Nissan Sets the Tone

Nissan held the first press event this year in Geneva and set the tone for the entire auto show with its mix of an exotic sports car (GT-R), a green statement car (Pivo2 concept), and something in between for the rest of us ( Murano).

Much has been written already about the rip-roaring GT-R sports car that was launched at the Tokyo show last year. Following the runaway success of the 350Z, it was an obvious move for Nissan to produce an updated version of its more extreme GT-R sports coupe. A distinctively Japanese and modern take on the classic sports coupe, the GT-R represents "the ultimate expression of Nissan's passion for cars" according to Executive Vice President for Corporate and Product Planning, Carlos Tavares.

Given the GT-R's lap time of 7:38 at the infamous German Nurburgring, it's a justifiable claim. And for the first time, the GT-R will be officially sold in Europe. Prices were announced at €74,990 ($114,000 U.S.) or £52,900.

Also making a European foray following a Tokyo debut is the extraordinary Pivo2 concept. Looking rather like a giant bubble perched on four smaller bubble-like wheel pods, this "commuter car of the near future" represents "motoring's clean and friendly future." It's powered by a separate electric motor mounted in each wheel, eliminating driveshafts and the need for an engine compartment. Two lithium-ion batteries store the power.

It features a cabin that rotates through 360 degrees - so you can face backward to reverse the car without hassle. The individual wheels can also be turned through 90 degrees, meaning the car can be maneuvered sideways into tight parking spots. Access is via single door at the front of the car.

As if that wasn't wacky enough, there's a small rotating motorized head in the top of the dashboard dubbed a "robotic agent" that speaks to you to issue navigation directions, and responds to your mood to calm and cheer you when traffic gets too much.

The new Murano represents a less challenging proposition. This crossover SUV has captured the mood of consumers, offering a car with the high-set driving position, flexible interior and stylish shape of an SUV, but without the aggressive, socially unacceptable attitude or costly high fuel consumption.

At first glance it appears that Nissan, faced with the problem of updating a car that has beaten all expectations and continues to sell well, has made the obvious choice - make the new one virtually indistinguishable from the old one.

In reality every panel is new, and the larger, bolder grille which stretches above the edge of the headlights is very distinctive. Rear lights are also a new shape. Under the skin there are plenty of upgrades, too, as well as a new power-operated tailgate.

Suffice it to say that there are improvements all round, but one of the most appealing has to be the self-healing paint. Available as an option, this has a special elastic resin: scratch it, and after a few days it will be as good as new. Something that can offer relief from that excruciating moment when you first find a scratch on your new car is definitely worth applauding.