Mastria Nissan

RAYNHAM, Mass., April 25, 2013 ? It is during the monotony of the daily commute that drivers start to really notice the conveniences or annoyances of their car's interior, so WardsAuto editors recently drove several new models to the office to uncover the cabins that stand above the rest. After all was said and done, the redesigned 2013 Nissan Pathfinder  earned a spot on the annual Ward's 10 Best Interiors list, with editors citing the crossover SUV's combination of comfort and functionality for driver and passengers alike.

To determine its 10 Best Interiors list, WardsAuto ranked vehicles with new or significantly upgraded interiors in several categories, including materials, fit-and-finish, ergonomics, overall design, comfort, value and safety. Technology was also considered, with each model's dash interface judged in terms of user-friendliness and connectivity with mobile devices. After evaluating the Pathfinder, editors described the crossover as "warm, inviting, spacious and ready for anything."

"The new Pathfinder not only has the room to fit seven passengers in comfort, but the interior is designed to make your actions in the vehicle easier, whether it's the simple access to the third row, or an available DVD entertainment system that will keep the kids occupied," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Mastria Nissan, a Massachusetts Nissan dealership  in Raynham. "Not to mention, when it comes time to haul equipment or furniture for home improvement, the Pathfinder opens up to nearly 80 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, so you won't have to borrow a friend's pickup truck."

The transformative design of the new Pathfinder starts with Nissan's decision to switch from a truck-based body-on-frame platform to a modern unibody platform. That move is reflected on the inside, which is loaded with features usually found in large sedans. Plush Berber carpet floor mats and a Dual Panorama Moonroof create a more serene cabin, while Nissan's EZ Flex Seating System allows the second row to slide both backward and forward by up to five and a half inches, making it easy for passengers to get to the third row.

A hybrid model will join the new Pathfinder lineup late this summer for the 2014 model year. With a manufacturer-estimated 26-mpg rating in combined driving, the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid will be 24 percent more efficient than the standard model and will offer a longer highway range of 526 miles. Despite that increased efficiency, the hybrid model will feature similar performance and the same space and standard features compared to its gas-only sibling.

"The Pathfinder's new lightweight unibody frame has already helped it significantly improve fuel economy over its predecessor, and the hybrid model will take things even further," added Ferreira. "Regardless of the model that buyers choose, they won't be lacking in any of the all-conditions capability that the Pathfinder has earned a reputation for over the years."

RAYNHAM, Mass., Feb. 20, 2013 -- Completely redesigning a popular model like Nissan's Pathfinder SUV can be a tough task, but it seems the Japanese automaker has won the approval of critics and buyers alike for its recent work. Already a winner of an Automotive Excellence Award from Popular Mechanics magazine, the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder  recently earned a 2013 Drivers' Choice Award in the Best Large Utility category from the MotorWeek TV series.

Presented annually since 1983, MotorWeek's Drivers' Choice Awards take performance, technology, value, driving experience and practicality into account, as well as consumer buying trends and preferences. Editors praised the Pathfinder's potent V6 engine, off-road prowess and impressive towing capabilities while also taking note of the model's new unibody underpinnings, which reduce overall vehicle weight by about 500 pounds compared to the prior generation.

"For a long time, you had to have a body-on-frame chassis to maintain legitimate towing and off-road capabilities, but Nissan engineers have ensured that the new unibody Pathfinder can keep pace with any SUV off the beaten path while offering better on-road manners and fuel economy," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Mastria Nissan, a Raynham, MA Nissan dealership . "The new Pathfinder is perfect for families on the go, whether it's to soccer practice or a vacation in the mountains."

With seating for seven, a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and the ability to return a best-in-class 26 mpg on the highway, the Nissan Pathfinder packs in a broad mix of attributes. While it may be lighter than the model it replaced, the new Pathfinder is actually larger, providing greater interior space for passengers and cargo. There are more than 47 cubic feet of cargo space available with the third row of seats down, while folding the second row flat as well opens up nearly 80 cubic feet of room.

The Pathfinder's versatility has proven popular in the showroom, where the SUV helped Nissan reach its highest January sales ever last month. Pathfinder sales rose by 202 percent over the same month in 2012, with 6,281 models finding new homes in the United States. Meanwhile, Nissan's overall brand sales increased by 2 percent compared to its successful January last year, totaling 73,793 units.

"Nissan's dedication to building vehicles that offer uncompromising performance and capability while returning unmatched fuel economy is paying off big time," added Ferreira. "Once again, Nissan has raised the bar to meet the ever-increasing demands of modern drivers."

 

RAYNHAM, Mass., May 3, 2012 - The urban jungle of New York City got a bit greener on April 20, when Nissan and its all-electric LEAF helped the city celebrate its Earth Day 2012. For its second year of sponsoring the event, the automaker highlighted the eco-friendly aspects of the LEAF available at Nissan dealerships, using a choreographed CO2 E Drive around Manhattan and a car runway show in Times Square.

 

To get to Times Square, the Nissan LEAF joined other environmentally friendly vehicles on the CO2 E Drive. Equipped with GPS tracking devices, the vehicles followed a route through the city's streets that formed the shape of an 'E' from above. Satellite cameras captured the LEAF and its companions' movements around the city, allowing viewers to watch the E form in real time as the cars completed their predestined routes. A satellite image with the E route overlay can be viewed at http://co2greendrive.gilvader.dk/newyork.html.

 

"There's really no better way to celebrate Earth Day than with the LEAF, which is 100 percent emissions-free," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Nissan dealership Mastria Nissan. "Whether you're driving the LEAF in New York or Massachusetts, you'll never find yourself having to deal with rising gas prices, and you'll be hard pressed to find a more eco-friendly model out there."

 

The Times Square runway car show following the CO2 E Drive focused on the attributes of green vehicles, instead of the strict focus on aesthetics that dominates typical New York City fashion shows. Attendees were educated on the Nissan LEAF's lack of tailpipe emissions, its parts comprised of recyclable materials and its 100-mile range, which is more than enough for the average urban or suburban commuter.

 

Drivers that would rather opt for a traditional gasoline-powered ride will find plenty of eco-friendliness in the new, fuel-efficient 2013 Nissan Altima. Nissan projects that the Altima will return a class-leading 38 mpg on the highway with its redesigned 2.5-liter engine and smooth-shifting next-generation continually variable transmission. The newly designed transmission alone is expected to improve fuel efficiency by 15 percent compared to the previous-generation Altima.

 

When the 2013 Altima goes on sale in June, it will feature plenty of interior and exterior updates to help it compete in a crowded midsize sedan segment. An updated aerodynamic exterior gets points for style as well as for added fuel efficiency. On the inside, NASA-inspired ergonomic seats make for a more luxurious and comfortable ride. New available technologies like the Blind Spot Warning system and Lane Departure Warning system will help broaden the Altima's appeal to the safety-conscious as well.

 

"The 2013 Altima improves upon the things that already attract buyers to the vehicle, like its sophisticated styling and cutting-edge tech features," added Ferreira. "Nissan was able to do all that while most likely making the car the most fuel efficient in its class, which should help the new Altima put in a serious challenge to be the best-selling car in the United States."

 

 

RAYNHAM, Mass., April 11, 2012 ? The Nissan Altima is both Nissan's best-seller and the second-best-selling car in America, meaning that the debut of the next generation of the popular sedan was highly anticipated. The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, unveiled at the New York International Auto Show last week, will aim to attract even more buyers in the increasingly competitive midsize segment by featuring improved style, technology and, perhaps most importantly, fuel efficiency.

 

Due to arrive at Nissan dealerships in July, the 2013 Nissan Altima was revealed in New York with a sleek new shape that has more in common with the larger Nissan Maxima than previous models. That new exterior is good for more than head-turning style though; the Altima's improved aerodynamics will help the model potentially reach 38 mpg on the highway, which would be the best in its segment.

 

"Fuel economy is at the forefront of drivers' minds right now, and Nissan's engineers made sure to make efficiency a top priority," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Nissan dealership Mastria Nissan. "What's noteworthy is that the Altima achieves that efficiency while still maintaining an engaging ride and looking more stylish than ever."

 

Nissan redesigned the Altima's 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines, which now produce 182 and 270 horsepower, respectively. Both engines come paired with the latest version of Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission, which does much of the heavy lifting in the automaker's efforts to improve fuel economy. Even the powerful V6 is estimated to return 30 mpg on the highway with the help of the smooth-shifting transmission.

 

Inside, the 2013 Altima receives a standard Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, which can also stream audio. There will also be two available packages, NissanConnectSM and NissanConnectSM Navigation, which use Bluetooth integration with smartphones to provide services like hands-free text messaging, Pandora internet radio and Google point-of-interest search. Available safety features in the new Altima include Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and a Moving Object Detection system that looks for movement behind the vehicle as it backs up.

 

While the 2013 Altima has been attracting headlines since its Big Apple debut, the current-generation Altima is still drawing buyers at Nissan dealerships, setting a new monthly sales record in March. U.S. sales of the 2012 Altima totaled 41,050 units last month, an increase of 27.1 percent compared to March 2011. Those numbers prove that while the existing Altima may be on its way out, it is still a very popular choice in the midsize market, falling just 1,518 units shy of becoming the best-selling car in America for March.

 

"The Altima's combination of performance and style have already make it a popular choice for our customers, but best-in-class fuel efficiency and new in-car technology could put it over the top," Ferreira noted. "Long-time leaders in the midsize segment can't rest on their laurels anymore because there is just too much competition. Nissan recognized that and truly innovated with the latest-generation Altima."

Nissan Previews Fourth Generation of SUV in Detroit

RAYNHAM, Mass., Jan. 16, 2012 - Some concept vehicles never see the light of day after their auto show debuts, but the next-generation Nissan Pathfinder  Concept is closer to fact than fiction. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last week, the automaker's concept SUV gave fans a preview of forthcoming fourth-generation Pathfinder, slated to go on sale in production form at Nissan dealerships this fall.

Although Nissan has upgraded the Pathfinder's exterior styling and powertrain, the most notable change to the SUV lies at its core. The new Nissan Pathfinder Concept features a unibody platform, marking a return to the second-generation Pathfinder's lighter configuration. With a change in chassis and an updated drivetrain, Nissan expects a 25-percent increase in combined city and highway fuel economy compared with the current V6-equipped Pathfinder.

"Unibody and body-on-frame constructions each have their pros and cons, and Nissan has experimented with both on the Pathfinder," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Nissan dealership  Mastria Nissan. "Along with making the new Pathfinder lighter and more fuel efficient, the new unibody construction gives designers the leeway to create a strong presence throughout the interior and exterior styling."

Unibody construction platforms generally allow designers to change the exterior of a vehicle without affecting the dimensions of the interior, and vice versa. Because of this, Nissan claims that 2013 Pathfinder buyers will gain more flexibility in regards to interior options. The change has also allowed the automaker to make the new Pathfinder Concept more aerodynamic, and thus more fuel efficient, without cutting into passengers' headspace or cargo room.

The aerodynamically enhanced exterior of the Pathfinder offers an upscale presence thanks to its low beltline, large fenders, wide stance and thinner A- and D-pillars. Adding to the SUV's aerodynamics are new front and rear spoilers, rear-tire deflectors and rear-suspension fairings. Meanwhile, sleeker headlights, a wide chrome grille and chrome door handles add more luxury touches to the concept SUV, as a panoramic dual-panel moonroof maintains the Pathfinder's visual connection to the outdoors.

Under the hood, the Nissan concept SUV houses a new V6 engine and a next-generation continuously variable transmission expected to help the next Pathfinder reach its improved fuel-efficiency mark. Even with that improved gas mileage, Nissan still expects the SUV to have towing capacity that is competitive with leaders in the segment.

Nissan is currently holding its #Path2Pathfinder contest on its Facebook page, inviting fans to share the new feature on the Pathfinder Concept that excites them the most. Seven randomly drawn winners will receive a $500 gift certificate to outdoor gear and clothing supplier REI after the promotion ends on January 13. Entrants must respond with the #Path2Pathfinder hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube after following directions at https://www.facebook.com/Nissan?sk=app_249175185131573 .

"Nissan has always kept the needs of its customers at the forefront while refining the Pathfinder over the course of 27 years," added Ferreira. "The updates shown in Detroit were based on customer feedback, and now Nissan is listening to its customers online before putting the finishing touches on another generation of Pathfinders."

RAYNHAM, Mass., Dec. 6, 2012 -- In recent years, automakers have improved the fuel efficiency of their crossovers with methods like turbocharging, direct injection and lighter bodies, but hybrid drivetrains have largely become an afterthought in the segment. Nissan could help change that following the North American debut of its Hi-Cross Concept crossover at the LA Auto Show last week. Featuring an advanced gas-electric drivetrain, the Nissan Hi-Cross has room for seven passengers despite its compact exterior, offering a new take on fuel-efficient family transport.

With a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, an electric motor and two clutches to ensure the drivetrain runs smoothly and efficiently, the Hi-Cross Concept is a glimpse into what future Nissan crossovers could look and drive like. The two-clutch system allows the engine to be completely disengaged during all-electric travel or while coasting or braking, increasing gas mileage even further. Meanwhile, the smaller size of that hybrid powertrain, along with shorter front and rear overhangs, gave designers the flexibility to create a deceivingly spacious interior.

"Other hybrid crossovers have failed to catch on in the past because engineers just slapped a hybrid drivetrain onto the chassis of a conventional model," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Mastria Nissan, a Raynham, MA Nissan dealership  . "In contrast, the Nissan Hi-Cross Concept is not only powered by an innovative hybrid drivetrain, but it uses the compact design of that system to optimize interior space."

While the Hi-Cross Concept is proving to be a head-turner on the show floor, another Nissan crossover recently earned the praise of Popular Mechanics magazine. The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder  received accolades in the publication's Auto Excellence Awards, which honored 10 top vehicles across categories like performance, hauling, luxury and the redesigned Pathfinder's winning segment: versatility.

Popular Mechanics lauded the all-new Pathfinder for its ability to tow like a conventional SUV, carry passengers like a minivan and sip gas like a sedan. The key to the crossover's multidimensional talents is its all-new unibody construction, which replaced the body-on-frame design of previous Pathfinders. The result is a strong chassis that weighs 500 pounds less than its predecessor, yet gives up none of the nameplate's vaunted abilities.

Returning a best-in-class highway fuel economy of 26 mpg, the new Pathfinder comes standard with a 260-horsepower V6 engine and a next-generation continuously variable transmission. That pairing provides a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds in properly equipped models. There is also an optional All-Mode 4x4-i system that lets drivers choose between an efficient 2WD Mode, an all-weather-capable AWD Mode or an Auto Mode, which distributes power based on driving conditions.

"Though it may use a traditional gas engine, the Pathfinder is anything but conventional," added Ferreira. "Nissan left no stone unturned during the redesign, shedding weight while increasing the model's versatility and fuel economy. We'll continue to see that same theme in other upcoming Nissan crossovers, regardless of how they generate their power."

RAYNHAM, Mass., Oct. 3, 2012 -- Nissan is hard at work putting the final touches on its all-electric compact panel van, the e-NV200, and who better to test the all-new vehicle than one of the biggest delivery companies in the world: FedEx. Since December 2011, Nissan and FedEx have been working in tandem to test a fleet of the new electric vans, first in London and then in Yokohama, Japan. Next year, the two companies will bring testing to the United States. 

Based on the gas-powered vehicle that will soon take over as the Taxi of Tomorrow in New York City, the NV200, the e-NV200 pulls from the parts bin of the electric Nissan Leaf  to provide fuel-free transport that is suitable for urban delivery routes. While the e-NV200 features a battery pack that can recharge to 80 percent of capacity in just 30 minutes using a Quick Charger, it can also regain electricity in stop-and-start traffic using regenerative braking.

"Nissan has positioned itself as a world leader in electric vehicles, and the FedEx testing with the e-NV200 will give them the information they need to bring their innovation over to the commercial sector," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Mastria Nissan, a Raynham, MA Nissan dealership . "I can think of so many smaller businesses in Massachusetts that could really benefit from the e-NV200 as they try to reduce their overhead costs and environmental impact while transporting gear or goods locally."

Car buyers that want to lower their costs during everyday driving should note that the 2012 Nissan Leaf was recently ranked at number one on the Top 10 Cars for Commuting list from TotalCarScore.com. The automotive website scores vehicles based on evaluations from respected industry sources like Edmunds.com, MSN Autos, US News & World Report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

TotalCarScore.com compiled its Top 10 Cars for Commuting list based on its own Total Car Score, along with fuel-economy ratings in city-driving conditions. With a Total Car Score of 78.76 and a 106 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) rating in the city, the Nissan Leaf handily bested the competition, which included the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

While efficiency may be the Leaf's ace in the hole, it is the electric car's amenities that make it a less stressful means of getting to and from the office. Standard technology includes the Nissan Navigation System, which features real-time traffic updates using NavTraffic, as well as hands-free phone operation through Bluetooth-enabled phones. Meanwhile, as the weather begins to cool, the Leaf offers standard heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and heated side mirrors.

"A lot of people instantly think about driving range with electric cars, but with the Leaf, you have plenty of battery power to cover the back and forth of most commutes in Greater Boston," added Ferreira. "The truth of the matter is that the Leaf isn't just a great way to save on gas; it is also an excellent car to drive and live with."

All-Electric Vehicle to Become Available Nationwide in March

RAYNHAM, Mass., Dec. 12, 2011 - It is rare to see leaves pop up in the dead of winter, but the Nissan Leaf  will be showing off its colors at more dealerships as cold weather sets in. The availability of Nissan's all-electric vehicle is currently expanding to seven new states, allowing more customers to get behind the wheel of the only all-electric mass-market car available in the United States.

The Leaf, which was already available at dealers in 23 states, including Massachusetts Nissan dealerships, is expanding this month into the neighboring New England state of Rhode Island, as well as Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Nissan fans in all 50 states will be able to get their hands on a Leaf when it becomes available nationwide in March 2012.

"Our customers have been wowed by the Leaf since it first arrived in Massachusetts, and we're excited that drivers in new states will have a chance to own one of the most innovative vehicles on the road," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Nissan dealership Mastria Nissan. "Of course, the main advantage to owning a Leaf is that you never have to pay for gasoline, but when customers learn how easy they are to charge, it usually seals the deal. Nissan is also working to make its charging technology even more intuitive in the future."

Future Leafs may come with Nissan's first non-contact charging station, though the automaker has not yet confirmed the technology for production. Non-contact charging would allow owners to charge their car by simply parking it over a mat-like charging station. The technology works through magnetic induction, with an electrically charged coil in the charging station creating a magnetic field and supplying power to a second coil within the Leaf. The same charging technology is commonly found in household appliances like electric shavers and toothbrushes, although Nissan would be applying it on a larger scale.

Nissan's new charging stations would further streamline the Leaf's current charging process, which is simple but not yet wireless. Leafs available today charge with a 240-volt home charging station or through a standard 120-volt home outlet with a "trickle charge." It takes a Leaf approximately seven hours to fully charge at 220 volts, while a 480-volt quick-charging station will be offered to public locations next year to charge the Leaf within 30 minutes.

Since its debut in December 2010, more than 20,000 units of the Nissan Leaf have been sold worldwide. The automaker is on pace to have sold more than 10,000 Leafs in the United States by the end of the year, which aligns with Nissan's earlier predictions.

"The Leaf has successfully avoided any significant disruptions from the Japan earthquake last March, and it is quickly winning over those that were doubtful about electric vehicles," added Ferreira. "With added innovations like quick-charging and non-contact charging stations, the Leaf will be even more accessible for drivers in the future. I'm sure that current Leaf owners would encourage others not to wait though."

Japanese Automaker Has Best-Ever October in United States

RAYNHAM, Mass., Nov. 14, 2011 - While some Japanese automakers have seen sales take a dive this year, Nissan is on an upward stroke, posting its strongest October sales ever in the United States. Powered by its popular Altima midsize sedan and the refreshed Versa sub-compact that arrived at Nissan dealerships in August, Nissan has flourished as its competition has floundered.

Nissan's October sales were up 22.1 percent compared to the same month last year, led by the 2012 Nissan Altima , which saw a 15.1 percent increase with 21,838 units sold. The 2012 Nissan Versa  was a big winner last month as well, selling 8,889 units, an increase of 47.1 percent compared to the same month last year. As the most affordable car on the U.S. market, the redesigned Versa is proving popular with Nissan fans looking for fuel efficiency and practicality.

"Nissan has hit the right notes with the Versa," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Massachusetts Nissan dealership Mastria Nissan. "It's small on the outside, but surprisingly roomy on the inside, which makes it feel more like a midsize than a sub-compact. That space, in addition to its great fuel economy, have made the new Versa so popular with our customers."

Capable of returning 38 mpg on the highway when equipped with its continuously-variable automatic transmission, the Versa achieves its impressive fuel economy with the help of a new dual injector system in its reworked 1.6 liter engine. Adding to that fuel efficiency is a ride height that is one inch lower than the previous Versa model, helping the 2012 Versa save fuel through improved aerodynamics.

Available as a sedan and hatchback, the Versa can hold a surprising amount of people and cargo. In fact, the Versa has more rear leg space than the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS 460, which gives it a leg up with those looking for a more economic family runabout. Trunk space in the Versa sedan is also deceivingly plentiful, with its almost 15 cubic-feet of room able to fit a week's worth of groceries or luggage for a vacation on the Cape.

"The Versa is sized right for urban adventurers who don't want to spend all their money at the gas pump," Ferreira noted. "It's great for college students, young professionals or people who just need a small, affordable car that they can rely on for many years to come."

The Versa isn't the only small Nissan selling well in America, as the Nissan Sentra also had big gains in October. With 8,384 units sold, the Sentra saw a 41.4 percent increase compared to October of 2010, hinting that Nissan may have the small-car market figured out.