NISSAN WINS HAT TRICK OF AWARDS IN CAR OF THE YEAR - PHILIPPINES

Manila, Philippines - Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) won a hat-trick of awards during the Car of the Year – Philippines (COTY-P) Awards Night, with the New Nissan Altima 2.5 and 3.5 V6 earning Best Midsize Car of the Year and Best Premium Midsize Car of the Year, respectively. The All-New Nissan X-Trail 2.5 AWD on the other hand, claimed Best Crossover of the Year. The Awards Night was held on November 25, 2014 at the Filinvest Tent in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

The Car of the Year Award is among the most prestigious and highly anticipated awarding event in the local motoring industry, which is organized by the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI); a group composed of motoring journalists from print, broadcast, and online media. CAGI has been giving a decade’s worth of awards to the most outstanding vehicles available in the market, and in the process, has been raising consumer awareness by enabling them to make informed choices.

“We are truly honored to receive these awards for the Nissan Altima and the Nissan X-Trail.  These awards prove that our vehicles’ outstanding quality and features are the reasons why Nissan is a trusted brand here and around the world,” said Mr. Antonio Zara, president of NPI.

The awards exemplify Nissan Philippines, Inc.’s commitment in providing only the best vehicles for the Filipino motorists through remarkable packaging, unique features and exceptional value.

The All-New Nissan X-Trail

Launched only last September at the 5th Philippine International Motor Show, the all-new X-Trail is Nissan’s contender in the cross-over SUV segment which has already received rave reviews for its design, performance and features.

The third-generation X-Trail sports a very dynamic look through bold lines on a muscular body that creates a very attractive styling. The all-new X-Trail adopts the V-motion front grille design to boost the brand’s visual presence. It has LED daytime running lights and stylish new boomerang-shaped tail lamps that stylishly bookends the best-looking cross-over SUV.

Its on-road performance is undoubtedly one of the best in the segment, and now with a 210 mm ground clearance, the all-new X-Trail provides that extra confidence needed for tackling an off-road adventure or to simply conquer the next enhanced monsoon rain.

The X-Trail comes standard with a Push Engine Start System and an Eco Mode Meter that uses an ambient lamp, a pedal guide and an ECO Evaluation system to ensure that a truly fuel-efficient drive.

The all-new X-Trail is also a lot bigger. The cabin offers a variety of configurations - 40:20:40 on the second row with slide function and 50:50 on the third row - to accommodate your active lifestyle or your family of seven. Doors swing as wide as 80 degrees for easier loading and unloading.

The all-new X-Trail comes in two models; the top of the line is a 4WD powered by a 2.5L engine producing 171 PS, 233 Nm of torque and boasts of an infotainment system with a 5-inch LCD monitor. The 2WD variant has a 2.0L engine that puts out 144 PS and 200 Nm of torque. Both models use Nissan’s XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual mode.

The New Nissan Altima

Meanwhile, the Nissan Altima launched in March 2014 is NPI’s flagship sedan model that is packed with premium features that promise luxury and excitement at the same time. Assembled in the US, the fifth-generation Altima flaunts Nissan’s latest design philosophy with a wide stance, a sloped rear roofline and a high trunk for an aggressive, dynamic look on the road. The sedan measures 4863mm long, 1830mm wide and 1488mm tall with a wheelbase of 2775mm. 

The 2014 Altima features a premium interior. The cabin comes in either a charcoal or beige interior with seats wrapped in fabric or leather. A key feature of the 2014 Altima are the seats which take inspiration from NASA for a comfortable, well supported driving position that offers the least fatigue on long stints behind the wheel. The rear seats fold down 60/40, and the trunk has a 488-liter capacity. 

The 2014 Nissan Altima comes in two variants: 2.5L and 3.5L. The Altima 2.5L has a QR25DE, all aluminum 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The powerplant makes 180 PS and 243 Newton-meters and is matched with the new Nissan X-Tronic CVT.

The Altima 3.5L, meanwhile, has a VQ35DE engine with a V-6 power plant that produces 270 PS and 340 Newton-meters, and is likewise mated with X-Tronic CVT. Both models are front-wheel drive.

Standard features for the Altima 2.5L include fabric seats, 6-airbags, a premium audio system, a smart key fob, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, a drive computer with a 3D display. Extra features of the Altima 3.5L includes an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, leather seats and a Bose audio system. 

At the same time, the 2014 Altima comes with a new Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) traction program with Active Understeer Control; a system that gives the driver a controlled, and comfortable ride. The system senses understeer and oversteer and subtly applies braking power to the inside wheels when you are turning, giving you sharper handling in all conditions.

“More than ever, we are committed to provide our customers the best products available with world-class quality and first-rate features that will make their driving experience both pleasurable and safe,” said Mr. Antonio Zara.

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About Nissan Philippines, Inc. 
Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is the sole national sales company of Nissan in the Philippines which started its operations early in 2014. NPI is responsible for strengthening brand, marketing and sales strategy, and dealer operations in the Filipino market.

Nissan ranked the highest in customer satisfaction with after-sales service among new vehicle owners according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2014 Philippines Customer Service Index (CSI) Study.

For more information on our products and services, visit our website at www.nissan.ph.

For more information, please contact:
Nissan Philippines, Inc.
Public Relations Department
Tel: +63 (02) 230 6011