Nissan Hardbody Range - 2002

On the comeback trail

With the Nissan Revival Plan in full swing, enabling Nissan to internationally show huge profits and starting to roll out one new model after another, it is buyers that are ultimately benefiting - big-time. The latest and greatest Hardbody is here, pushing the brand significantly upmarket in terms of looks, design, finish and overall build quality, and with a 0% price increase on some models…

Nissan SA is establishing a new identity, one that is more upmarket and trendy, more lifestyle orientated, and offering better value for money. As part of the international Nissan revival, South Africans are benefiting from better service and backup and access to significantly enhanced products.

It really started with the Almera, an altogether good all-round light passenger car. Then came the lifestyle-orientated X-Trail, of which demand keeps exceeding supply in a big way. And then came the redesigned Hardbody, better in every respect, with new and better engines and offering more bang for the buck.

For Nissan SA, a lot is riding in the Hardbody – it accounts for over 60% of all its sales in this market, and in South Africanised form, is now labeled an SUV (sports utility vehicle – why not simply call it a lifestyle vehicle?) to set it apart from the commercial vehicle role it has largely played until now. These are workhorses in more ways than one – they need to operate in hot and dusty conditions, at high speed and be able to tow a load.

Because of the technological advantages in terms op power and economy, diesel derivatives are being pushed as the models of choice (Nissan hopes to push 70% of all new Hardbody with diesel engines and sell 65% of them in the lifestyle category). The target market is unashamedly younger, more active and more affluent. The product is more exciting, modern and functional, has a more aggressive styling, and offers more power and tech.

In the 3.3-litre V6 models, power is up by 33% and torque went up 37%, while the 3-litre diesel is the most powerful in its segment.

In all there are 15 new models, ranging from 2-litre single cab workhorses to lavishly equipped 3.3 V6 and 3-litre 16V turbo diesel single and double cab 4x2 Hi-Riders and 4x4 Off-Roaders with ABS and twin airbags – a model for everyone and every application. All engines but the workhorse 2.7 diesels are new.

Key figures in brief: 2-litre 16-valve four cylinder petrol – 92 kW/174 Nm; 2.4i 16V – 110 kW/208 Nm; 2.7 diesel – 64 kW/178 Nm; 3.3 V6 petrol (VG33E) – 125 kW/265 Nm; 3-litre 16V turbo diesel (ZD30DDT) - 105 kW/314 Nm.

All models are well equipped - even the entry-level workhorse bakkies have car-like instrumentation with a digital clock, low fuel warning light, headlamp on warning buzzer, driver's footrest, lockable cubby, headrests, tinted glass and mud flaps. Safety and security items include side impact protection bars, a collapsible steering column and immobilizer across the range. SL models add power steering, differential lock, intermittent wipe for the windscreen wiper, 3-spoke steering wheel, rev counter and sliding rear window, while SE models get air-conditioning, electrically operated windows, central locking, keyless entry, bucket seats, centre console, radio with front-loading CD player, cupholders and map reading lights.

The latter models are distinguished by a roll bar and nudge bar, styled rear bumper with provision for a tow ball, 16" alloy wheels, body-colour over-fenders and front bumper, front fog lights and a chrome grille. In addition, the top-line double cab SEL models get airbags for driver and front passenger, four-spoke leather steering wheel, cloth upholstery with leather bolsters, tonneau cover, roof carrier, 16-inch alloy wheels and (in 3000TD and 3300 4x4s) ABS brakes.

Suspension is independent (double wishbones and torsion bars mated to telescopic shocks). The rigid rear axle has multi-leaf springs and offset telescopic shock absorbers.

Warranty and service intervals remain as is.

In all, it seems as if Nissan is serious about its intent on capturing a larger part of the lifestyle segment of the market. In its latest guise, especially top line models, the Hardbody has more than what it needs to make the competition sit up and take note.