Nissan Replaces Pulsar with New Car: Tiida

Motoring Channel Staff - 19/10/2005

Nissan highlighted a number of new vehicles at the 2005 Australian International Motor Show, including an updated 350Z roadster and the Pulsar's replacement - the uniquely named Tiida.

Before we get the attractive 350Z models, the launch of the Nissan Tiida will be one of the company's most important moves in recent times, as it replaces the Pulsar range in February 2006.

Many fond memories will join the Pulsar's passing, which was first launched in Australia in 1980 and has since sold more than 370,000 units. The Tiida will take up the slack of the Pulsar's departure with sedan and hatch models, whose resemblance to parent company Renault's Megane is evident.

Nissan says that the Tiida will offer a giant leap forward for small car customers with its modern design, premium finishes and spacious interior, tempting buyers with occupant comfort and roominess normally associated with cars twice its size. Nissan claims that the Tiida is one of the most spacious cars in its class thanks to the consideration given to the interior and exterior dimensions, which maximise the available head, leg and shoulder room.

To further enhance interior space on the high-grade hatch models, a clever rear sliding seat moves up to 24cm to increase either passenger or cargo capacity in the rear.

Power for the Pulsar's replacement is courtesy of an all aluminium 1.8-litre engine, which Nissan says has excellent fuel economy and performance, where the adoption of continuous valve timing control (C-VTC) has resulted in better efficiency without sacrificing power.

Two transmissions will be available with manual models the first in the class to get a 6-speed transmission across the range, while automatic models will come with a 4-speed unit. Pricing is expected to mirror that of the passing Pulsar and the new Tiida will be on sale in early 2006 (Feb).

Though it won't sell in as high numbers as the Tiida, Nissan's iconic flagship sports car, the 350Z, is important in other ways, being the brand's current 'halo' model until the new GT-R Skyline rolls out in 2007.

New features for the 2006 350Z range include a more powerful engine, as well as enhancements to its exterior and interior. The current 5th generation Z (Z33 model) has sold a total of about 160,000 units globally since its release in July 2002, and as part of the 2006 model year update, the 350Z is now available with a 221kW engine across the range.

The 350Z's VQ35DE engine - the same engine that powers the 350Z anniversary model – has been boosted to 221kW on 6-speed manual models, up from 206kW.

The 15kW boost in engine power was increased by improving induction efficiency, says Nissan, with larger-diameter air ducts and retuning the valve timing. All entry-level touring models now receive 320mm front brake discs and 308mm back brake discs, for improved thermal capacity (reduced brake fade) and improved feel.

While continuing the basic design cues popular among customers, the Z's exterior styling has been updated thanks to a redesigned front bumper and new Xenon headlamps, as well as the addition of light-emitting diode (LED) rear combination lamps to give it a sophisticated look. The remodelled Z has also been given newly styled 18-inch aluminium wheels which are now standard on all grades.

The interior features greater use of authentic aluminium accents, soft-feel materials, additional storage spaces, an optimised control switch layout and other refinements which enhance the Z's quality and convenience.

The 2006 model year 350Z line-up consists of five models - three Coupes and two Roadsters. The Touring Coupe is available with either the 6-speed manual transmission for $62,990 or the 5-speed automatic for $64,990. The Track Coupe is now available with a manual transmission only for $67,990. The Roadster is available as either a manual-only Track for $73,990 or automatic-only Touring for the same price.

Another new model seen on the Nissan stand was the new-look Navara, which as well as being bigger than before, also benefits from a new dual cab range.

Available in 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrain configurations, the D40 Navara is powered by either a 4.0-litre V6 petrol or 2.5-litre common rail turbo diesel engine. The potent 4.0-litre DOHC V6 petrol engine (also seen in the new Pathfinder) generates 198kW @ 5600rpm rpm and 385Nm of torque @ 4000rpm.

The flexible 2.5-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine generates 128kW @ 4000rpm and a massive 403Nm of torque @ 2000rpm. Both engines are available with either a new 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Like the Pathfinder, the Navara features a rugged ladder-frame chassis and a refined independent front suspension system featuring double wishbones and coil springs. A rigid axle and over slung leaf springs at the rear are designed to give the Navara the best possible payload levels while providing SUV-like ride, handling and comfort.

The practicality of the new Navara is further enhanced by the C-Channel utili-track system. This factory-fitted system incorporates five rails (one channel on either side of the load floor, plus one on each of the three fixed sides of the pick-up bed) into which self-locking cleats can be placed, providing fixed points for securing ropes and a full range of bespoke accessories designed to work with C-Channel.

The new D40 Navara will be sold alongside the existing D22 Navara as part of a dual sales campaign aimed to give customers even greater choice in a very popular market segment.