Japan
Nissan has launched an all-new Almera family car to join the current Micra and Primera at the British Sunderland plant. The new Almera is a very dull looking car, but it offers impressive ride and handling as well as good equipment levels, competitive pricing and a comfortable interior. Interestingly, it comes with a curry hook in the footwell! Power comes from adequate 1.5 and 1.8 petrol engines as well as a 2.2 diesel, provided by Renault and making it the first beneficiary of a venture between the two marques. There is also a practical compact MPV based on upon the Almera - the Almera Tino.
The Nissan-Renault venture's next product will be next year's replacement for the Primera. A concept car was shown this year to give buyers an idea of what the next Primera will look like, and it promises to be a far more imaginatively-styled machine than the bland current model. The next few years are also expected to see the next generation Nissan Micra and Renault Clio sharing the same mechanical design.
Toyota has departed from grand touring coupe styling on its MR2 sports car after 16 years and come up with an entirely new roadster which makes it a direct competitor for the likes of the BMW Z3. It has also facelifted the world's best selling car - the Corolla - and tidied up its previously bulbous looks as well as adding new VVTi petrol engines. The larger Avensis has also received a similar facelift.
Honda has created a highly impressive competitor in the family car market with its latest Civic. With its high roof and spacious interior, it is currently the only car in its class to offer full seating for five adults. Its 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines are impressively refined and give strong performance, while equipment levels are also high. The only model currently on sale in Britain will be the five-door hatchback, with a three-door to follow later, and a four-door saloon which won't be imported to Britain. There will also be a 1.7 engined coupe and eventually a Type R version of the hatchback which promises a top speed of more than 140 mph.
Read more about this topic: 2000 In Motoring
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