Nissan | Renovations continue

Standing on the accelerator of change, Nissan continues to renew its range. In Montreal, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the new Kicks, Murano and Armada. Kicks first. This second generation immediately appears more versatile, more accomplished and even more modern than the first.

For the first time in its young history, this model allows a four-wheel drive system to be added. Note that the two-wheel drive (traction) mode remains in the Japanese manufacturer’s catalog. The new Kicks also promises to be more powerful following the transplantation of an engine with a larger displacement (2 liters), which still remains associated with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Second generation of the Kicks, but fourth for the Murano. This mid-size SUV initially presented in 2003 is the subject of a thorough redesign this year. The V6 engine and CVT that once powered it have been thanked in favor of a more modern powertrain. To move from its static position, the Murano now uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder equipped with a device that varies the compression ratio to increase efficiency and fuel efficiency. Rated at 241 horsepower, this engine produces 260 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque, an increase of 20 lb-ft over the previous generation Murano. In addition, this engine is here mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle shifters to satisfy motorists who wish to select gears manually.

All versions of the Murano come standard with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. To improve ride and handling, Murano adopts frequency-responsive dampers and offers electric power steering for the first time.

As for the Armada, which is operating elsewhere in the world under the name Patrol, it is also reducing its engine capacity. Goodbye, V8, and welcome to a turbocharged V6. This one is more powerful and more economical at the pump than the V8 which sat under the hood of previous generations. Placed on a completely revised scale chassis, it provides the Armada with better ride quality (and silence), and the new PRO-4X version, focused on off-road, promises to go where its predecessor could not. not go. If everything changes, here are two attributes that remain: a towing capacity of up to 3856 kg (8500 lb) and room to accommodate eight people on board.