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2014 Nissan X-Trail is the Rogue's identical twin [w/video]

Up until now, the Rogue and X-Trail were two different compact crossovers that competed in the same segment for Nissan, except one was sold only in the US and the other Europe. So why, Nissan asked, aren't they exactly the same? Thus, with today's reveal of the redesigned 2014 Nissan Rogue, our team on the ground at the Frankfurt Motor Show also met its new identical twin, the 2014 Nissan X-Trail.
Unlike the Rogue, the former X-Trail was a boxy thing that put on the airs of an SUV, so this new look is likely a larger departure for Europeans than it is for us 'Yanks. From what we can tell comparing their press releases, these two crossovers are practically identical save for the badge on their rear liftgates, both now offering an optional third row of seating and a slew of infotainment and active and passive safety features.
The one thing that may differ between the two are the engines on offer. While we know the Rogue has a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, Nissan's remaining mum on what will motivate the X-Trail. The prior model offered both gas- and diesel-powered models, which we feel safe in assuming will continue (perhaps opening the door for a diesel-powered Rogue in the US some day). Nissan says we'll know more closer to the X-Trail's on-sale date, which is stated simply as being "next year," whereas the Tennessee-built Rogue will be going on sale in the US this fall.

200 Nissan Leafs recalled for faulty power inverters

Nissan is going full speed ahead with strong sales for its all-electric Leaf. Unfortunately, some of those Leafs had a glitch that could stop some of those Leafs from doing the same. Credit a faulty power inverter. US Department of Transportation says the faulty power inverters may cause some Leafs to shut down unexpectedly. Thankfully, the glitch affects just 196 Leafs, all of which were produced between April 15 and 24, 2014. Official DOT information on the recall is available here and it's also pasted below. Nissan started contacting Leaf owners in late May, instructing them to bring their vehicles to certified Leaf dealers for repairs, Nissan spokesman Brian Brockman told AutoblogGreen, adding that there'd been no cases of vehicle shut downs from the power inverter. Nissan confirmed the 196-vehicle figure and isn't charging the vehicle owners for the repairs. The company is also providing loaner vehicles at no cost. The recall marks a rare bit of bad news for Nissan's electrification efforts, as the Japanese automaker has been boosting sales of the Leaf all year. Through May, Leaf sales in the US were up 36 percent from a year earlier to 10,389 units, and May sales alone had surged 46 percent from a year earlier. In May, Chrysler recalled more than 4,141 Fiat 500e models from the 2013 and 2014 model years for a similar issue. Inverter modules on those vehicles may allow coolant to seep onto electrical components, which could cause a short circuit and power loss. The recall impacted cars built between September 2012 and April 2014. Report Receipt Date: MAY 16, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V263000 Potential Number of Units Affected: 196 Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc. SUMMARY: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Nissan LEAF vehicles manufactured April 15, 2014, through April 24, 2014. Due to a problem with the motor control circuit board, the inverter may fail, causing the vehicle shut down. CONSEQUENCE: An unexpected vehicle shut down increases the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inverter, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on July 7, 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2015 Nissan Juke keeps its funky

The Nissan Juke is one of the most polarizing vehicles on the road today, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been a sales success, especially in Europe. Nissan is giving the the CUV its first styling refresh at the Geneva Motor Show. While the design changes will almost certainly be universal, the mechanical changes are still somewhat of a mystery for the US market. Nissan makes it clear in its press release below that it covers only the European model, and details about the North American model are coming later.
The exterior changes put a focus on making the Juke look a bit more angular and sporty. The lights on the fenders are now formed into a jagged point and somewhat echo the boomerang-shaped taillights. It also features Nissan's new, thicker V-shaped chrome grille. The door mirrors receive LED turn signals, and the lower portion of the rear receives a simulated mesh grille to look more aggressive. Other than some new color schemes, the interior is basically unchanged. However, the luggage area has been reshaped to increase storage capacity by 40 percent to 12.5 cubic feet (354 liters).
European buyers are getting a new 1.2-liter DIG-T turbocharged engine with 113 horsepower (115PS) and 140 pound-feet of torque (190Nm), and the 1.6 DIG-T also gets an increased compression ratio to produce 188 hp and is offered with either a six-speed manual or Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The all-wheel-drive system has also been upgraded with a torque vectoring system.