Berlin City Nissan of Portland

The Nissan Altima Sedan , the best selling individual model in the Nissan lineup, received a number of enhancements for the 2010 model year - helping keep the design fresh, the quality high and the value unmatched in the mid-size sedan class. For 2011, Altima Sedan again provides a unique combination of exhilarating driving pleasure, distinctive and sporty design and a wide range of available features and technology. Enhancements for the new model year include revised package content and three new exterior colors.

The 2011 Altima Sedan is available in three well-equipped models designed to appeal to a broad range of buyer needs and budgets: the 2.5 CVT and 2.5 S CVT with standard 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, and the 3.5 SR CVT with a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6.

"Altima has become a true standard bearer for Nissan and the mid-size sedan segment," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manger, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "It offers an unexpected level of refinement and attention to detail for its class, along with a truly pleasurable driving experience that has become an Altima hallmark. We're also dedicated to keeping Altima's quality at the top of its segment once again this year. We expect great things from Altima in 2011."

Exterior Styling That Stands Out In Class
The Altima Sedan received a number of significant refinements just last year - including a restyled hood, grille, front bumper and aluminum-alloy wheel designs. These changes added a greater visual volume to the front end, especially the hood. The changes also provide greater differentiation between the Altima Sedan and Altima Coupe.

The refreshed exterior styling embraces Altima's distinctive, iconic, sporty design. It offers a"dynamic simplicity" with an aggressive stance, distinctive Nissan "T-shaped" grille, powerful front fenders, strong wedge character line, forward A-pillars and Nissan-family roofline. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and front fog lights are optionally available with the Sport Package (3.5 SR), while Altima-style taillights and dual exhaust finishers are found on all models. An aerodynamic rear spoiler is offered as part of the new Special Edition Package, along with fog lights, auto on/off headlights and leather-wrapped steering wheels with audio controls.

Altima's 109.3-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs (with an overall length of 190.7 inches) enhances its agile maneuverability and contribute to its sporty, aggressive appearance. Altima's chassis layout also offers roomy front and rear interior headroom and legroom, plus ample cargo storage with 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. Altima is available with 16-inch (optional on 2.5 S) or 17-inch (standard on 3.5 SR) aluminum-alloy wheels or 16-inch steel wheels with covers (2.5, 2.5 S).

Eight exterior colors are offered, including three new colors - Metallic Slate, Saharan Stone and Brilliant Silver. The other available 2011 colors are Tuscan Sun, Navy Blue, Super Black, Ocean Gray and Winter Frost.

A Refined Interior with a Focus on Entertainment
The 2011 Altima continues to emphasize refined workmanship and the use of soft materials, such as padded armrests, and stylish chrome accents- with complementing fabrics and finishers for all interior colors (both cloth and leather-appointed).

Altima's instrument panel features a Fine Vision gauge display for precise readability and the L-shaped flow of the instrument panel to the center console adds to a driver-oriented cockpit feel. The center console includes a triple front cupholder design, among the many convenient cup and bottle areas (up to nine total, including 20-ounce bottle holders in the door panels) and storage compartments, many of which are covered. The volume of the glove compartment is also substantial, measuring an accommodating 0.46 cubic feet.

Three interior colors are available - Charcoal, Blond and Frost. The interior is offered in both high quality soft-touch suede-like fabric and with optional leather-appointed seating.

Along with the exhilaration provided by the driver-oriented cockpit and high levels of Altima performance, the "entertainment factor" of Altima's interior is enhanced with an available Premium Audio Package that includes a Bose® AM/FM audio system with nine speakers, 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor.

Also offered is a next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color display (replaces the 4.3-inch display), 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat® Survey restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, DVD player and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.

Other available convenience features include an 8-way power driver?s seat, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass moonroof, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.

Januraury 7th, 2011 - YOKOHAMA, Japan - 
Exciting and Innovative Products Bring Multiple Awards, Global Recognition

2010 has been a successful year for Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., earning a significant number of accolades from various third-parties, opinion leaders and consumer groups.

Awards and accolades for Nissan in the Americas include:

-    Nissan Cube : IQS Award - Compact MPV, J.D. Power and     Associates

-    Nissan Frontier : IQS Award - Midsize Pickup, J.D. Power and Associates

-    Nissan Maxima : IQS Award - Large Car, J.D. Power and Associates

-    Nissan cube: Highest rank - Compact MPV, APEAL Study, J.D. Power and Associates

-    Nissan Maxima: #2 - Large Car, APEAL Study, J.D. Power and Associates

-    Nissan Frontier: #3 - Midsize Pickup, APEAL Study, J.D. Power and Associates

-    Nissan Armada : #2 - Large Crossover/SUV segment, APEAL Study, J.D. Power and Associates

-    Nissan 370Z : 2010 Best of What's New, Popular Science

-    Nissan cube: Design of the Year, Automobile Magazine

-    Nissan Xterra: SUV of the Year, Four Wheeler Magazine

-    Infiniti QX56: Best Buy ? Full-size/Luxury SUV, Consumers Digest

-    Infiniti M: Motorist Choice Award - Performance category for Premium Brands, IntelliChoice and AutoPacific

"The recognition that Nissan products have received underlines the strong commitment the company has in bringing exciting, innovative products to all our customers around the world. These honors are a tribute to the passion and dedication of the women and men of Nissan," said Simon Sproule, Corporate Vice President of Global Marketing Communications. "As Nissan welcomes the New Year, the company will continue to challenge itself to provide customers with new and exciting vehicles at the highest quality standards."

Leading the multiple award recipients was the groundbreaking 100% electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF, which edged out seven finalists, including the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva, to win the prestigious European Car of the Year award for 2011.

Garnering a number of awards from different countries, the Nissan LEAF gained prominence with its game-changing innovation and ingenuity. As the industry's first mass-market, all electric zero-emission vehicle, the multiple recognitions bestowed are a testament to its capabilities.

Awards and accolades for the Nissan LEAF include:

-    The 2011 European Car of the Year award, which crowned an electric vehicle for the first time in its 47 years history, besting over 40 other vehicles in competition.

-    Included in the 10 Best Engines by Ward's Auto World, the first time in its 17 years of publication that a 100% electric and zero-emission powertrain has been included in the list.

-    One of Popular Mechanics' 10 Breakthrough Products. The magazine, dedicated to science and technology, has recognized the Nissan LEAF's real world capabilities as the first mass-market, pure EV.

-    One of Japan's Good Design Gold Award winners, recognizing Nissan LEAF for its significance in the spread of Electric Vehicles and efforts to achieve a zero-emission society

-    Green Car of the Year by Motor Trend magazine China

-    Top honors in the Pan European ECOBEST 2010 award

-    Green Car of the Year award from the Green Car Website

-    Special Award from Auto Express magazine in the UK

-    Green Steering Wheel award from Auto Swiat, Poland

-    2010 OkoGlobe Environmental award from the OkoGlobe Institute of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Another of Nissan's innovative products, the lovable Nissan March/Micra, has also followed Nissan LEAF's success. Having a storied history in Japan and Europe, the latest model will be sold in over 160 countries around the world. With its enduring qualities and new eco-friendly characteristics, the new Nissan March/Micra's awards and accolades include:

-    Most Environmental Friendly Car of the Year in Thailand, awarded by Grand Prix International at the 2010 Bangkok International Motor Show

-    Most Anticipated New Car award, 2010 Beijing Motor Show

-    One of the 10 Best Cars, Car of the Year Japan

-    One of the 6 Best Cars, Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year

-    Fashion Color Award, Japan Fashion Color Authority

-    Best Small Car, Yahoo! India

Other notable winners from the Nissan line-up include:

-    Nissan JUKE, which claimed the Continental Irish Car of the Year award

-    Nissan Teana, winner of Mobilmotor magazine's Car of the Year award in Indonesia for its excellent driving performance, strong V6 engine and CVT

-    Nissan QASHQAI, designed and developed by Nissan Europe, took top honors as the Best Crossover in the UK's What Car? Green Awards for its functionality, affordable running cost and stylish design.

- Nissan's Versatile Compact SUV Once Again Puts the "Fun" in Functionality -



The Nissan Rogue  crossover SUV enters the 2011 model year with a new refreshed exterior appearance, refined interior, added technology and convenience features and one other thing - more of the same high-value, high-fun attitude that has made Rogue one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs in class since its introduction four years ago.

The big news for the new model year is that a series of new features, not previously available for Rogue, are offered for 2011, including the Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, USB port for iPod® and other devices, automatic climate control and auto on/off headlights - to name just a few. Many of the new features are now standard on Rogue S, such as iPod® connectivity, 6-way manual driver?s seat and illuminated vanity mirrors.

"There are many ways to look at 'value' in a vehicle these days and the new Nissan Rogue delivers by every measure - affordability, fuel efficiency, quality and versatility," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North American, Inc. "Often overlooked in the equation are sophistication and style, which have been upped considerably in the redesigned 2011 Rogue - proving once again that Rogue remains the perfect fusion of fun and functionality."

For 2011, Rogue is offered in two well equipped models, Rogue S and Rogue SV, along with a special Rogue S Kr?m™ Edition designed to add a unique dimension to traditional compact sport utility vehicles with its aggressive sport styling, exclusive 18-inch wheels and a center-exit sport-tuned exhaust. All Rogue models are available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations.

Among the many enhancements for the fourth year of Rogue production is a redesigned exterior featuring a new front fascia and grille, new front and rear spoilers, new chrome side door guard molding trim accents, new front and rear tire deflectors and a new chrome license plate finisher. Also added for 2011 are new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for the Rogue S Kr?m™ Edition and Rogue SL Package, new low rolling resistance tires (available with the 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels) and a new under-body cover.

Four new exterior colors are offered: Pearl White, Cayenne Red, Frosted Steel and Black Amethyst - along with four carryover colors, Indigo Blue, Super Black, Brilliant Silver and Platinum Graphite.

Interior additions for the new model year include a new gauge panel design and new center cluster, along with new seat cloth and mood lighting for the Rogue S. Other feature enhancements include a drive computer on all models, automatic air conditioning on SV Premium and SL Packages, standard RearView Monitor on Rogue SV and a new 4.3-inch color display audio system with USB interface for Rogue SV models. A new Nissan Navigation System (Secure Digital Card-based) with 5.0-inch color touch screen display and XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately) is now available with the SV option packages.

Fresh New Exterior, Driver-Oriented Interior
Rogue?s exterior is designed to present an image of modern sophistication. Its dramatic styling includes dynamically arched forms and powerful rear shoulder lines. The extensive redesign for 2011 adds to its sporty feel, while also enhancing Rogue?s upscale appearance.

"Unlike some compact SUVs in the class, there's nothing toy-like about Rogue," said Castignetti. "From the chrome accents to its available 18-inch wheels, Rogue has a refined, grown-up style to go with its sporty look and performance."

Rogue features available Xenon headlights, available power sliding glass moonroof with dark gray glass, and available roof rails (detachable crossbars are offered as an accessory). Chrome door handles, body-color bumpers, rear liftgate with fixed glass and power sideview mirrors are standard.

The body also features large front door openings for easy ingress and egress. The Rogue S Kr?m™ Edition includes a unique grille embedded in the aggressive front fascia with integrated fog lights, a boldly styled rear sport fascia with integrated center-exit exhaust, 18-inch brilliant-finish aluminum-alloy wheels, integrated body-colored rear spoiler and body-colored power outside mirrors.

Every Rogue is built on Nissan?s proven "C" platform, which provides high body stiffness with extensive use of high-strength steel utilized to help reduce body weight. Rogue features a 105.9-inch wheelbase and 182.9-inch overall length - among the longest in class, compared with leading small crossover competitors - providing ample rear seat proportions and one of the longest interior lengths in class.

Rogue's interior is designed to satisfy both the functional needs of the buyers and their emotional needs - including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit, available leather-appointed seating surfaces and 6-way power driver's seat. Heated front seats and mirrors are also available, along with a fold-down front passenger seat (standard on SV) - which allows more than 8.5 feet of front-to-rear cargo space for carrying long items such as wood or ladders. A rear 60/40 split-fold bench seat, oversize glove compartment, and versatile center console all contribute to Rogue?s impressive functionality.

Utility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment, a large center console and a washable, removable tray that fits below the cargo area floor to hold wet or dirty gear and tools. Rogue's everyday utility features also include a variety of cupholders, memo/pen holder, coin holder and cell phone/sunglass holders.

In addition to the navigation system and RearView Monitor, available technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key™, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (GEN3), XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and a powerful Bose®?developed audio system with 7 speakers with Nd® Richbass® woofer, AUX input and MP3 playback.

A standard drive computer includes displays for distance-to-empty, average fuel consumption, average speed, elapsed time and outside temperature. Available steering wheel-mounted controls include audio, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and cruise control (cruise control is standard on all models).

Engaging Performance
Rogue's standard QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque, tuned to provide ample torque in the low-to-mid rpm range for smooth, powerful acceleration and quick initial response from a standing start. The engine features an aluminum block, reduced piston and piston ring friction and increased thermal efficiency (over the previous generation 2.5-liter engine design), 9.6:1 compression ratio, and large diameter intake port and exhaust manifold.

Every Rogue comes with a standard Nissan Xtronic CVT™, combining smooth, linear and responsive acceleration feel with high-efficiency operation. Rogue's CVT utilizes Adaptive Shift Control and a high-speed central processing unit. Its advanced shift control offers the optimal shift pattern according to the driving situation and driver?s demands, using input from driver operation, vehicle speed, road gradient, turning condition and acceleration to adjust shifting patterns accordingly.

Rogue fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg City/28 mpg Highway for 2-wheel drive models and 22 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for all-wheel drive models.

Rogue AWD models feature an advanced, intuitive All-Wheel Drive system. The system helps provides excellent all-weather performance and traction. Every Rogue also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Rogue comes equipped with standard 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension includes subframe-mounted independent struts with coil springs, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs, and a stabilizer bar. The rear independent multi-link suspension includes aluminum-alloy upper links, high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension design allows maximum luggage space (versus a rear strut design).

Responsive steering is provided by an Electric Power-assisted Steering (EPS) system. Every Rogue also comes equipped with standard power-assisted front and rear vented disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Rogue S models come with 16-inch steel wheels and P215/70R16 tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/60R17 tires are standard on Rogue SV. The Rogue S Kr?m™ Edition features unique brilliant-finish 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/55R18 Dunlop SP Sport 7000 A/S tires. New 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P225/55R18 tires are also optionally available with the SL Package.

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; front seat Active Head Restraints; 3-point front and rear seatbelts, front seat belts with pre-tensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).

Every Rogue also offers child safety rear door locks; Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti-theft alarm system; and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Nissan offers top-quality navigation system for low price

Just a few years ago, I would question the value of any navigation system. The cost didn't justify the benefit. Why would anyone pay a few thousand dollars for a digital map -- especially when you could buy a high-tech, hand-held system for a few hundred dollars or a paper one for 99 cents?

The only benefit to some of those navigation systems the hand-helds didn't offer was a backup camera. And while I like the next gadget, how often would I even use it? I know where I work, where I live and the location of most of the places I go, a nav system seemed extravagant and expensive.

However, navigation systems today offer a slew of features that forced me to re-evaluate their benefits. These systems are much more than mere glowing electronic maps mounted in your dashboard, they are personal assistants with the potential to read your text messages, find the cheapest gasoline and route any vehicle around traffic bottlenecks.

Easy to connect other devices

Now, Nissan Motor Co. will begin offering a navigation system for a few hundred dollars this January on some of its high-volume, low-price cars. Call it Navi for the masses.

During a quick test of the system in a Nissan Sentra , I found it on par with some of the most expensive systems available. The 5-inch touch screen and intuitive instructions meant I could do everything I needed without ever consulting the owner's manual or calling Nissan's public relations department on how to connect the phone or find a specific function.

The system, developed by Bosch and Nissan, mounts directly into the dash and comes complete with a host of features such as Bluetooth connectivity for your phone, USB connections for your personal music device, easy operation of your iPhone, XM satellite and XM Traffic NavTraffic. It's complete, simple and 400 bucks.

This thing changes the equation completely on weighing costs and benefits. When it's priced on par with some of the top-of-the-line hand-held navigation systems, I would much rather have it mounted directly in the dash. Sticking something to my windshield can only lead to it falling off and the annoyance of cords mucking up the clean lines of the dash.

Better yet, the system was easy to connect with my iPhone and tuck away in the center console and jam tunes. Additionally, when you arrive at your destination, you can disconnect a fully charged iPhone and head out. If you choose to leave the device in the car, it is out of the way. Other windshield mounted devices have to be stowed and that takes a few minutes. Today's savvy crook also may know a few things about cars and could still bash out your window if he sees that tell-tale suction cup mark on your windshield -- even if the device is out of sight.

The Bluetooth connection with the phone also works very well. A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to answer and hang up, and connecting the phone to stereo means when the phone rings, you don't have to reach for the volume before answering the call. Actually, the moment the volume drops on the stereo, you know a call is coming your way. Additionally, the system downloads your phone's contact list and call register to make finding the right number on the touch screen very easy.

Perhaps the only serious drawback is the screen's size, which at 5 inches gets very crowded with information.

Best deal around

The color LCD screen can provide mapping views from straight above the point or a three-dimensional view that looks as if you're viewing yourself from an airplane. I prefer this view as it seems to provide better context to the map and where you're headed.

If you have XM satellite, you'll have easy touch-screen access to the multitude of channels ranging from pop music and talk radio to lifestyle shows and crass comedy channels. The XM NavTraffic also will keep you updated on specific problems in your area and, if you ask it to, route you around a troubled, slow-moving area.

This system also will create an Eco-Route, which is a greener way of driving. The system calculates the best route to save fuel and cut CO2 emissions. I don't blame Nissan for adding this feature because a lot of consumers seem to want it, but that doesn't mean it's not silly.

What's not silly is this unit's low price. When it arrives in January, it's a feature customers will certainly enjoy. The only other company with an inexpensive navigation device on its vehicles is Suzuki Motor Co., which offers a Garmin GPS navigation device on the SX4 crossover. That system adds the advantage of portability because the Garmin unit can be pulled out of the Suzuki and taken with the driver; the Nissan unit cannot.

However, Nissan  provides one feature Garmin doesn't: The new unit also can be connected to a backup camera.

While the new Nissan navigation system feels like a breakthrough with all of its features and low price, I wonder how long it will last. The advent of smart phones seems to undermine many navigation systems and as soon as someone invents a backup camera app, it will hurt them even more.

But until then, dollar for dollar, the new Nissan system is one of the best deals around.