NISSAN has announced a series of price rises as well as a range of 1998 model year changes. The Almera range increases by an average of 1% this month, with the exception of the special edition Muzic at £9,995 on-the-road and the top-of-the-range GTi, which stays at £15,400.

Primera and Serena also increase by an average of 1% with Primera receiving specification enhancements including 15in wheels across the range and alloy wheels on Si and SLX models. The GT model also now includes a CD-autochanger. The 1998 QX range will be available from November with new exterior and interior trim, side airbags and on-board computer - with prices increasing by an average 1.7%.

Terrano II prices go up by an average of 1.1% across the new 1998 model year range, which includes a 2.7TDi SE Touring with leather upholstery for £24,395. The special X-treme version, introduced in July, also becomes part of the standard range.

Sample on-the-road prices (with previous prices in brackets): Almera Si 3-dr 1.4 16V £12,150 (£11,995), Almera SLX 4- or 5-dr 1.6 16V £14,350 (£14,195), Primera Equation 4- or 5-dr 1.6 16V £13,595 (£13,495), Primera GX 4- or 5-dr 2.0 TD £15,270 (£15,270), Primera SLX 4- or 5-dr 1.6 16V £16,050 (£15,690), Primera SE 4-or 5-dr 2.0 16V £18,400 (£18,300), Serena GX 5-dr 1.6 16V £15,595 (£15,425), Serena SLX 5-dr 2.3 diesel £16,975 (£16,800), QX (1998 model year) S 4-dr £19,200 (£18,895), QX SE 4-dr 2.0 V6 24V £21,700 (£21,295), SEL 4-dr 3.0 V6 24V auto £29,400 (£28,995), Terrano II (1998 model year) X-treme 3-dr 2.4 £16,295 (£15,995), SE 5-dr 2.7 TDi £21,895 (£21,695), SE Touring 5-dr 2.7 TDi £24,395 (£23,995). Prices include the higher priced road fund licence of £150 which is due to come into effect on November 15.