Original name: ニッサン エヴァリア

Z Car Returns To Star At Geneva Show

- Dramatic 350Z continues Nissan's product-led revival

-  Race car technology for pure sports car now available in Europe

-  Geneva showcase for Evalia concept

-  From Micra to Primera: new dCi variants tackle Europe's growing diesel market

-  Improved Almera Tino with new looks, N-Form system and engines

-  Special versions of Nissan's top selling 4x4s

Nissan's product-led growth continues its breathtaking pace at the Geneva Motor Show with the European debut of the dramatic 350Z sports car designed to strike the chords of the driving enthusiast's heart - technological excellence mixed with passion and emotion.

Taking inspiration from 350Z's fun to drive attitude but with MPV practicality, the Evalia design study hints at a possible direction for a future compact family car.  The concept lines up alongside Nissan's innovative range of models, with the newly launched Micra completing one of the youngest passenger car ranges in the market: four models competing in the B, C and D segments have all been replaced in the last three years.

Targeting volume with the introduction of a new range of common rail diesel engines across the line up, Nissan's product-led growth in Europe gathers pace towards the goal of achieving the NISSAN 180 plan, which calls for sales of an additional 100, 000 units in Europe by the end of FY2004.

Packed with technology and passion in equal measure, the latest 'Z-car' - the third generation in a little over three decades - will tempt new enthusiasts and rekindle old flames.

Designed to take Nissan back to the top step of the sports car podium, the 350Z has been created using modern race car design and construction techniques.  Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 and engineered for extra rigidity with a flat ride under all conditions, the 350Z is a no compromise two-seater sports car.

Launched in Japan and North America in July 2002, it has been fine-tuned for its European debut reflecting Europe's different driving tastes and conditions. The 350Z is the fourth all-new Nissan to be launched in the past 18 months, joining the Primera, X-TRAIL and acclaimed new Micra to represent the shape of the new Nissan.

But although the dramatic high performance two-seater coupEwill take centre stage at Geneva, it won't be the only Nissan newcomer at the show. Geneva also marks the debut of an adventurous concept car, designed to show how the compact family car of the future could look.

Called Evalia, the innovative design combines coupElines with hatchback practicality. It was created by Nissan Design in Europe - now fully installed in Nissan's newly opened design studio in London, England after its transfer from Munich, Germany.

Seen as a potential direction for a contender in the C-segment, Evalia aims to provide the practicality needed by a young family at the same time as satisfying the emotional needs of the image-conscious driving enthusiast.

Among its unique features are parallel opening front and rear doors and the lack of a central B-pillar - vehicle strength is channelled through the sills and roof. By removing the B-pillar, easy access to the passenger compartment is ensured.

Although extremely spacious inside, and with a host of practical storage solutions, Evalia is designed to be more sports car than mini van. With a coupEinspired driving position and lowered sports suspension, Evalia means the move into parenthood need not coincide with the end of driving fun.

Nissan's Geneva stand will also reveal a host of revised models. These are headed by a phalanx of new dCi common rail direct injection diesel variants, which can be found across the Primera, Almera, Almera Tino and newly introduced Micra ranges. Benefitting from class leading diesel engines developed by Nissan Alliance partner Renault, as well as revised versions of existing Nissan units, the new Nissan diesel range will be among the most comprehensive in Europe.

Highlights include the 48kW 1.5dCi Micra, with the high volume 1.9dCi and potent 102kW 2.2dCi for Primera.

Following the changes made late in 2002 to the Almera range, the versatile Almera Tino mini-MPV receives a facelift. As well as subtle exterior and interior styling changes, the Tino benefits from the Almera's intuitive N-Form dashboard control system.

Finally, to underline Nissan's leading position in Europe's 4x4 market, Geneva sees the launch of special edition versions of the all-conquering X-TRAIL, Pickup and Terrano as well as a facelifted Patrol GR. Nissan's off-road competition success will be marked by Ari Vatanen's Nissan Pickup, fresh from its adventure the 2003 Dakar Rally - the first outing for the newly-formed Nissan Rally Raid Team.

SOURCE: Nissan