The prestigious award was presented to Nissan this week for their Roox city car, known as a ‘Kei car’ in Japan, by the Automotive Researchers and Journalists Conference of Japan (RJC). In making the award, the RJC stated that the new Roox: “enhances visibility and convenience while delivering fuel efficiency and premium driving performance.”
Now in its fourth generation, the new Roox brings a playful new design, a more spacious and upmarket cabin, a suite of innovative driver assistance technologies, as well as a quieter and more efficient drive. It was one of the stars of the recent Japan Mobility Show.
Maximising Space
The new Roox is based on a design concept of ‘Roomy×Max’ — the inspiration for the name Roox — which emphasises the maximisation of size within strict Kei car regulations.
In Japan, a vehicle must be shorter than 3.4 metres and no wider than 1.48 metres to qualify as a Kei car. Owners of these cars benefit from lower tax and reduced parking fees, as well as the ease of driving and parking in Japan’s most congested cities.
The Roox is a shining example of Nissan’s engineering expertise, boasting an interior length of 2.35 metres despite only being 3.39 metres long overall. This means the Nissan Roox has space for four adults, with best-in-class knee room and room for up to four 48-litre suitcases.
In creating the large interior, Nissan’s designers and engineers coined the concept of “breeze,” which aims to create a relaxing space with pleasant airflow and light, much like a living room. The clever use of air and light creates a space that feels significantly larger than it actually is, feeling inviting and even playful.
Enhanced Convenience
The rear sliding door, a standard feature for super-height wagons, maintains a best-in-class opening width of 650 mm. It is equipped with large grab handles similar to those on the larger Serena minivan, enabling smooth entry and exit, especially for children.
The rear seats can slide up to 320 mm, allowing the driver to comfortably reach children seated in the back. The boot can be easily accessed thanks to a one-action lever on the shoulder of the rear seat, which allows it to slide forwards and backwards.
Advanced Safety and Assistance Systems
The new Roox offers more advanced driving assistance systems that aid awareness and make parking, driving on narrow roads, and navigating intersections easier.
In a first for Kei cars, the Intelligent Around View Monitor now includes Invisible Hood View, a system that provides drivers with a virtual view through the engine bay, making it easier to see hazards that are normally out of sight. It also features 3D View, which provides an intuitive three-dimensional view of surrounding conditions, as well as Front Wide View for greater visibility at junctions.
In addition to the popular ProPILOT system, new features include:
- Intelligent Emergency Braking: Detects pedestrians and oncoming vehicles at intersections to assist with collision avoidance.
- Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (BSI): Helps avoid contact with vehicles positioned diagonally to the rear during lane changes.
- Intelligent Blind Spot Warning (BSW): Detects vehicles approaching from behind.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Provides an audible warning to the driver if vehicles are crossing behind the car while it is reversing.
NissanConnect Infotainment System
In a first for the Roox, Nissan has adopted the NissanConnect in-vehicle technology suite as a manufacturer option, combining navigation, security, and entertainment, supplementing traditional dealer-installed navigation options.
Equipped with Google built-in, the system now supports Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play, providing seamless access to a variety of information and entertainment. When paired with an optional drive recorder, it also supports a new Remote Photo Shot service, allowing remote vehicle monitoring via the owner’s smartphone.
The new Roox is currently only for sale in Japan, but many of its unique design and safety features will be incorporated into future global Nissan models.
