Nissan's flagship sports coupé, the 200SX, was extensively restyled in October 1996 to give a more aggressive appearance, reflecting its outstanding performance. In 1999, the popular touring pack model was updated again replacing black leather with a new, brighter tan leather interior.
With a 0-60 mph performance of under seven seconds, a top speed of 146 mph and 200 PS available from its 2.0-litre turbo charged engine, the rear-wheel drive 200SX has been widely acclaimed as one of the most entertaining coupés on the market.
Redesigning the bonnet, grille, front bumper and front wings has given the 200SX a wider, lower, more muscular stance and the Touring Pack model also boasts side skirts. The rear lamp clusters were also restyled to give a smoother, sleeker look.
On the inside, there is an elegant velour seat material for the standard model and a revised instrument binnacle with a carbon fibre-effect surround. The addition of a space-saver instead of full size spare tyre has significantly improved the 200SX’s luggage space.
Technically, the 200SX remains largely unchanged from the 1996 update, although headlamp performance has been improved by the addition of projector-beam front lights, and the engine has been retuned to meet new emissions regulations. Power and torque output are identical at 200PS and 195 lb ft respectively, producing blistering performance and superb flexibility right through the rev range.
Rear-wheel drive has always been preferred over front drive, for a high performance car, but surprisingly the 200 SX is the only sports coupé in its class to offer this arrangement. Combine this with its excellent driving position, crisp steering and beautifully balanced chassis, and it is no surprise that it has been hailed as one of the most rewarding cars you can drive for the money.
Prices remain highly competitive at £22,000 for the standard car and £24,700 (on-the-road) for the Touring Pack edition, which adds tan leather seats, a 10-disc CD autochanger and a passenger airbag to the already generous equipment list. Air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS), a driver's airbag, an alarm and immobiliser system, a six-speaker sound system, and a limited slip differential are just some of the equipment highlights fitted as standard to both models.
A four-speed automatic gearbox is also available on the touring pack model for an on-the-road price of £25,700.
Safety is a top priority for all Nissan models and the 200 SX has an impressive array of both active and passive safety features. Superb interior ergonomics, excellent visibility, a well balanced chassis and the ABS system all help the driver to avoid an accident in the first place. However in the event of a crash the passive safety features keep injuries to an absolute minimum.
Apart from airbags, the 200 SX offers anti-submarining seats, pretensioner seatbelts, a rigid passenger cell with front and rear crumple zones, side impact door beams, reinforced roof pillars and locking seatbelts fitted to the rear and front passenger seats which can be used to secure a child seat firmly in place.
Two pearlescent (emerald green and sapphire blue) and two solid colours (flame red and kuro black) are available for the 200 SX.
200SX, like all Nissan vehicles, is covered by Nissan Assure which includes Nissan's comprehensive three-year or 60,000 mile mechanical warranty, three-year paint warranty and six-year perforation corrosion protection. Twelve months roadside assistance operated in conjunction with the RAC is also included.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Linda Robinson Press Officer, Product Affairs 01923 899930
E-mail: linda.robinson@nissan.co.uk
Andrew Roberts Manager, Product Affairs 01923 899930
E-mail: andrew.roberts@nissan.co.uk
All Nissan news releases can be downloaded from the Newspress website at http://www.newspress.co.uk
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