What makes it especially significant, is that its the first concept to be designed at Nissan's new Farmington Hills, Michigan technical center.
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| The Azeal is the first concept to be designed at Nissan's new Farmington Hills, Michigan technical center. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
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 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 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.
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| While the Azeal would add significant visual presence to Nissan's entry-level lineup, its success in a slow sport coupe market wouldn't be guaranteed. (Photo: Nissan Canada) |
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 experiencing with its GMDAT (Daewoo) Aveo. Hyundai and Kia have offered vehicles in this segment to price sensitive shoppers, 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.