QASHQAI: Nissan's Clean Diesel Vehicle

The demand for cleaner cars is growing steadily and car manufacturers are rising to the occasion by developing and producing environment friendly cars. In the United States, the popular technology used on clean cars is gas-electric hybrid technology. These vehicles make use of an electric motor to provide additional power to the vehicle.

Meanwhile, in Europe, diesel engines are the current trend in "green" car technology. It is so popular in the continent that even luxury cars manufactured by European car manufacturers are equipped with diesel engines.

Asian car manufacturers on the other hand are using the hybrid technology widely. Toyota and Honda are currently leading the hybrid auto revolution in the United States. While the two biggest Japanese car companies are investing heavily on hybrid technology, the Nissan Motor Corporation, a Japanese company, is joining the ranks of European car manufacturers by producing clean diesel engines for their vehicles.

Recently, Nissan announced that they have started the production of the Nissan QASHQAI. The QASHQAI is marketed in the United States under the name Rouge. It is a compact crossover sport utility vehicles and it will be Nissan's diesel engined vehicle entry to the European auto market. The engine of the QASHQAI is a 2.0-liter dCi engine. The said powerplant is capable of producing 150 horsepower at 4,000 revs per minute.

One of its strongest selling points is its fuel efficiency. The engine has a gas mileage rating of 42.8 miles per gallon. That figure makes the Nissan QASHQAI one of the most fuel efficient vehicle in its class. Consumers will have a choice of transmission. Nissan offers a manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission which is considered to be an oddity in the compact crossover SUV class.

The diesel engine is the fruition of the collaboration between Nissan and its French partner Renault. The engine, according to Nissan, perfectly combines power and refinement. While the engine provides a high power output, it produces less sound than one would expect from a diesel engines. The smooth operation of the engine can even be compared to the gentle purring of a Nissan window motor.

What gives the engine a significantly quiet operation is the aluminum bedplate at the bottom of the engine. The said bedplate is designed to absorb much of the vibrations during operation. Other factors that contribute to the smooth and quiet operation of the engine are the twin counter rotating balancer shafts. It counters the vibration produced by the rotation of the crankshaft.

Nissan expects that the diesel engine will become the most popular engine amongst Nissan car buyers. With the performance, refinement, and good fuel efficiency, Nissan's prediction is definitely within reach.

About the Author
Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car aficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.

Volvo S80

Since its arrival in the United Kingdom in the previous year, the new Volvo S80 luxury sedan distinctive characteristics of Scandinavian design and innovative technology has captivated the soft spot of the Europeans. As a fact, the sedan has earned positive feedback from executive chauffeur drivers and customers in the automaker's VIP test drive offer.

The five-day test drive is aimed at offering Europeans the opportunity to experience the improved levels of ride quality, comfort and passenger space. The car's features are specially designed to meet the needs of modern-day customers. And these features are flaunted in the said test drive offer.

The Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur Services, a company which runs the largest luxury chauffeur fleet in the UK, has added to its 550-strong Volvo fleet by recently taking delivery of 250 new Volvo S80s. Managing director Dean de Beer said, "Our customers trust Tristar to deliver them safely and promptly to their most important engagements in comfort and luxury. Volvo is the vehicle supplier we choose year after year to deliver the quality and consistency of service that our clients have come to expect."

According to one of Tristar's longest-standing Executive Chauffeurs, Peter Solomon, the new Volvo S80 is winning praise from both driver and passengers. "Part of my job involves driving for long periods of time, so the comfort of a vehicle really enhances my job satisfaction. There are noticeable improvements in the vehicle handling and my passengers have also commented on the quality of the interior of the vehicle, and the exceptionally smooth ride," he explained.
The automaker's research found that spending an extended period of time with the Volvo S80 really helps customers appreciate the true benefits of this luxurious saloon. Company car drivers can now experience the entire S80 range with Volvo's new and already admired VIP demonstrator offer. With said offer from the automaker, a new S80 can be delivered to offices anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales for a five day test drive.

"The S80 is a true competitor to other European and Japanese luxury sedans," said Anne Belec, the President and CEO of Volvo Cars North America. "This recognition by the editors of AutoMundo is significant, and reflects our belief that Volvo is worthy of consideration in this very competitive segment."

The S80 is equipped with a bunch of exceptional features that include efficient Volvo radiators, the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), Personal Car Communicator (PCC) remote control, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with Collision Warning and Brake Support (CWBS), and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. The sedan also features many driver-assistance systems like the Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

About the Author
Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. She is a native of the motor city and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.