Nissan's Golf-Fighting Invitation Due in 2014

NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
6957 photos
12 videos
wants to add volume, and the best way to do that is to offer a compact hatchback. FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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just announced that the FocusFord Ford Focus (UK) Gen.3United Kingdom, 2011 > present207 versions
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is the world's best selling car in the first half of this year, and VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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will announce a new GolfVolkswagen GolfGermany, 1974 > present7 series
738 versions
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later today that will likely carry on as among the brand's top sellers. However, Nissan does not have a car to compete in this space. It has the MicraNissan Micra Gen.4Japan, 2010 > 201645 versions
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, which is smaller, and the NoteNissan Note Gen.1Japan, 2004 > 201240 versions
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, which just does not sell. Nissan plans to introduce its InvitationNissan InvitationJapan, 2012 > 201226 photos
to take the Golf and Focus head-on in 2014. 

The Invitation was first shown at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. At the time, Nissan did not talk about engines for a production version, but now Nissan is saying that we will likely see the production version in 2013. It will go on sale as a 2014 model either in late 2013 or early 2014. 

According to Nissan's vice president Andy Palmer, the production car will not carry the Invitation name. 

“It won’t use the Almera name, you can be sure of that, but it will be familiar,” he said. 

The new car will focus on efficient engines and class-leading interior quality. It will likely be offered with a new 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 113hp and 190Nm with better than 50mpg UK. It will also have a 1.6-liter diesel with sub-100g/km of CO2. 

The European version of the car will be built at Nissan's Sunderland factory in the UK. 

Source: Autoexpress