YOKOHAMA, Japan: Nissan has unveiled the new Roox wagon-type kei car in Japan.
The new fourth-generation Roox brings a playful new design, more spacious and upmarket cabin, a suite of innovative driver assistance technologies, as well as quieter and more efficient drive.
Key new features include:
- integrated 12.3-inch infotainment display - a first within the kei segment.
- Intelligent Around View Monitor (with moving object detection, 3D view, Front Wide View and Invisible Hood View).
- NissanConnect and Google built-in.
- Class-leading 2,315 mm interior length comfortably accommodating four adults.
Like its predecessor, the new Roox was developed under NMKV — a joint venture between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors.
The new Roox is based on a design concept of ‘Roomy×Max’ — the inspiration for the name Roox — which emphasizes the maximization of size within kei car regulations.
A new signature design motif of a rounded square is incorporated into the headlights, rear combination lamps, door handles, headrests, speedometer and wheels.
The motif not only symbolizes spaciousness and size, but through its rounded corners also expresses playfulness.
The interior was created around a ‘Breeze concept’ that aims to create a relaxing space with pleasant airflow and light.
The interior length has been extended by 115mm from the previous generation.
The rear seat’s knee room is also best in class.
The cargo space boasts a top-of-class length of 675mm and is capable of holding up to four 48-liter suitcases.
The rear sliding door — a standard feature for super-height wagons — maintains a best-in-class opening width of 650mm.
It is equipped with large grab handles like those on the larger Serena minivan, enabling smooth entry and exit — especially for children.
The rear seats can slide up to 320mm, allowing the driver to comfortably reach children seated on the rear passenger side.
The cargo area can be easily accessed thanks to a one-action lever on the shoulder of the rear seat that allows it to slide forward and back.
Interior storage has been improved with features such as large cup holders, a drawer for discreetly storing items such as tissues, an instrument panel center slide box for smartphones and wallets, and a covered box located behind the meter display for small items.
Improvements have been made to the engine to achieve better fuel efficiency and reduce noise, enhancing running costs and aiding in-cabin comfort.
Soundproofing measures — including noise-insulating sheets and high-performance sound-absorbing materials around the doors and tyres — create a quieter, more serene environment.
In a first for kei cars, the Intelligent Around View Monitor now includes Invisible Hood View, a system that provides drivers with a virtual view through the engine bay, making it easier to see hazards that are normally out of sight.
It also features 3D View, which provides an intuitive three-dimensional view of surrounding conditions, as well as Front Wide View for greater visibility at intersections.
In addition to the popular ProPILOT, new features include Intelligent Emergency Braking, which detects pedestrians and oncoming vehicles at intersections to assist collision avoidance.
Additionally, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), which helps avoid contact with vehicles positioned diagonally to the rear during lane changes; Intelligent Blind Spot Warning (BSW), which detects vehicles approaching from behind; and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which provides an audible warning to the driver if vehicles are crossing behind the car while it’s reversing are available.
In a first for the Roox, Nissan has adopted the NissanConnect in-vehicle technology suite, combining navigation, security and entertainment as a manufacturer option, supplementing traditional dealer-installed navigation options.
The system, equipped with Google built-in, now supports Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play, providing seamless access to a variety of information and entertainment.
