New Nissan Range Overview

The Nissan Micra is a supermini class vehicle for the urban environment where its compact proportions and tight turning circle make manoeuvring straightforward. It has 5 doors, a hatchback-style boot and class-competitive 265-litre cargo capacity. Power comes courtesy of a 1.2-litre, 80hp, or 1.2-litre 98hp petrol engine. But the Micra's stand out strength is low running costs. The Visia DIG-S trim, for example, is the most efficient as it averages 68.9mpg, returns 78mpg on the extra-urban cycle and manages 55.4mpg through town. It can also be taxed for free as its carbon emissions are below 100g/km. New Nissan Micra prices range from £7,995 - £15,115.

The Nissan Note is a compact multi-purpose vehicle that – like the Micra on which it is based – is small enough to manoeuvre easily in town and cheap to run. It is more practical, however. Strengths include its sliding rear bench that can be positioned to balance the needs of passengers and luggage. Cargo capacity is 325-litres (rear seats back), 411-litres (seats forward) or 1,495-litres (rear seats flat). That final figure is comparable to an estate car. Engines include the 1.2-litre 80hp petrol, 1.5-litre 90hp diesel, and 1.2-litre 98hp petrol. The Nissan Note costs £9,995 to £18,020.

The Nissan Pulsar is a small family class hatchback bristling with safety features. Highlights include its around view monitor that provides a 360 degree, bird's eye, view of the surroundings to make parking safer (and easier). The system incorporates a camera mounted to each side of the vehicle plus a colour screen on the dashboard. The motorist can select a close-up front, rear or side view too. The Pulsar also has blind spot monitor and lane departure warning systems. The former tells the motorist when a vehicle is hidden by (say) a rear pillar via a light. The latter beeps if the vehicle wanders off-line. A Nissan Pulsar costs £15,995 to £22,645.

The Nissan Qashqai is a crossover vehicle so incorporates strengths from other, more traditional, classes. Some versions have 4-wheel-drive like a Land Rover, for example. All have chunky off-road styling and high ground clearance. The Qashqai also borrows its big boot from the small family estate class. Cargo capacity is 430-litres rising to 1,585 with the rear seats folded flat. Despite these credentials – and unlike some 4x4s - it handles like a family car, has sensible running costs and a modest impact on the environment. The most efficient versions average 74.3.mpg and emit carbon at the rate of 99g/km. The Qashqai costs £18,545 to £28,910.

The Nissan X-Trail is a large crossover class vehicle. Some versions have 4-wheel-drive whereas others have front. Its most notable strength is that it is available – for an additional cost – with 7 seats rather than 5. This third row folds flat into the floor of the boot when not required. Furthermore, all 7 slide and recline. Cargo capacity is 550-litres rising to 1,982 with the rear seats flat. Such figures are vast. Power comes courtesy of a 1.7-litre 163hp petrol (6-speed manual transmission) or a 1.6-litre 130hp diesel (manual or auto). The X-Trail costs £21,995 - £31,345.

The Nissan LEAF is an electric, small family, class hatchback with a range of 124 miles (in perfect conditions). It can be charged via a standard plug in 12 hours, by a home charging unit in 4 hours, or a public port at (say) a car park that takes 30 minutes to boost its battery from empty to 80%. But the LEAF is more than its electric motor. It is pleasant to drive and nicely equipped. The motorist can either purchase the car and battery outright - or buy the car then lease a battery from £70 per-month. Prices range from £21,490 to £24,740 (car/battery) and £16,490 to £19,740 (car only).

The Nissan Juke is a fashionable, striking, in-your-face, small crossover vehicle for those that like to stand out. This is evident from its chunky styling. It also has 4-wheel-drive – in certain forms – plus a reasonable-size boot, pleasing equipment specification and 5 seats. Engines include the 1.6-litre 94hp petrol and the 1.5-litre 110hp diesel. However, the pick of the bunch is the 1.6-litre, 218hp, petrol that propels the Nismo RS DIG-T trim to 62mph in 7 seconds. The Juke costs £13,930 - £24,100.

The Nissan 370Z Coupé is a 2-door plaything with blistering performance. Its purpose is to thrill and entertain. The Nismo trim is the most potent in the range. Power comes via a 3.7-litre, 344hp, V6 petrol engine that is teamed with 6-speed manual transmission. The combination propels this lifestyle statement to 62mph in 5.2 seconds. Its siblings have only slightly less power (328hp). The 370Z also has muscular styling in every form, a high equipment specification and sporty cabin that incorporates a start/stop button. Nissan 370Z prices range from £27,605 - £37,745.

The Nissan GT-R is among the fastest, most powerful and most thrilling production cars on the planet. The vast rear spoiler alone emphasises that it means business. The entry-level version has a 3.8-litre, V6, petrol engine that produces 550hp and 632Nm of torque (at 3,200rpm). The result is 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds which is faster than the Ferrari 458 Spider and Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. Top speed is 196mph which is F1 territory. The GT-R range also incorporates the top-spec Nismo Titanium Exhaust trim that produces 600hp. New GT-R prices range from £78,030 - £131,080.

The Nissan Navara is a large pick-up truck with acres of space for cargo. Its flat, open, bed measures 1,861mm by 1,560mm. The Navara also has chunky styling, 4-wheel-drive and high ground clearance for tackling off-road terrain. And unlike some pick-up trucks that feel utilitarian and crude it is comfortable and beautifully equipped. The double cab incorporates leather/heated seats, duel-zone climate control, voice recognition, a reserving camera and satellite navigation (in higher-spec form). Engines include the 2.5-litre 144hp diesel, 2.5-litre 190hp diesel and the 3.0-litre 231hp diesel. Nissan Nevara prices range from £22,415 to £37,560.