A U T O     B U Z Z

Nissan Motor Company is ready to rejoin the small car fray with its all-new March.   The new March is the third generation of the compact hatchback.  The new car finally sheds the bland looks of the previous models and gains a funky new skin on top of refined mechanicals.

The March is built on an all-new platform with a "minimum-mechanicals" concept that minimizes the space devoted to mechanisms.  The front and rear overhangs have been shortened, making the overall length shorter than the previous March. Yet, the new March provides comfortable interior spaciousness reportedly equal to a car one class higher.  While the March is fitted with 14" tires, it achieves a minimum turning radius of 4.4 m, one of tightest in its class.

Powering the March is the newly developed DOHC 4-cylinder CR engine that is available in 1.0-, 1.2- and 1.4-liter versions.  The 1.0 generates 50 kW (68 ps) and 96 Nm, the 1.2 pumps out 66 kw (90 ps) and 121 Nm; and the 1.4  produces 72 kw (98 ps) and 137 Nm of torque

All models have been certified as ultra-low emission vehicles (U-LEV) by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport under its low-emission vehicle certification system. The March also complies with Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards.

A strut suspension is used at the front and a newly designed H-shaped torsion beam suspension has been engineered for the rear, reportedly providing enhanced handling, stability, ride comfort and quietness. The H-shaped torsion beam suspension allows a lower luggage area floor, increasing the luggage-carrying capacity.

Nissan's Zone Body construction, six SRS airbag systems and an array of other safety technologies have also been engineered for the safety of the driver and passengers.

The March is scheduled to be available with Nissan's E-4WD system in autumn of 2002. Compact and lightweight, this new 4WD system is based on a front-wheel-drive configuration and uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels only when 4WD capability is needed. Because the E-4WD system drives the rear wheels by means of a rear-mounted motor, there is no need for a propeller shaft or a transfer unit. This achieves 4WD capability without sacrificing interior space as well as a lighter system that also contributes to improved fuel economy.

The March is the first Nissan model to be available with CARWINGS, Japan's first comprehensive telematics service that "supports driving ease and proposes new ways of enjoying everyday life with the March."  By simply connecting their cellular phone to an onboard device, users can enjoy a variety of information services, e-mail access and hands-free calling, among other features.

The March also comes with a new-generation keyless entry system, called Intelligent Key, that enables users to lock/unlock the doors and to start/stop the engine simply by carrying the key fob with them. As there is no need to insert a key or operate a key fob button as in the case of a conventional keyless entry system, the Intelligent Key system provides greatly enhanced convenience when carrying things in both hands or when entering/exiting the car in the rain or at night.

Nissan expects to sell an average of 8,000 units per month for the new March.  The March was unveiled at the Nissan Headquarters Gallery and the car will remain on display there and in Nissan’s Ginza Gallery in an exhibition highlighting the lifestyle depicted by the new March entitled, "Colorful Delicious Happiness in My Life with My New March."

If that sounds like your kind of happiness, then the Nissan March retails in Japan starting at JPY953,000 (approximately USD 7200) to JPY1,320,000 (approximately USD 10,000)                  for the top-end 1.4 version.  The March is set to make its way to Europe and Asia, and plans to bring the March to the USA are being formulated.

[ BUZZ MAIN ]