--Autech Japan Releases Wingroad Rider--
TOKYO (Nov. 14, 2005)-- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the release of the fully redesigned Wingroad compact wagon for the Japanese market. True to its tagline "SHIFT_FUNction, the new Wingroad comes with numerous innovative features to support the active lifestyles of its users.
Wingroad 15RX Aero
Developed around the concept of "a stylish and practical compact wagon," the Wingroad is distinguished by the following three unique attributes that make it an attractive wagon, whether driving around town or heading off on a longer trip:
1. "New wagon interior space" that is reconfigurable to suit any purpose
2. "New wagon functionality" for convenient use
3. "New wagon performance" for an enjoyable driving experience
"New wagon interior space" refers to the ability of users to reconfigure the interior space by sliding and reclining the rear seats to create more leg room in the rear-seat area compared with most wagons in its class. The driver's and front passenger's seats also recline completely, allowing for even more room.
"New wagon functionality" refers to the car's many innovative and convenient features, including a simple bench seat at the rear of the luggage area and a washable luggage board. In addition, all seats, except for the driver's seat, can be folded flat by remote control.
"New wagon performance" refers to the Wingroad's enjoyable driving performance. The suspension system, which incorporates the specifications of high-end cars, is specifically tuned for wagon use to ensure a smooth, comfortable ride in both the city and on longer trips. Moreover, the combination of Nissan's MR18DE engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers a powerful, sporty performance.
Wingroad Overview
1. Design
The exterior styling is both sporty and stylish in appearance while maximizing the functionality of a wagon.
The character line running along the middle of the car's body was inspired by the look of a meteor tail. The wave-like line framing the side windows give an integrated look to the cabin and the luggage area. Meanwhile, the rear-end styling conveys a strong three-dimensional look.
The Wingroad is offered in two highly distinctive versions - the standard RX/RS series and the sporty Aero series.
The interior design embodies a "low-profile and super-rounded" theme. The most prominent feature is the instrument panel with its low, rounded, sporty design that allows an open, airy interior feel.
The entire interior projects a feeling of premium quality, from the soft, supple feel of the instrument panel to the metallic finishers.
2. "New wagon interior space"
The rear seats slide fore and aft 120 millimeters and recline to ten different positions up to a maximum angle of 40 degrees, providing plenty of space for relaxing. Both the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat are fully reclinable.
With a maximum cargo capacity of 412 liters, the luggage area has more space than usual for its class. Sliding the rear seats forward creates cargo-carrying space equal to that of midsize wagons.
3. "New wagon functionality"
The remote-controlled rear seats and the front passenger's seat fold flat, allowing users to transport long items easily.
The simple bench seat provided at the rear of the luggage area can be used for a variety of purposes, including taking a short rest after surfing or changing in or out of ski boots.
Thanks to the washable luggage board, which is easily removed, transporting wet or dirty items is not a problem.
The Wingroad also features a luggage box consisting of four compartments located beneath the luggage board. On the two-wheel drive (2WD) models, the box provides storage capacity totaling 100 liters. One of the compartments is washable and easy to remove, just like the luggage board.
4. "New wagon performance"
The Wingroad is available with either an HR15DE engine or an MR18DE engine. The all-aluminum HR15DE engine features improved torque at low-to-medium speeds, quieter operation and improved fuel consumption compared with the previous Wingroad model.
The all-aluminum MR18DE engine is paired with CVT for greater torque in low- to-medium speed ranges along, also resulting in improved fuel economy.
The 1.8-liter model also features shift paddles on the steering wheel for six-speed manual shifting. This allows the driver to enjoy the pleasure of sporty driving by shifting gears manually without taking his/her hands off the steering wheel.
A strut suspension system is used at the front of the vehicle and an H-shaped torsion beam suspension system is adopted at the rear. Internal rebound springs and ripple-control shock absorbers, among other chassis technologies, provide a steady, smooth ride characteristic of a wagon. The suspension system is optimally tuned to deliver outstanding handling and stability combined with supple ride comfort.
5. Practicality
The Wingroad features numerous multifunctional storage spaces. Other practical functions include an optional side blind-spot monitor and an optional back-view monitor for enhanced visibility. The former system reduces the blind spot at the car's left front end, providing helpful visual support when parking or positioning the car along the edge of the road. The latter system displays a color view of the area behind the car on the navigation system monitor.
The Wingroad also features an optional DVD-based CARWINGS navigation system that is simple to operate and equipped with easy-to-understand menu screens. Route guidance capabilities have also been improved.
6. Safety and environmental performance
Standard safety features on all models include front-seat Active Head Restraints and dual SRS airbag systems for the driver and front passenger.
All Wingroad models are certified as super ultra-low emission vehicles (SU-LEVs*1) because they emit 75% fewer exhaust emissions than the levels required by Japan's 2005 exhaust emission regulations. Moreover, the Wingroad's fuel economy ranks among the best in its class. Over 40 technical measures were adopted for improving fuel economy, resulting in an average improvement in practical fuel economy of more than 30% as measured under real-world driving conditions. The 18RX Aero, 18RX and 15RS models are certified as achieving Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards, and the other models attain the 2010 standards plus an additional 5%. Because of this certification, all Wingroad models qualify for tax reductions under the Green Tax program*2 in Japan.
*1 The low-emission vehicle certification system of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport was inaugurated in April 2000 to encourage the penetration of low-emission vehicles through their selection by ordinary consumers. Following the adoption of the 2005 new long-term exhaust emission regulations in September 2003, the system was revised in October of that year to establish two certification categories. U-LEV certification requires an additional 50% reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) emissions from the levels mandated by the 2005 exhaust emission regulations and SU-LEV certification requires an additional 75% reduction of these exhaust gas constituents.
*2 For vehicles complying with the requirements of the Green Tax program, the automobile acquisition tax is reduced on personal-use vehicles that are newly registered by March 31, 2006 by 15,000 yen or 10,000 yen. The automobile tax is reduced by 50% or 25% for one year beginning from the next fiscal year after a vehicle is registered. However, these tax reduction measures do not apply to Autech models because they require on-site registration at a vehicle inspection and registration office.
Other information
Origin of the model name
The name Wingroad was coined by combining the words "wing" and "road" and suggests a car that can be used for driving anywhere, from the city to the great outdoors.
Sales target: 3,500 units/month
Price range: 1,493,100 yen to 1,892,100 yen
Dealers selling the Wingroad: All Nissan dealers
Sales launch events: Sat. & and Sun., Nov. 19-20, 2005
*The photo in this news release can be downloaded at Nissan's press site (http://press.nissan-global.com/JP/).
Autech Japan, Inc., a wholly-owned Nissan affiliate, today announced the release of the Wingroad Rider, a model newly customized in conjunction with the launch of the fully redesigned Wingroad, for the Japanese market.
Wingroad Rider (2WD) fitted with optional equipment
The Wingroad Rider features exclusive aero parts and an exclusive grille that have been adopted to create a fresh and stylish exterior design. The cabin is appointed with seat fabrics and finishers featuring a black color motif, giving the interior a sporty look of superb quality. The Rider is also fitted with exclusive tires and an exclusive sporty suspension to deliver crisp, responsive handling and a firm, comfortable ride.
The Wingroad Rider is the first domestic model to offer a factory-installed package of options comprising an exclusive HDD navigation system with an iPod®* adapter and an exclusive sound system.
Dealers selling the Wingroad Rider: All Nissan dealers
Price range: 1,991,850 yen to 2,201,850 yen
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