Nobie’s main model range is divisible by two; the GTO-3 and GTO-3R; both make use of the same V6 3.0 litre twin turbo engine, however the latter advantages of a close-ratio six speed gearbox with automatic overdrive about the two top gears whilst the ‘standard’ GT0-3 needs to make do with five speeds.

In both cases acceleration is incredible, 10Okph approaching in less than four seconds, along with a top speed of 267kph for the GTO-3 and 275kph for the R variant. Also it goes without saying that handling rocks !.

Despite the functionality of design both cars are nicely trimmed, and gives a level of comfort and luxury that buyers of those expensive sportsters might reasonably expect.

Due for sale by the end of 2004, the M14 provides buyers having a leaner, smoother and more muscular body shell, and wraps it around a 400PS development of the familiar V6 3.Q litre power unit and six speed transmission.

Whilst the handling and acceleration develop the successes of the M12 series, this can be a less outrageous machine when it comes to appearance, and it is intended to show how the company will offer a realistic option to the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Top speed of the machine is estimated at 190mph (cracking the magical 300kph barrier with some dicks to spare) and also the all-important sprint to 10Okph is reckoned to become achievable inside a whisker over four seconds. This is when the big boys should be found playing.

Lea Noble’s expertise gathered from the background in building cars was almost certain to eventually manifest itself inside a serious make an effort to create a road car that may make use of his accumulated knowledge.

They are his cars. Uncompromisingly sporty, and made to put country back into the spotlight of supercar manufacturers. Noble cars are built round the same mid-engined centre section and share similarly swoopy, aerodynamic body shells which offer high speed stability: the distinctions originate from different mixtures of engine and transmissions.

The forthcoming M14 smooths the styling, but remains a seriously sporty-looking coupe. The problem facing Noble is equivalent to that facing all small-scale manufacturers of specialist sports cars: what lengths can you continue pricing without losing sales to established manufacturers for example Porsche and Aston Martin? Using the latest 911 and also the forthcoming AM V8 Vantage both within the sale price band since the M14, the question is a legitimate one.

A rugged, no-nonsense, truck-based sports utility, Xterra may be the automotive equal to a pack of Lucky Strike unfiltered cigarettes – not for cissies. Standing high and proud, with overtly aggressive styling along with a functional menace, the equipment surprises by lacking permanent four wheel drive.

Instead, it comes down standard with rear drive in the 4.0 litre engine. If you would like 4×4 capability you need to order up that option.

Transmissions are five speed auto or six speed manual, and suspension is independent in front and leaf springs in the back – in other words designed for durability instead of for comfort. As long as they can get within the stigma of driving-a “Nee-san” this is actually the preferred transport of wranglers and cowpokes.

Nissan were one of the earliest players within the mid-sized sports utility market, and also the experience gained is offer full effect within the latest generation of X-Trail.

A well-equipped, comfortable and competent all-rounder, the vehicle has adaptive four wheel drive (it swaps from 4×4 to front wheel drive to match demands) along with a choice of 2.0 and 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engines (having a high torque, lower-powered variant of the latter when automatic transmission is chosen) and also the venerable Nissan 2.2 litre turbo diesel.

Cornering is preferable to might be expected on the highway, body roll being well controlled. Off-road performance is superb, too.

Five seater multi-purpose vehicles are ‘the new black” (whatever which means) so far as car manufacturers are worried, and in exactly as Ford allow us the C-Max about the Focus floor pan and Renault the Scenic about the Megane, then so Nissan purchased their effective Almera – the foundation for their player on this sector.

Which means that they come with engines (an 1800cc petrol or even the 2.2 diesel) distributed to the hatch, and also have a similar footprint on the highway.

Clever packaging implies that five people and all sorts of their holiday stuff could be accommodated, and subtle reworking of the suspension implies that the car still handles cleanly, despite being appreciably taller compared to car which it is based.

In the manner that you might consider there’s one off-roader or sports-utility too many within the Nissan range, then therefore the Sentra at first glance suggests being one sedan too many. Intended as competition towards the Honda Accord, it’s a 1.8 litre.

Front-drive sedan for the mid-market while there is also a 2.5 litre sportier version, the SE-R, available.

This latter car may be the one to own should you must purchase a Sentra, as its specification also includes some subtle aerodynamic parts for the body shell, stiffened suspension settings, along with a wealth of extra interior goodies for example Rockford-Fosgate audio system.

The brand’s only large multi purpose vehicle (MPV), Quest expires against the Chrysler Voyager and so on. Which means it’s up against sharp competition.

Built at Nissan’s new plant in Missouri, Quest shows in the flowing curves the brand new DNA how the brand is attempting to establish – sufficient allow it an immediate distinctive quality when alongside its competitors.

Power originates from the familiar 3.5 V6, and there’s a choice of 4 or 5 speed automatics transaxles feeding to the front wheels. Nissan claim a number of bests or firsts with this particular MPV, not least the widest opening doors in segment, an archive number of airbags, as well as an interior design theme that’s strikingly modern.

Recently upgraded having a fresh interior plus some suspension tweaks in the company’s British-based European Design and Engineering Unit, Nissan’s Primera continues to be a car that polarises opinion; buyers either love or hate its swoopy styling.

When it comes to dynamics the vehicle is better at handling than its aquadynamic body shell suggests it should. An apparently narrow selection of engines, with various just a 1.8 or 2.0 litre petrol or 2.2 diesel, is apparently sufficient for buyers.

While there is allegedly a V6 within the pipeline. Handling and road holding are extremely good, quality of ride likewise, and also the recent interior revisions make it feel more special then your sales rep car that it is price and specification suggest it should be.

Nissan’s substantial, no-nonsense Patrol may be the preferred transport of a large number of game wardens in African game reserves, who appreciate its rhino-resistant solidity (you will find blocks of flats in Belorussia that are weaker) and reliability.

Bullet-proof engines (a 3.0 diesel along with a 3.5 V6 petrol) along with a 4×4 driveline which will get the two tonne-plus beast from just about anywhere increase the reasons for purchasing the Patrol (also sold since the Pathfinder in some markets) but don’t be misled into thinking this really is some agricultural machine one step taken off a tractor.

Quality of ride is high, because of a sophisticated spring and damper package, and interior trim levels are more than adequate for many tastes.

Nissan’s debutante for the emerging crossover market – either multi-functional or neither fish nor fowl, based on your standpoint – Murano is really a boldly-styled machine which screams modern to any or all who view it.

The broad grille, for example, is very much consistent with cars, whilst the enhanced ride height and short front and back overhangs are proof of the influence of leisure market influences. Underneath the skin Murano includes a V6 engine with constantly variable transmission, along with a buyers possess a choice of either all-wheel drive or front drive.

Handling is sharp, and acceleration good, even though strange ‘elastic band’ sensations of the transmission may take novices some time to get accustomed to.

When Nissan last attempted to produce a retro-modern road car, the Figaro of 1989, they were tremendously successful; Figaro appeared as if a 1950s car but drove just like a 1990s model. Micra continues to be far less visually successful, showing all of the signs of the company trying way too hard.

On the plus side the vehicle drives well, is nicely equipped even just in its basic 1.0 form, and handles nicely. At the very top of the scale the peppy 1.4 litre 16 valve engine endows the vehicle with sufficient capacity to give a top speed of approximately 107mph, and the SVE trim package borders about the luxurious, by city car standards.

The big question is whether you are able to live with the pastiche looks.