JEDDAH, 28 October 2007 — Japanese carmaker Nissan launched its new faces — Altima, Xterra, Qashqai and Navara — along with the company’s all-new 2008 models at a ceremony yesterday.
“These new models are new faces of Nissan, with each vehicle targeted at a distinct segment of customers,” Dr. Usman Khizar Hayat, acting general manager, national strategic marketing, Alhamrani United Co. (AHC), told a press conference. The event was marked by a test drive of the four vehicles.
“The 2008 Altima drives styling, performance, innovative technology and quality to new levels, the Xterra delivers the off-road extras, the Qashqai, which makes its debut in the Kingdom, enters the segment with a bold styling, engaging performance and ultra-functionality and the Navara answers commercial needs and a personal style,” Hayat said. Hirotaka Mima, Dubai-based senior manager, of the marketing department at Nissan Middle East FZE, and senior executives of AHC, a member of Alhamrani Group of Companies, were among those present.
“In fact, Nissan’s redefined sedan line up for 2008 has arrived in the Kingdom with the all-new Altima on top. The new vehicle further confirms its status as the alternative to ordinary cars, with an array of advanced features that set it straight ahead of all competitors n its class,” Hayat said. “Evolutionary in design, but revolutionary in its platform and hardware, the Altima 2008 addresses target customers’ desires for a more rewarding driving and ownership experience by offering new levels of built-in and perceived quality, enhanced comfort, sporty performance and technological breakthrough features,” he added.
The rugged Xterra sport utility vehicle (SUV) is joining the largest SUV line up in the Kingdom from Nissan. The SUV remains strong in abundance of usable space, unique styling, storage and convenience features and thrilling performance. Performance is enhanced by its combination of rugged platform and 291 horsepower generated by 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, in addition to the thoughtful interior storage systems,” he said.
The Qashqai has been designed to add a new dimension to the small crossover utility segment — satisfying both the functional and emotional needs of customers. It is a bouquet of aggressive performance-oriented styling, powerful engine and driver-focused cockpit that shifts the way drivers think about small crossovers.
The Navara is a compact pickup truck pioneered by Nissan almost 50 years ago. The long body, double-cab comes in 2WD or 4WD versions. The 2WD has a 2.5-liter, four cylinder, 16-valve petrol engine that turns out 162 hp at 5,200 rpm and 41 kg-m torque at 2,000 rpm. The 4WD is powered by a 2.5-liter turbo diesel that produces 171 up at 4,000 rpm and has the same torque output.
