NISSAN FUGA | NISSAN FUGA | NISSAN's New Top-of-the-Range

NISSAN FUGA | NISSAN FUGA

NISSAN's New Top-of-the-Range

The new Fuga is NISSAN's top-of-the-range model. While this is the second generation, it is positioned as a model that also inherits the market previously served by the Cima. As such, it aims for a high standard by adopting unique technologies in all areas of performance, comfort, and safety. The lineup, centered around the engine, consists of two options: a 2.5-liter (from ¥3,990,000) and a 3.7-liter (from ¥4,578,000).

Text by Fumio OgawaPhotos by Masayuki Arakawa

Power Units: 3.7-liter and 2.5-liter Options

The Fuga is a four-door sedan with a generous overall length of 4,945mm and an imposing width of 1,845mm. In the United States, it is sold through the premium brand Infiniti channel, and it seems to have been designed with rivals such asLexusand German marques in mind. The rear-wheel-drive system continues to be employed, with all-wheel-drive models also available in the lineup.

The V6 powerplant, mounted longitudinally in the front, comes in two variants: a 3.7-liter producing 333 horsepower and a 2.5-liter producing 225 horsepower. The transmission is a 7-speed torque converter automatic with a manual mode. A notable feature is the optional Drive Mode Selector, NISSAN's first integrated vehicle control system. In addition to the Standard mode, there is a Sport mode that enhances powertrain response, and an ECO mode that, when combined with the optional ECO Pedal, alerts the driver to inefficient driving through feedback from the accelerator pedal.

Pleasing Steering Feel

The model tested was the Fuga 370GT type S (¥4,924,500), which is said to pursue driving enjoyment the most within the series. It features the Drive Mode Selector and a sports-tuned suspension. Consequently, from the moment of setting off, the car's briskness, belying its 2,025kg weight, is surprising. Particularly when selecting Sport mode and lightly pressing the accelerator, one can experience a nimble acceleration that feels like the rear wheels are powerfully propelling the car forward.

NISSAN excels at tuning handling, and in the Fuga, even when transitioning from the neutral position to turning, it maintains a suitable sense of weight without being too heavy, while accurately conveying the vehicle's behavior to the driver's hands. While it may not offer the overt sporty feel of European sports sedan rivals like Audi or BMW, this weight contributes to the Fuga's unique character, which is highly appealing.

An Excellent Grand Tourer

As mentioned, the acceleration in Sport mode is brisk, and there were times when the suspension felt a bit too stiff. Therefore, the Standard mode offers a pleasingly calm ride, but the ECO mode is also worth trying on routes with less stop-and-go traffic. The pedal feedback can be adjusted in two stages to preference, but the acceleration, where the pedal itself warns against over-application, is by no means bad. Practicing to depress the accelerator within the range where the pedal "allows" it promises considerable fuel efficiency.

The interior, with its semi-aniline leather seats and real wood trim, felt luxurious, but perhaps a bit too heavy for a sporty grade like the type S. It might have been better with a lighter touch, or perhaps even a light two-tone finish, or materials reminiscent of sportswear, like those found in the Fairlady Z Roadster, could have been used for the seat upholstery. While it might be that the car's broad capabilities, covering everything from chauffeuring to sporty driving, are too extensive, if the aim is to provide an enjoyable automotive life, a more focused concept might have been desirable.

I once drove this Fuga from Tokyo to Mino in Gifu and back in a single day. It was a drive with four adults, and the ride comfort on the highway was excellent. The intermediate acceleration was also superb, and the low level of fatigue was a lasting impression. The steering felt a bit sensitive around the neutral point, but perhaps that was due to the tires.