Nissan Debuts Compact Sports Coupe in Detroit

If produced, the AZEAL would be sold alongside the Sentra, and its top-line SE-R and SE-R Spec V siblings, or would replace the

The new AZEAL is the first concept to be designed at Nissan's new Farmington Hills, Michigan technical center. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

racy sedan. A new Sentra isn't expected until at least model year 2006 or 2007, with the automaker postponing its introduction to make sure that when it becomes available it offers the same high level of visual appeal that its midsize Altima and Maxima do.

By the time the new Sentra, and possibly AZEAL become available for sale, it is also possible Nissan will be offering its Micra, currently sold in other markets such as Europe and Japan (renamed March), as an entry-level B-segment product.

The B-segment is being looked at seriously by most automakers today, due to rising fuel costs and the success Toyota has had with its new Echo Hatchback and Chevy is

A new compact sports coupe like the AZEAL would add significant visual presence to Nissan's entry-level lineup. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

experiencing with its GMDAT (Daewoo) Aveo. Hyundai and Kia have offered vehicles in this segment to price sensitive shoppers, the latter having just introduced an all-new Rio this week in Detroit, but their sales are down significantly this year due to added pressure of the newcomers.

A new compact sports coupe like the AZEAL would add significant visual presence to Nissan's entry-level lineup, but with the segment experiencing lackluster sales as of late and rivals axing once popular models, its success would not necessarily be a sure thing. But of course, that comes down to price.