Nissan is one of those automakers that offer a wide selection of cars within a variety of vehicle segments. While some are more aimed towards commercial use, most of Nissan's product offerings are geared towards family use. In this article, we will be focussing on the range of models Nissan offer that will be a good choice for those looking for their next family vehicle.
Nissan Micra
If you require a city runaround with enough space for the kids at the back, the Nissan Micra might just be what you are looking for. The smallest and only hatchback offering from the Japanese automaker offers five seats as well as a 300-litre boot which should be ample for a smaller family.
Under the bonnet of the base model or Micra turbo Visia features a 0.9-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol motor producing 66 kW and 140 Nm of torque. In this base trim, Nissan incorporates ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist, Stability Control as well as six airbags as standard safety equipment.
Nissan Almera
If you require additional luggage space, why not consider the only sedan in Nissan's model range. Once again the cabin can comfortably host five occupants, however, the Almera offer an impressive 490-litres of boot space. Thus making it a more practical choice for a slightly larger family or if you are planning to take the family on regular trips where you might need the additional storage space.
The Almera is offered in one trim level only namely the Acenta which utilises a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine capable of 73 kW and 134 Nm of torque. This model, however, does not boast the same safety levels as the Micra as the Almera is only fitted with two airbags and only feature the ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist and does not include the Stability Control or Hill-Start Assist system.
Nissan Magnite
One of the most recent models to be introduced locally by the Japanese automaker is the Nissan Magnite. It combines a stylish design with a practical crossover configuration. The Magnite will appeal to those looking for the compact nature of a Micra but with added ground clearance for off-the-beaten-path driving.
The cabin offers seating for five, however, the compact design only allows for 336-litres of luggage space. All derivatives of the Magnite is motivated by a 1.0-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 74 kW. Models configured with the 5-speed manual transmission generates 160 Nm of torque whereas variants fitted with 5-step CVT is only capable of 152 Nm.
Whether customers opt for the base model or the top-of-the-range offering, they will gain access to ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist, Stability Control, Traction Control as well as Hill-Start Assist. Customers should, however, note that regardless of the trim level, the Nissan Micra only comes fitted with two airbags.
Nissan Qashqai
If you like the idea of a crossover model, however, require additional luggage space and a bit more power under the bonnet, the Nissan Qashqai might just satisfy your needs. The spacious cabin will comfortably host five occupants while still being able to offer 430-litres of luggage space in the boot. If you don't need to use the rear seats, they can be folded flat to increase luggage space to up to 1585-litres.
In its entry-level or Visia configuration, the Qashqai comes fitted with a 1.2-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol motor coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. The combination will produce an efficient 85 kW and 190 Nm of torque. Customers can expect ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist, Stability Control, Traction Control as well as Hill-Start Assist to be fitted as standard. The Qashqai also retains no less than six airbags, even in its most basic specification.
Nissan X-Trail
The X-Trail, while the smaller of the two SUVs on offer from Nissan, is quite a bit larger than the Qashqai crossover model. One of the most attractive aspects of the X-Trail for those looking for a family vehicle is that it can be had in five- or seven-seater configurations. If the 135-litre boot in the seven-seat setup is not enough, owners can lower the third row of seats to expand it to around 550-litres.
The entry-level, seven-seater Visia derivative comes fitted with a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder petrol motor coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission. The combination is capable of 106 kW and 200 Nm of torque. More powerful and 4X4 petrol variants, as well as diesel-powered versions, also exist in the range.
The Nissan X-Trail in its base trim comes specified with ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist, Stability Control as well as Hill-Start Assist as standard and offers occupants no less than six airbags.
Nissan Patrol
The Patrol is Nissan's flagship SUV and is quite a large offering from the Japanese automaker. Like with the X-Trail, the model also offers seating for up to seven occupants, however, the larger design provides 550-litres of luggage space with the third row up. With such a large and capable car, one can see why Nissan opted to fit such a powerful engine.
Under the bonnet features a 5.6-litre, V8 petrol engine mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels. This combination is capable of producing 298 kW and 560 Nm of torque, ample for even the most gruelling off-road expedition. Like with the Qashqai, the Nissan Patrol comes standard with ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist, Stability Control, Traction Control as well as Hill-Start Assist.
However, for this model, Nissan has also incorporated safety and convenience systems such as Hill-Descent Control, Lane-Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Nissan Patrol also feature six airbags as standard equipment.
Nissan Navara Double-Cab
One cannot write about Nissan vehicle's that is suited for families without mentioning the Navara. At the time of writing this article, customers can choose from no less than 11 Navara Double-Cab configurations. The bakkie is spacious inside and will comfortably host five occupants, and of course, you have the 1111-litres worth of luggage space in the load bed.
The entry-level derivative comes fitted with a 2.5-litre, turbocharged, diesel motor to a 6-speed manual transmission that sends the power to the rear wheels. The combination is capable of generating 120 kW and 403 Nm of torque which for family use or commercial use will prove to be ample.
While to top of the range Navara bakkie comes fitted with seven airbags, customers should note that the entry-level model only offers two units as standard specification. Other standard safety systems include ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Assist, Stability Control, Traction Control as well as Hill-Start Assist.
