Nissan’s new wheels of fortune: our wishlist

350Z COUPÉ Photos from www.nissanusa.com

Nissan’s lineup in the Philippines was once the mightiest, with category-leading cars like the Cefiro and Sentra. The brand introduced features such as ABS brakes, fuel injection and luxury trim for compact cars to the local market. With its expansive lineup of attractive vehicles, there’s no reason for the new Nissan Philippines Inc. not to be competing for the lead once again.

Here’s a wish list of cars that we hope to see in Nissan showrooms this year:

Versa Note: The hatchback version of the Almera sedan looks much sportier. The Note shares the long wheelbase but has shorter overhangs. The long wheelbase and tall roofline translate to a large cabin. If the Almera’s driving characteristics are an indication, the Note should be a satisfying drive.

CUBE

New X-Trail: The X-Trail was redesigned for the 2013 model year, receiving an attractive new shape and a chassis with advanced driver assist systems such as active ride control and stability assist. The X-Trail is offered in Japan with a three-row, seven-passenger option.

Cube: The oddly shaped Cube looks like a refrigerator and is just as cool. Its signature style element is its asymmetric rear window and, well, refrigerator-style rear door. Cube is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder mated to a CVT.

Juke: The original Juke is a functional crossover with an oddball design that we are somehow smitten with. A new, more conventionally attractive Juke is set to debut at the Geneva auto show. The first-generation car featured an available 197-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine.

370Z: Nissan’s legendary Z car is a thoroughbred two-seater that can go head-to-head with cars like the Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis Coupé. With a 350-HP, 3.7-liter V6 as standard power unit, it’s positioned half a class above popular sports cars like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.

PATHFINDER

GT-R: This is one legend that also goes by the moniker “Godzilla.” The GT-R sports car is a 545-HP twin-turbo monster tamed by a highly sophisticated four-wheel drive system. The GT-R is reputedly capable of slaying sports cars several times its price on demanding tracks like the Nurburgring in Germany.

Pathfinder: Nissan’s bigger SUV offering is powered by the company’s venerable 3.5-liter V6 with 260 HP. The Pathfinder offers three-row seating for seven passengers. Luxurious interior trim includes dual moonroofs.

Quest: This American-style minivan provides luxurious family transport. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow for flexibility in seating and cargo transport.