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Story by Nissan: 31st January 2000
NEW NISSAN MAXIMA QX DEBUTS AT GENEVA 2000

Nissan will launch more new models in 2000 than in any year previously, and it all starts at the Geneva Motor Show with four new vehicles on display.

Taking the starring role will be the all-new Maxima QX, Nissan’s flagship saloon model. Also on display will be the new and more powerful Nissan Patrol GR, and Nissan’s brand new European-built Almera and Almera MPV - Tino.

The New Maxima QX. Photograph by Nissan

The Nissan Maxima QX is a luxury executive saloon, providing first class levels of comfort, space, safety, sophistication, performance and equipment. The new car has a restyled exterior, re-engineered suspension and increased interior space for both passengers and luggage.

Under the bonnet there is a choice of refined V6 24-valve award winning engines. There is an economic 2.0-litre unit or a potent 200PS 3.0-litre unit. Nissan expects the new Maxima QX to make a bigger impact on the European E-segment, widening its current customer base.

The introduction of a new, more powerful Nissan Patrol GR will build on Nissan’s record 1999 4x4 sales, which reached 53,000 in Europe.

The new Patrol gets Nissan’s potent new Di engine, code-named ZD30DDTi. This all-new 3.0-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel engine - the second to be introduced to Europe with Nissan’s M-Fire combustion technology - offers substantial increases in torque and power, as well as efficiency.

The luxurious interior is now matched perfectly to an imposing exterior design, and powerful performance, both on and off the road and when towing heavy loads.

The all-new European Nissan Almera goes on sale in March and is set to challenge the C-segment leaders. The Almera uses Nissan’s new MS global platform and is manufactured at Nissan’s UK plant, which is the most productive in Europe.

The Almera is powered by a comprehensive range of clean and economical European-built engines, including the all-new GQ15DE and GQ18DE petrol units, and the advanced YD22Ddi direct-injection diesel unit which uses Nissan’s M-Fire combustion technology.

Debuting Nissan’s "super-utility" development concept, which reflects the real-use needs of European customers, the Almera delivers unique and intuitive convenience features such as a briefcase strap and umbrella holder. The new car has Nissan’s unique 3D BirdView satellite navigation system, which is cleverly integrated into the top of the dashboard.

With regard to safety, the Almera introduces Nissan’s Active Headrest System, along with other features such as seat belt pre-tensioners with load-limiters. The car also has an anti-lock braking system, which has been improved by the inclusion of Nissan’s Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).

The new Almera Tino MPV will be built at Nissan’s Barcelona plant, using the same MS platform.

The Almera Tino is a resourceful and versatile vehicle, with an interior designed to address the real needs of young families. The rear seats can be arranged into 24 different combinations to allow optimum use of cabin space. There are 20 different storage spaces. Two easily removable storage baskets are located in the rear foot wells. In addition, two multi-purpose storage spaces are located under the rear seats, where valuable items can be stored out of harm’s way.

The Almera Tino has excellent on-road performance, provided by its advanced suspension. Offering superior road holding, stability and refinement, the car-like handling qualities of the Almera Tino are mirrored in the driving position. Driver comfort and safety were a priority in the design of the Almera Tino resulting in the driver not having the "van-like" position seen in similar vehicles.

The Almera Tino has a choice of clean and economical petrol and diesel engines, comprising 1.8 litre or 2.0-litre petrol engines and a 2.2 direct injection diesel unit.