Nissan celebrates 20 years of the curry hook

Nissan has been successfully delivering curry to its customers for 20 years.

Returning safely from the take-away without spilling a drop of Tikka Masala sauce on the seat, this month marks 20 years since the debut of one of its most simple of features – the ‘curry hook’.

The dashboard hook first appeared on the Nissan Almera compact family hatchback in March 1996, as a way of keeping hand bags or shopping bags upright. It was quickly dubbed the ‘curry hook’ by media who recognised it was the perfect way to stop takeaway food from spilling into the car’s foot well. Today, it remains a feature of the crossovers such as the Qashqai and X-Trail. All that’s changed is the location of the hook; it has moved from the dashboard to the boot.

Another simple solution Nissan has installed is the ‘Karakuri’ boot board – also known as the Flexi-Board – which is available on the Qashqai, Juke and Note. It allows owners to divide the cargo space according to their needs, and can be arranged in various configurations to support and protect items in transit. When not in use, it stores out of the way in the boot floor.

Interestingly, in September 1986 when the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off the new production line in Sunderland it had two analogue trip meters built into the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel - to allow business users to separately log their professional and private mileage. A unique feature at the time, this is now standard on the digital read-outs of almost every volume car brand.

David Moss, Vice President, Vehicle Design & Development, commented: “Whether its trip meters, power sockets, boot boards or the famous curry hook, Nissan engineers never forget that it’s often these clever ideas – which make life easier for drivers – that will keep our customers coming back time and time again.”

Nissan confirms upgrades to 2016 Qashqai range

Nissan has confirmed a series of changes to the Qashqai line-up for 2016. 

To further enhance the model within the crossover segment and align the grade line-up with other vehicles in the Nissan range, trim changes, new option packs and equipment upgrades have been added.

The introduction of the N-Connecta grade will be a direct replacement for the existing n-tec and n-tec+ model versions, with both grades closed to ordering as supply runs out. Pricing and model specification remain unchanged. To simplify the range further, Acenta Premium will be closed to ordering once supply runs out. The Visa, Acenta and Tekna trim levels remain unchanged.

All DiG-T 163 versions (N-Connecta and Tekna trims) will gain multi-link rear suspension as standard with no price increase. This upgrade brings greater levels of ride comfort and refinement to the DiG-T 163 powertrain. DiG-T 163 variants will also benefit from an increased fuel tank capacity from 55 to 65 litres, offering a longer range between fill-ups. Pricing, fuel consumption and performance figures remain unchanged.

In addition to the N-Connecta grade change, an increased number of option packs will be offered across the Qashqai range which add a 'greater level of customer choice and premium personalisation'. These include a Smart Vision Pack (£495) which features Traffic Sign Recognition, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Front and Rear Parking Sensors and Anti Dazzle Rear View Mirror. A Premium Pack can also be specified (£500) which features 18” Alloy Wheels, Electric Folding Mirrors & Privacy Glass while the Comfort Pack (£550) features Panoramic Glass Roof with one-touch shade and Roof Rails.

The Tech Pack (£750) includes NissanConnect 7” touch-screen Navigation system, CD, Aux-in, Bluetooth music streaming, USB and DAB Radio, Smartphone Apps, Colour Rear View Camera. Further options range from the addition of a Panoramic Glass Roof with one-touch shade at £400 to Sports Alcantara and grey leather interior with dark headlining at £495.