News & Events
2017 Nissan Qashqai: From Britain with Love.
By Mike Smith at @roving.mediaNissan first introduced the Qashqai in Europe in 2007, correctly predicting the explosion in the compact crossover segment. Fast-forward ten years and one full redesign, and the Qashqai is still one of the best selling crossovers in Europe. This Qashqai, which was new in Europe for 2013, was designed and engineered in Britain with an eye on the European market. It's built at Nissan's plant in Sunderland, UK.
Here in North America, Nissan has had huge success with the Rogue, which is essentially a larger, three-row version of the Qashqai. In fact, the Qashqai is sold as the Rogue Sport in the U.S. The name Qashqai refers to a group of people living in the mountains of southwest Iran and literally translates to "a horse with a white forehead." It's sad but safe to say Americans would embrace this Iranian tongue twister about as readily as they would Mahmoud Ahmedinejad.
Every year more buyers are leaving sedans behind for the practical packaging of crossovers, and every year there's a raft of new options to choose from. With Rogues selling like poutine at a Leafs game, Nissan sees room for expansion into the growing subcompact segment. Things have heated up in the segment over the last couple of years, with contenders like the new Jeep Compass, Mazda CX3, and Subaru Crosstrek hitting the road.
The Qashqai's styling is clean and friendly, and the proportions are more pleasing than the larger Rogue. It looks good from every angle, with strong shoulders and a purposeful stance.It is particularly handsome with the top-spec SL's 19-inch machined-face alloy wheels. My Qashqai SV tester came with 17" rollers, trading a few style points for a smoother ride.
For complete review, click here.
"An evening with Jim Cuddy" in support of the YWCA Toronto
November 2016On Wednesday, November 23, 2016, the Downtown Automotive Group (DAG) proudly presented the acclaimed Canadian musical artist Jim Cuddy at the iconic Winter Garden Theatre in Downtown Toronto.
The event, which was attended by more than 400 people including DAG customers, vendors, automotive partners and DAG employees, was a resounding success raising funds which will go directly towards the YWCA Toronto Women's Shelters program.
Our corporate partners were instrumental to the success of the event and the results of the initiative that will be given to the YWCA Toronto.
With amazing music, delicious gourmet samplings and wine, the event demonstrated the community support for the YWCA Toronto Women's Shelters program and the deep commitment DAG has for the organization.
Nissan Downtown proudly partners with Toronto Muddy York Rugby Football Club
April 2016In April 2016, Nissan Downtown established a partnership with Toronto Muddy York RFC as one of the club's regular season sponsors. Toronto Muddy York RFC is Toronto's only (and one of only three in Canada) all-inclusive rugby club. Established in 2003, Toronto Muddy York RFC is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and breaks stereotypes at each and every practice & match. Find out more at www.muddyyork.ca
2015 B&O Yorkville Run
September 2015For the past 3 years the Downtown Automotive Group has been a principal sponsor of the B&O Yorkville Run in support of YWCA Women's Shelters.
The YWCA Women's Shelter is for women and their children fleeing abuse. It provides a free, safe, caring home and the counseling and support women need to heal and plan for the future.
The 6th Annual B&O Yorkville Run took place on Sunday, September 13 at 9:45 AM and was an overwhelming success with all 1,000 spots for registration quickly taken up by participants, the energy in the air on that brisk September morning was electric.
The various DAG teams (Lexus Downtown, Downtown Toyota, Downtown Hyundai, Infiniti Downtown, Nissan Downtown, Toyota on Front, and Avenue Nissan) came together for this event and raised almost $63,000 for the YWCA Women's Shelters & other local groups in need of support.
Shahin Alizadeh, President & CEO of Downtown Automotive Group, presented the cheque to B&O co-owner Jordan Korenzvit - the creator of the run - with great pride saying that the funds raised from the event make a difference in the lives of many & that DAG is proud to be a leading partner of the run.