The Datsun 120Y was the third generation Datsun Sunny and featured an all new styling, now very distinctly Japanese looking.

Initially there was little difference from the previous Datsun models, as underneath the suspension and drive train were the same – even the 12″ wheels were carried over. Not that much of an improvement overall.

The body and interior, however, were all new. A little more exciting than the bland 1200 interior . Available as a two or four door sedan, a coupe, a wagon or a panel van, called Runner there were also three door wagons available in some markets. Utilising A series engines initially of 1200cc, this was later upgraded to 1400cc. American 120Y’s also came with the A13 engine.

Enormously popular in many countries throughout the world, the 120Y underwent undercarriage modification in 1975 when the front suspension was changed, 13″ rims fitted and the later type A12 engine with a 5 bearing crankshaft were used.

Never a glamorous car in its hey-day, the perennial 120Y can still be seen on the highways of today and, due to its poor road manners is not particularly collectable.

But, as with all cars that have been out of production for over 20 years, they are becoming more scarce and an extremely good condition vehicle could just make a good buying decision.

Add to this the public’s love of re-cycled kitsch and the Datsun 120Y could, just maybe, make a come back. Read more on the Datsun 120y

Seen as the replacement for the very popular Nissan Sentra, the Nissan Tiida has embraced what its predecessor was best known for: practicality and reliability.

The name Tiida (often misspelled as “Tida”) translates to “Dawn of a new day” in the Japanese language and is reflected throughout the bold new design of both the interior as well as the exterior of the car.

Achieving a high level of refinement for a car in this class, the luxurious features and fittings such as Tempur memory foam seating and soft interior lighting combined with optimum use of space and ultimate safety ensure that the Nissan Tiida is a class-leader.

One often hears that it’s the small things in life that count and this philosophy has been implemented in the ample storage compartments, sunglasses holder, sizeable glove box and cup holders. Sure, it might seem small, but it all adds up. Add to this the ample boot space of both the hatch back and sedan versions and the Tiida seems to tick all of the necessary boxes.

The aluminium engine delivers superb fuel economy and is ultra responsive whether driving through town or on the highway. With great engine power comes quietness and smoothness to match with a pendulum mount engine system which reduces vibration.

Active and passive safety features provide complete peace of mind with ABS anti-lock braking, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and Brake Assist providing maximum grip. All models have driver and passenger airbags giving you the best possible protection when driving the Nissan Tiida.

The brief for the Nissan GT-R was simple – “Build a super-car without the usual super-car limitations”. Setting new benchmarks for design, technology and engineering, the all-new GT-R has shattered all expectations.

Performance is altered easily with a three-switch system, allowing on-the-go adjustment of the transmission, suspension and VDC stability control.

The Nissan GT-R features a fully independent intake system for each bank of cylinders whilst a secondary air system helps heat the catalysts more quickly. Certified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle, the GT-R is not only powerful, but super-clean too.

Assembled by hand by one of only eight qualified technicians in a temperature and dust controlled room, the engine spends an hour in bench testing and break-in, including running at redline for a rigorous 10 minutes straight, ensures its readiness to go peak at full performance upon delivery to its lucky owner.

15” Brake rotors with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers provide amazing control and immense stopping power whilst the full floating discs all around help prevent heat distortion.

The Nissan GT-R has set a new industry benchmark for All-Wheel Drive vehicles with its clutches, transmission and transfer case mounted in the rear of the chassis, creating an independent rear transaxle, delivering unsurpassed performance.

The GT-R is the ultimate definition of a driver’s car with its bolstered front sports seats keeping you in place while the driver’s seat cushion has cutouts to facilitate leg movement.

Making your journey even more pleasurable, the BOSE sound system features 11 speakers and 2 subwoofers. The 9.3GB music box allows you to record approximately 3,000 songs whilst iPod connectivity is simple, using the USB port. Stay connected and keep safe with the integrated Bluetooth phone and ensuring you always reach your destination the latest satellite navigation technology is displayed on a high quality wide VGA display and touch screen panel.

A sports car that defies all of the usual super-car laws. The amazing Nissan GT-R.

The Nissan Navara is the epitome of bakkie meets 4×4 meets beast on steroids. I’ve had the pleasure of driving one of these and for some reason I felt like it was recreating the appeal of a sports car, but the bakkie-version of that. OK, I might be over-excited, but I think you get the picture.

For a vehicle weighing over 2 tons, it handles surprisingly well, although its size is a bit of a problem, especially when trying to park. It is very long, but I suppose this is a bonus if you’re actually using the loading tray at the back, which is significantly bigger than most of its double cab competitors.

The 2.5 diesel engine is powerful enough and I can only imagine the torque one would get from the 4.0 litre engine as you would probably be propelled from here to the next province with the slightest touch of the pedal.

The spacious and luxurious interior comes with all of the comfort elements one would expect from a top-quality SUV and it is often easy to forget that you are actually in a bakkie. Think electric windows, climate control, excellent CD/audio system, cruise control, etc. Boy, how times have changed.

With it’s straight lines and rigid body, this is the bakkie of bakkies, or is it the 4×4 of 4×4’s, or, well, whatever you decide to call it, the Nissan Navara is most definitely the one to have if you’re that way inclined. Hmmmm… I think I’ll have my Nissan Navara in black, please?

On the 30th of December 2008, Nissan announced pricing for its 2009 370Z sports car, which debuted in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Starting at $29,930, the 370Z Coupe is about $1,500 more expensive than the 350Z it replaces. The base model comes with a 6-speed manual, while upgrading to a 7-speed automatic brings the total to $31,230.

Nissan knows as well as anyone the dangers in redesigning a popular car. Through the 1990s, it “improved” its Z-car until the bloated 300ZX carried virtually none of the charm (not to mention the sales volume) of the original 240Z. Nissan returned the line to its former glory with the 350Z, and has been rewarded with a brilliantly successful six-year run. And with the 2009 370Z, which is making its debut this week at the Los Angeles auto show, it has proved it has finally learned how to build on success.

Read more »

The 2008 Nissan Frontier has a great off-road and hauling capabilities, in addition to its ample power and attractive exterior. Though, it doesn’t have the quality materials or interior space of some of its competitors.

The 2008 Frontier is available with two engines. The King Cab’s XE engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The SE, NISMO and LE trims for both King and Crew Cab have a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet. Drivetrains also vary dependent on trims. The base model has a five-speed manual transmission, but Frontiers also come with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
MSRP:
$16,530 – 28,330

Read more »