Cars on Contract » Nissan

The Electric Car – will it ever take off?

carsoncontract — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:18:03 +0000

With increasing concern over carbon emissions, more and more car manufacturers are developing electric cars in order to meet consumer demand for less polluting vehicles. The trend for greener cars started when Toyota started using hybrid motors in their vehicles, starting with the Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid, in 1997. A hybrid motor uses an internal combustion engine to charge its battery, switching to electric at optimal times, or when the car is idling. Hybrids were seen as a way of introducing cleaner vehicles with less CO2 emission at a time when battery technology was not sufficiently advanced to make full electric vehicles practical. However, this is now changing, with a wide range of electric cars set to launch within the next four years, helped by the development of batteries with longer ranges and shorter charging times.

The Coming Electric Revolution

First out of the gate was the Nissan Leaf, launched in August 2009. Hugely popular, it paved the way for over 30 electric vehicles to be launched by 2015. Among them are the Vauxhall Ampera, based on Chevrolet’s pioneering Volt plug-in hybrid, the Ford Focus Electric, and the Mini E, the electric version of the iconic Mini Cooper.

At the moment, electric cars are far more expensive than their petrol-engined counterparts. But in a few years’ time, the price should drop considerably. With oil becoming scarcer by the year, the electric car points the way to a more sustainable future.

Buying a Used Nissan

carsoncontract — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:09:41 +0000

There are many makes of second hand cars on the market. The wide range of options can make it difficult for the used car buyer searching the car supermarkets to make a final decision. A particularly popular and well established brand is Nissan, which is the third largest manufacturer in Japan and operates in a merged alliance with Renault.

One reason for Nissan’s attractiveness to prospective used car buyers is the great range of diverse models the company manufacturers, each with their own unique special features appealing to different demographics.

A mini MPV, the Nissan Note is extremely comfortable for long drives owing to the large interior space. Obviously designed with family vacations in mind, take the kids with you for the test drive to fully realise the reasons behind its popularity.

Other great large family models frequently appearing on the used car market are the Nissan Primera and Almera.

If a compact model is what you seek, the Micra is a supermini with admirable design features that sells excellently.

Those looking for a crossover SUV may be interested in taking a Nissan Murano for a test drive. The wagon features four doors, comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and can be found for an excellent price on the second-hand car market.

If an attention catching sporty model is more your thing, then the compact 350Z offers style and speed in one impressive package coming with a 3.5-litre VQ35HR engine.

Buyers are spoiled for choice when it comes to Nissan cars. Take time to question the seller closely on the history of the car, consider your requirements and weigh up your options before making the purchase.

Nissan Micra – an affordable family car

carsoncontract — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:26:26 +0000

Cute without quite making it to sexy, this effervescent little number is made of good quality stuff for an entry level model. It floats over minor bumps with grace and ease, as though it thinks itself a BMW or a Merc of much grander scale, and it will take you on longer jaunts than the average city run around in relative comfort. Like a Cavalier’s house riddled with priest-holes, the Nissan Micra has numerous hidden compartments for extra storage. The rear seats slide cunningly forward to increase boot space, too. For a small car, it’s surprisingly spacious: every cubic centimetre has been thought about carefully.

The Micra is also built from all the right stuff: it’s sturdy and laden with high-quality specs, and it just feels safe to drive. Moreover, the steering is tightly accurate, the chassis deceptively good, road grip is superb and there is virtually no detectable roll. The car comes in a broad range of engines but the 1.5 litre diesel is probably the best, which compares well with the petrol varieties for acceleration but squeezes an impressive 60 miles out of every gallon of fuel.

Whilst it’s definitely more cosy than cool, more friendly than feisty, it has an appealing cheekiness about it and strong performance credentials which make it truly attractive.

Nissan car leasing provides lots of benefits

carsoncontract — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:34:46 +0000

Car leasing has for some time been a trend among car enthusiasts and owners. Many are engaging in car leasing due to the benefits it offers compared to car purchase. By leasing a car, you only have to pay the agreed estimates of the depreciation of the vehicle. One of the most leased vehicle ranges today is from Nissan cars, due to its good reputation, good quality, and distinctive styles. In fact, Nissan leasing has long been popular among car leasing outlets as well as with vehicle leasing customers.

Various Nissan vehicles are offered for Nissan car leasing, one of which is the Nissan 370Z, the sixth-generation in the family of Nissan’s Z-car. It is a two-door sports coupe with rear-wheel-drive and front-mid engine. Crafted with a long-bonnet and short-deck design, the car effectively provides better performance. Its external design is highlighted with a slanting fastback-style roofline, bulging fenders, and high waistline.

Nissan 370Z features a 3.7 litre V6 engine, which will propel you to 60mph in 5.5 seconds. Its power comes from the seven-speed automatic transmission having power shifter, or six-speed manual transmission featuring the first synchronised rev-matching system. Its safety features include curtain and side airbags, which you can easily access if you need them. It is also integrated with excellent stability and brakes control, deadlocks, locking wheel nuts, and loud alarm. With these outstanding features, the Nissan 370Z truly offers a firm ride and great fun on winding back roads.

The Nissan 370Z is just one among the wide variety of Nissan vehicles that are ideal for car leasing and there are many other models that are available and offered in numerous Nissan leasing outlets and authorities.