Category: Nissan

Take a good look at the Nissan X-Trail. Look like a speed demon to you? It may have the 370Z as a brother but let’s face it, the X-Trail leans towards comfortable, disciplined and tempered rather than the maverick. Unfortunately, the traffic policeman I pointed that out to didn’t seem to bite, nodding patiently while still texting me my infringement (yes, that’s actually a thing). Luckily the senior constable took pity on me, keeping the points to a minimum, although I prefer to consider it my fee for discussing the… Read more

With each road test that we carry out it’s always interested to hear the first impressions the vehicle makes on relatives, friends and even passers-by. Responses generally vary depending on the interests of the viewer but not so with this week’s test, the Nissan Patrol Ti-L, where the reaction has been all-but unanimous …. “Isn’t it BIG!” The tale of the tape confirms that visual impression. It’s nearly 5.2 metres long and just under two metres wide and high, larger all round than its only real competitor the market leading… Read more

While not the biggest market in the world, Australia is seen as a trendsetter in sports utility vehicle performance development globally. So when the Nissan local team went to HQ with a request to upgrade the Navara ute, bosses were all ears. The result is the MY18 Nissan Navara, which was tried and tested extensively in, and exclusively for, conditions Down Under by Nissan ute experts from around the world. Upgrades apply to Dual Cab SL, ST and ST-X variants in the Australasian market. Particular attention was paid to ride… Read more

Despite its longevity, there is something of an enigma about the Nissan 370Z: is it a comfy Coupe with two seats; or an out-and-out sports car with performance paramount to the detriment of all else? I suggest it’s the former. Sophisticated is a way of putting it, something the car has exhibited since its inception almost a decade ago as the descendent, via the 350Z and others, of the legendary 240Z of the 1960s. And, for good or bad, not much has changed. With almost 4200 sales in Australia since… Read more

The Nissan Qashqai has led something of a double life since its birth a decade ago when it first came Down Under as the Nissan Dualis. Since then, as well as shedding diesel power and two seats, the Japanese crossover has played the name game, reverting to its original global moniker. Now, says Nissan, at the bidding of buyers, the Qashqai has been upgraded and the range simplified. Included are grades from the entry-level ST to mid-range ST-L and top-end Ti. However, because of manufacturing issues at the Nissan plant… Read more

We love having a big, sprawling four-wheel-drive at our house, swayed of course by its rugged nature, no-nonsense appearance and its innate ability to approach all challenges as adventures. What better way test it than the week you are moving house? The Nissan Navara ST made numerous trips to the dump and the Salvation Army, making hasty work of, “but it’s precious to me” mountain my girls have gathered over the last few years, and the “you can’t throw away a good shirt” pile my husband has accumulated over the… Read more

Nissan has given its two-model Patrol range a little pep both inside and out. Little things, mind, but considered approaches to keep its largest SUV positioned as a value proposition. And let’s not forget fun. STYLING With this Nissan Patrol, big is definitely better. The Patrol is a hard vehicle to miss, as much for its presence as its size. Nissan has updated this loveable beast with a new bumper and grille pairing as well as revised triangular foglight housings and distinguishing 18-inch alloys. The look is bold and brassy… Read more