Nissan gives its coupe a boost

By Alastair Sloane

Nissan New Zealand surprised much of the car market last week when it launched its all-new 200SX sports coupe at below $40,000.

The aggressive price is aimed at foiling parallel importers who otherwise would try to undercut the new price.

Nissan believes many buyers not only want a fair price but the benefit of a three-year 100,000km factory warranty, something that importers can't provide.

The latest model is about $10,000 cheaper than that of a few years ago. Talking point of the 200SX is the turbocharger boost mounted on the A-pillar.

Nissan says its research showed the guage fell into the driver's peripheral line of vision and provides a quick reminder of how the engine is performing.

The instruments, too, have white faces with silver numerals. At night, subdued orange back-lighting eliminates unwanted reflections in the windscreen.

The 200SX is better looking and more powerful than the model it replaces. Its more compact dimensions give it a more purposeful stance.

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

Power from the boosted 2-litre, 16-valve four-cylinder engine is up 14 per cent. The six-speeed manual model now produces 184kW at 6400 rpm (165kW at 6000 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.

The 200SX uses rack and pinion steering and its suspension system is MacPherson struts in front and multi-link in the rear. It sits on 16-inch wheels.

The new model a more rigid body then its predecessor, strength aided by braces in the boot and underneath the engine bay, which improves handling 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.