Nissan has released the first images of its new B-segment concept car, the Invitation. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor show next month, the car previews a new model that will sit between the Micra and Juke as the company returns to the traditional hatchback market.
The Invitation's DRG features a wide grille with a chrome accent that extends into the lamps, reminiscent of the Quest MPV. In profile its four-light DLO visually stretches the car's upper body as it extends to the centerline of each axle. Its lower body features large wheelarch flats which increase in radius and spill onto the door surface, where they interact with a character line that Nissan refers to as the ‘Squash Line', last seen on its Pivo 3 concept.
Inside, the extensive glasshouse is combined with white seat fabric giving a heightened feeling of space. The IP features multiple detail lines that run into the door cards and frame the central, digital stack that houses infotainment and climate controls. A circular pattern motif is repeated through the IP, from the pronounced dials to the large HVAC control.
2012 Nissan Leaf Review. Certain cars can’t accurately be judged on a choreographed press junket. Take a minivan for instance. To properly evaluate such a vehicle requires a road trip with a spouse and kids. Likewise, an electric car must be lived with in order to be judged. That said, I recently borrowed a Nissan Leaf for three days and set out to use it just as I would with any conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. That may sound simple enough for an urbanite, those for whom six miles is considered a commute, but for me it’s an 80 mile round trip.
And while Nissan may claim 100 miles as an EPA-rated ranged, they’ll also admit that the real-world distance is closer to 70 – just shy of the range I’d need to travel back and forth from work. LEAF DOESN’T MEET “JUST IN CASE” CRITERIA
Understandably, almost no one in my situation would seriously look at purchasing an electric car with such a limited range. But being the curious sort, I wanted to know: How far has the technology come and could an electric car work for someone like me?
After all, most Americans buy cars for the just in case factor. As in, it has all-wheel drive just in case it snows, or it as a third row just in case they need to drive their kids and their kids’ friends to the mall. In short, these features are no different than a 400-hp V8 in a Mustang. It may only be used once a week, or even less, but that’s the reason they bought the car.For the American car buyer, a 300-mile range and the ability to double it with a quick stop at a gas station has become the norm, and in order to achieve mainstream acceptance, EVs need to do the same.
An official product launch with such a car would have carefully planned routes with chase cars should I get stranded and a long list of phone numbers of PR folks to assist me should I get lost. Not this time. Upon picking up the car I was given a special trickle charger that plugs into a conventional 120-volt household outlet, as well as a phone number of an emergency towing company.
Treat your vehicle with respect, and do not neglect its cargo area. After all, it's one of those areas that suffer a lot of abuse. Every time when you throw in your gulf clubs or your toolbox, pile groceries or take your beloved pet on a trip, you risk to seriously damage the cargo area carpeting. Stains, rips, debris, and mud don't go well with the factory floor carpeting, and you don't have to tolerate all that. In our extensive selection of cargo liners you'll easily find the product that will suit you needs. Need proofs? Read over 10 cargo liners and trunk mats reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and choose the level of protection that is perfect for your vehicle. Nissan Leaf Luxurious Carpet Cargo Mat Nissan Leaf 2011, Luxe™ Cargo Mat by Lloyd®. Luxurious Mats are created to underline the unique design of your vehicle interior with 1/2" of Premium continuous filament nylon. Yarn so soft you'll want to drive barefoot. The multilayer backing with extra thick urethane provides a waterproof barrier to protect your interior and to keep out the road noise. Luxe mats are warranted for as long as the original mat buyer keeps the vehicle.
