Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan Golf rival due in 2014

Nissan chief has revealed more details of its all-new VW Golf rival

Nissan hatchback

More details on the new Nissan hatchback that is set to take on the VW Golf have been revealed.

Auto Express has already spied the car testing but global product planning boss Andy Palmer explained what we can expect from the production model when it goes on sale in 2014.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Palmer admits that the Golf is the clear target for the new car, and said: “We’ll start by not making any excuses for our car – in terms of dynamics and perceived quality it has to match it [the Golf].

“But where we can be different is that it won’t look like the Golf. We can go after customers bored with the MkVII. We can be more provocative – that’s the advantage of the guys that come afterwards.”

That means it is likely to take cues from the company’s Invitation concept. “The face is a little bit leftfield, a little bit edgy,” said Palmer.

“You can see what we have been doing recently with the V-grille going into the hood [bonnet]. And we can that take that DNA into the handling.”

The model will be built in Spain, and Palmer shed more light on the name, which he has previously said will be both recognisable and new.

“Both statements are correct,” he said. “You will be familiar with it; it’ll evoke something from the past.”

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW iX3 40 M Sport 2026 review: entry-level SUV isn't a compromise
New BMW iX3 40 M Sport - front tracking

New BMW iX3 40 M Sport 2026 review: entry-level SUV isn't a compromise

Practical, efficient and much cheaper than the xDrive50, we think the base-level BMW iX3 40 is the pick-of-the-range.
Road tests
24 Sep 2026
Fancy a cheap used EV? The data says you'd better be quick
Opinion - cheap used EVs

Fancy a cheap used EV? The data says you'd better be quick

A used EV has never had more appeal as the cost of petrol and diesel heads for £2 per litre, says our news editor. But prices are rising, so you’ll ne…
Opinion
24 Sep 2026
New Bentley Torcal revealed: brand's first EV is its most powerful car ever
Bentley Torcal - front action

New Bentley Torcal revealed: brand's first EV is its most powerful car ever

Meet the Torcal SUV, the first all-electric Bentley, claimed to ride like a limo and corner like a coupe
News
24 Sep 2026

Find a car with the experts