By Steve Laser
Nissan continues its new product renaissance in Japan with the introduction of a remodeled, fourth-generation Roox mini-vehicle (Kei car). The new Roox was revealed during a livestream press conference, followed by a display of the top Highway Star trims at the automaker’s Global Headquarters Gallery in Yokohama.
Planned to go on sale at Nissan dealers in Japan beginning this autumn, the new Roox receives sporty and playful styling, increased comfort, convenience, and amenities inside the cabin, enhanced driver assistance features, a newly available infotainment system, and a customized AUTECH LINE edition.
While the Roox looks larger than the previous generation, the tall wagon body style still fits neatly within the Kei car size regulations in Japan. The words, “Roomy” and “Max,” key attributes for the mini-vehicle, join together to form the name “Roox”.
Roox Highway Star offers new two-tone color combos. Nissan says the look is inspired by “Karahafu,” or “the curved gable found on the roof of traditional Japanese architecture.” Color choices include “Cinnamon Latte,” “Celadon Green,” and “Seto Blue.”
Key styling treatments include rounded body corners, a wraparound grille, and “rounded squares.” A closer look at the front fascia reveals the new design element. Said to be an expression of playfulness, rounded squares can be found throughout the vehicle, including the headlight and taillight designs, door handles, wheels, and the interior.
Designed with a “Breeze concept,” the interior is said to provide a relaxing, living-room style environment. Seats are trimmed with Mélange fabric for increased comfort, while rounded squares are applied to the headrests, and shape of the speedometer in the instrument panel. Rear seats offer a sliding function, and storage spaces abound throughout the cabin.
Available for the first time on Roox, as a manufacturer option, is a new 12.3-inch infotainment display and NissanConnect, with a suite of high-tech features combining navigation and entertainment. Google built-in is included, supporting Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play.
Newly available driving assistance features for Roox include an Intelligent Around View Monitor with Invisible Hood View, 3D View, and Front Wide View. Also available is Nissan ProPILOT, Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and oncoming vehicle detection at intersections, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Roox powertrain details are expected to be announced by Nissan in the coming months. The current (third-generation) Roox features naturally aspirated and turbocharged 660cc 3-cylinder gas engines, available smart Hybrid system, plus a choice of two- or four-wheel drive. It’s unlikely that the Roox would go all-electric, since Nissan offers a separate EV Kei car called Sakura.
New Roox AUTECH LINE
Those seeking a more customized look, inside and out, will find it in the new Roox AUTECH LINE. While AUTECH offers a variety of parts and accessories to customize and personalize Nissan vehicles, customers can also select a completely finished vehicle.
Among the exclusive exterior trim and features that enhance the sporty appearance for the Roox AUTECH LINE are unique fog light finishers, silver outside mirrors, and special 15-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, Roox AUTECH LINE includes an exclusive black interior, featuring seats trimmed with synthetic leather. In addition to enhancing the customized ambience, the material is said to have waterproof properties, offering easy cleaning, for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
About NMKV
NMKV Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, builds the Nissan Roox, Nissan Sakura EV, new Mitsubishi eK Space, eK X EV, and other models, at Mitsubishi’s Mizushima plant in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. Nissan and Mitsubishi established NMKV in 2011 to specialize in the planning and development of minicars.
Notes: Features, specifications, and launch timing for future Japan market vehicles are subject to change without notice. Google, Google Play, and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
News source and photos courtesy of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
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