DESIGNERS have been liberated at Nissan to produce bold and innovative vehicles, ditching the brand's reputation for staidness. That is the claim of Nissan Motor GB managing director Brian Carolin as he revealed that a new Z-car will go on sale in the UK in 2003.

With the new Primera due to go on sale here next February and a radically designed Micra entering showrooms early in 2003, Nissan's entire European vehicle line-up will have been renewed within two years. The Z Concept made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show and was the focus of Nissan's Geneva stand.

Originally designed for the American market, the Z-car will go on sale in the UK as a two-door, two-seat, closed sports car, although there will also be a cabriolet version. Powered by a 3.5 V6 260bhp engine, the rear-wheel drive vehicle is expected to cost £27,000- £28,000. It will compete with the likes of the Audi TT Coupe and Porsche Boxster for user-chooser company car driver sales.

Pointing to the Nissan Revival Plan announced in October 1999 following the company's collaboration with Renault, Carolin said: 'It is all about Nissan being bold. Our cars are going to be distinctive and that will start with new Primera.' With its 'wow factor' design, Nissan is hoping to achieve a 5% market share in the next two to three years - up from 4.5% last year. issan's new wave of new vehicles in the UK will start in October with the launch of X-Trail.