November 2001 Volume 82 Number 11 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Rally feel to new hatch

The success of Nissan in Australia has come from sales of more than 283,000 Pulsars over the past 21 years. The current N16 Pulsar sedan has, since its 2000 release, become one of the most popular models.

To complete the N16 range, Nissan has released a sporty new hatch in ST and Q specifications. Manufactured in Sunderland, UK, the hatch has a definite European flavour and is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor.

The same spirited 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine - already available in the current sedan - powers both hatch models. Each comes with either a slick-shifting, five-speed manual transmission or four-speed auto with lock-up torque converter.

Nissan claims stronger suspension mounting points and a 30 per cent increase in body rigidity bring improved ride and handling. A Police Journal test drive supported the claim. The manual Q gave a smooth, compliant ride around town. When pushed a little on winding bitumen, it remained flat and totally predictable. The Q was even smooth and agile on rough dirt roads and had a rally feel about it.

Its 16-valve, DOHC engine features a direct ignition system and valve-timing control for improved torque at low to mid-range engine speeds. Power output is impressive: 92kW at 5,600rpm and 161Nm of torque at 4,400rpm.

The engine is strong, flexible and fuel-efficient. Nissan claims fuel consumption of 7.8 litres/100km (city) and 5.2 litres/100km (highway) for the manual. On the journal test drive, it used less than half its 60-litre tank to cover 330km of city, suburban and spirited hills driving.

Bold styling and a unique grille give the hatch a sporty look. This theme continues with a wide, sloping dash in dual shades of grey. And comfortable seats - as well as plenty of storage areas - accommodate occupants well.

With dual air bags, air conditioning, CD player and remote locking, the ST manual retails for $21,690.

For an extra $2,300, the Q comes with:

• Alloy wheels.
• Rear spoiler.
• Power windows.
• Leather steering wheel.

An asset to the Nissan stable, the new hatch does everything well.

Outside the mainstream

Few believe that Daihatsu’s range of small, cleverly designed vehicles represents the mainstream market. The new Daihatsu creation, YRV, gives credence to that belief.

This small, four-door wagon offers many surprises, but is not - as Daihatsu believes - likely to excite the youth market.

So, it won’t break any sales records, but it is versatile, easy-to-drive and well equipped.

It is most likely to have appeal as a second family car or an “urban runabout”. For such uses, it would be ideal.

Its unusual styling - triangular front and rear lights, a sporty front air dam and a double wedge-shaped profile - essentially turns a box into a sporty little wagon. A short, sloping bonnet and large windscreen provide excellent forward vision, but wide A and B pillars cause some obstruction.

For its $17,990 price tag, YRV is reasonably comfortable and well appointed. Its standard equipment includes:

• Air conditioning.
• Power windows and mirrors.
• Central locking.
• Kenwood CD player with remote control.
• Dual airbags.
• Seat belt pre-tensioners.
• Large front and rear headrests.

The 50/50, split-fold rear seat can slide forward or backward up to 150mm, enhancing leg room or cargo space. It is mounted higher than the front seats, providing rear-seat passengers with better forward vision. As well as folding forward, the rear squabs lay back individually and the seat bases can be completely removed to enhance cargo space further.

YRV’s rev-happy, 1.3-litre engine gives good performance, albeit a little noisy in the upper-rev range. With twin camshafts and variable-valve timing, the 16-valve four produces 64kW at 6,000rpm. Acceleration is spirited off the mark and, on a Police Journal test, the car performed well on a country run. It even has plenty of punch on hills, as long as one uses the gearbox correctly.

A four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with “steer-shift” gear selection (up/down shift buttons on the steering wheel) is available for an additional $1,800.

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