The Hustler

Nissan is targeting the sports car and station wagon markets with its three new models, writes ALASTAIR SLOANE.

The sub-$40,000 sports car market in New Zealand has been ruled largely by the delightful Mazda MX-5.
Now there's a serious new player - Nissan's all-new 200SX, a turbocharged, front-engine/rear-drive hustler priced at an aggressive $39,995.

Not only is it nearly $4000 cheaper than the model it replaces, it is better-looking, shorter, lighter, lower and more powerful.

And it comes with the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic. The previous manual model used a five-speed manual.

Nissan's share of the new-car market is up by 1 per cent over last year and it will release more new models in 1999 than any other year in its history.

The new Patrol and the facelifted Pathfinder and Primera came earlier in the year. The all-new 200SX, Pulsar and Primera station wagons appeared last week. More models are due.

Nissan reckons the 200SX looks fast standing still. It sits on the same 2525mm wheelbase as the previous model but its compact dimensions give it a more purposeful stance.

Power from the boosted 2-litre, 16-valve four-cylinder engine is up 14 per cent, an increase which should give the 200SX a top speed of about 230 km/h.

The six-speed manual model now produces 184kW at 6400 rpm (165kW at 6000 rpm in the automatic) and 275Nm of pulling power at 4800 rpm.

Sixth gear in the new gearbox is an overdrive ratio, while a limited-slip differential helps the other five cogs get the power down through 16-in alloy wheels shod with low-profile 205/55R tyres.

The previous 200SX liked to be driven hard, its well-weighted rack and pinion steering and suspension system - MacPherson struts in front and multi-link in the rear - encouraging the driver to have fun on the throttle.

The new model uses the same setup but a more rigid body, aided by braces in the boot and underneath the engine bay, improves handling and driver involvement even further.

The 200SX comes with anti-lock ABS brakes and dual airbags. A brake assist system, largely an industry standard these days, applies extra braking force in an emergency.

Low-mounted sports seats, a leather-covered, height-adjustable steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning and a few other goodies complete the interior picture.

The Primera wagon ($33,995) and its interior space has enabled Nissan to enter a new market segment, one it hasn't been in for many years.

The Primera load-carrier uses a 2-litre four-cylinder engine which produces about 14kW more power than the sedan. This is because the wagon is a Japanese domestic product and the sedan an export model.

The wagon sits on the same 2600mm wheelbase as the sedan but is 50mm higher at 1450mm and 55mm longer at 4515mm. Cargo capacity is 1650 litres.

The rear seat splits 60/40 to aid loading and the luggage area is covered by a blind, has its own power outlet, a separate internal light and underfloor storage.

Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, dual airbags and height-adjustable front seatbelts and a cut-off valve in the fuel tank should the vehicle roll in an accident. The steering wheel is tilt-adjustable and air-conditioning is standard.

The Pulsar wagon ($27,950) is similarly equipped, safety- and comfort-wise. The all-new model is powered by a low-maintenance, low-emission, 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which Nissan says provides smoother acceleration from lower engine speeds, a characteristic ideal for load carriers.

The wagon sits on a wider track than the sedan or hatchback and, like the Primera, has a split-folding rear seat and separate interior light. Cargo hooks help secure the load.