 1.6L direct injection gas engine or 1.5L common-rail diesel engine making 108 hp.

Nissan Juke goes on sale this year in Europe, Japan, U.S.

The Juke has Nissan’s new torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which apportions torque side-to-side across the rear axle, as well as front-to-rear, to “enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering,” the auto maker says.

The Juke goes on sale in Japan this summer and in Europe and the U.S. by fall.

Key design cues include chunky wheels, a high beltline and falling roofline much like that of a coupe. The Juke’s center console was inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank.

“It was our intention to challenge the conventions,” Nissan design chief Shiro Nakamura says. “I really think Juke will bring something different for customers – something more emotional, energetic, more masculine.”

Nissan also will have on its Geneva stand the Leaf electric vehicle, scheduled for sale in Europe late this year, and updated versions of its Qashqai midsize CUV and Pathfinder and Navara SUVs.

[email protected]