Nissan offers technologies of high-end luxury (video)

“First-time Nissan buyers are often surprised by the level of technology that is available in our crossover range. Many of these technologies are considered high-end luxury items associated with premium brands, but are available at affordable prices in our Nissan crossover range. We are particularly proud of the seamless integration of these technologies into the driving experience,” says Nissan South Africa General Manager for Marketing Communication, Graeme Birch. Nissan South Africa has grouped its leading technologies into three main categories, namely Safety, Driving Aids and In-car Entertainment.

Safety first

Modern vehicles, especially vehicles with top safety ratings such as the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail, all feature a comprehensive range of vehicle safety equipment. ­­­These usually include Vehicle Dynamic Stability Control (VDS), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), along with six or seven airbags.

All of these features are standard fitment to every Nissan crossover model, but they are further enhanced by a range of grade-specific safety equipment that is included as part of Nissan’s Driving Assistance offering. The range of Driving Assistance features includes Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning and a Lane Departure Warning system. These systems function by using the array of cameras fitted to specific models of the Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail.

The cameras fitted to the vehicle’s nose, tailgate and under the side mirrors, stitch together a panoramic bird’s eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings. They allow the driver to manoeuvre his or her Nissan crossover in tight spots without being concerned about blind spots. The system works in the urban jungle and the real one, as X-Trail drivers will attest.

The control of all Driving Assistance Systems as well as the images from the various cameras around the vehicle is displayed on a high resolution, glare-free, touch screen display. The display measures 7” on the X-Trail and Qashqai and 5.8” on the Juke.

The Nissan Duke. Picture: Supplied

Both the Juke and X-Trail offer Moving Object Detection as a supplemented feature of the AVM by utilising the wide-angle cameras. Moving Object Detection monitors around the vehicle when manoeuvring and warns the driver if an object – such as a person or animal – is moving around the vehicle while it is in motion. This allows the driver to act well in advance of any possible collision.

All of these features are controlled from the touch-screen display and seamlessly integrate with the dynamic and passive safety systems to create a self-managing system that Nissan calls its Safety Shield. Nissan’s Safety Shield has ensured the highest safety rating for its crossovers in all safety tests.

Driving Aids

Nissan combines a host of advanced electronic vehicle management technologies with Chassis Control, which is controlled from the cockpit and is displayed on the Advanced Drive-Assist Display (ADAD). These technologies include Active Trace Control, Active Engine Braking (for the automatic automatic models) and Active Ride Control. Chassis control is available on all Qashqai and X-Trail models.

Nissan’s Active Trace Control uses chassis control technology to mimic the work of a front-mounted limited slip differential. It works closely with the engine control unit (ECU) to manage engine power and utilise the ABS braking system to brake individual wheels, keeping Nissan crossovers fitted with the technology true to steering inputs and stable around corners, regardless of the road surface or weather conditions.

Also linking vehicle control with the ABS system is Active Ride Control (ARC). ARC manages upper body motion over rutted roads by subtly applying brakes to stabilise the vehicle. In the X-Trail and Qashqai fitted with All Mode 4×4-i the ARC system supports the transfer of power to two or four wheels and distributes power based on speed, road conditions, wheel slip and driver intention.

With All Mode 4×4-i the driver has the option of selecting 2WD AUTO, or 4WD from inside the cabin. All Mode 4×4-i can distribute up to 50% of the engine’s power to the rear of the vehicle during on- or off-road driving. The system includes the Hill Start Assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling back when the driver pulls away on an incline. Nissan has included Hill Decent Control (HDC) in the X-Trail’s range of features. HDC controls vehicle braking on a steep decline, which frees the driver to focus on steering inputs.

The Nissan Duke. Picture: Supplied

Technology is also widely adopted under the engine cover, where Nissan’s PURE DRIVE technologies ensure that the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail deliver some of the lowest CO2 emissions in the crossover category. As an example, the Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi emits only 109 g/km of CO2 at regulated test speeds and offers an average fuel consumption of only 4.2 litres/100 km. The Xtronic CVT automatic gearbox, available on the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail, was also designed to optimise engine performance at the lowest possible fuel consumption levels.

Lastly, Nissan has added a range of vehicle configuration features to all crossover models. These features include the ability to adjust steering feel and vehicle display features on all models, a special enviro-friendly ECO setting on the Qashqai and X-Trail and a range of driving options on the Juke.

In contrast to its crossover siblings, the Nissan Juke mixes in a dash of sports car with its SUV and passenger vehicle attributes. With this in mind, Nissan has added a special vehicle control feature to the Juke – the Nissan Dynamic Control System, which is managed through Nissan’s Integrated Control (I-CON).

With this category-unique system, the driver can adjust engine characteristics and keep statistics of his or her driving performance. The system allows for a choice between Normal, Sport or Eco Driving that adjusts throttle response, turbo boost pressure, engine torque and air-conditioner usage.

The Nissan Dynamic Control System borrows vehicle diagnostics from its sports-car brothers to allow the driver to measure and store all types of driving inputs, including cornering and acceleration G-force, mileage and fuel economy.

In-car Entertainment

The upgraded Nissan Juke, new Qashqai and X-Trail now feature the much vaunted NissanConnect system. This system, dubbed by some as a smartphone’s best friend, connects your phone with your Nissan and allows access and control of some of the most loved apps. The apps, music and other phone functions are controlled directly from the touch-screen display.

NissanConnect seamlessly integrates the driver’s favourite iPhone or Android functions, including caller ID, Facebook check-in on arrival at the destination and music streaming – including track name and artist. The driver can also plug in his or her favourite USB, iPod or MP3 player through the USB port and listen to music while on the road.