December 11, 2003 – , Wed Dec 08 00:00:00 -0600 2010 Nissan improves on the trend-setting, sporty appearance that has made the 200SX so popular with consumers with the introduction of the restyled 1998 200SX. The updated exterior is complemented by a potent engine and finely-tuned handling, giving the 200SX the look and performance expected from Nissan. The new taillights, multi-parabola headlights, front and rear bumper fascias, exhaust finisher and front grille add to the sleek style of the 200SX, while each trim level features unique enhancements. The 200SX also boasts three new exterior colors and upgraded interior cloth for all trim levels. With roots tracing back to such legendary enthusiast favorites as the Datsun 1600/2000 roadsters, 510 sedan and the original Z, the 1998 200SX remains a true driver's car. It's fun, enjoyable, stylish attitude exemplifies Nissan's "Enjoy the ride." brand personality. "The 200SX is unique to Nissan in that the vehicle is a combination of our two greatest strengths - sports car performance and handling with sedan-like comfort and fuel efficiency," noted Tom Eastwood, vice president, Nissan Division. Three models are available in 1998 - the value-oriented 200SX Base model, the sporty 200SX SE and the high-performance 200SX SE-R. The 200SX Base and 200SX SE models are equipped with a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, while the 200SX SE-R features a more powerful 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine developed with the driving enthusiast in mind. The sporty 200SX SE-R has been refined to meet California emissions requirements and will now be available for sale in those states that require vehicles to meet California exhaust emissions standards. The 200SX Base is now also equipped with 14-inch all-season steel-belted radial wheels. Engine/Suspension/Body Structure The 200SX Base and 200SX SE powertrain delivers 115 horsepower and excellent fuel economy. The standard 5-speed manual transmission boasts EPA estimates of 39/29 mpg Highway/City and 36/27 mpg Highway/City for models equipped with the optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The ability of the 1.6-liter engine to achieve optimal fuel economy while maximizing performance is attributed to Nissan's Variable Valve Timing Control System. Electronically-controlled sensors continuously measure throttle position and engine speed and activate the variable intake valve timing mechanism, meeting demands on the engine and providing better performance at lower engine speeds without sacrificing high speed power output or fuel economy. For customers wanting a more powerful engine, 200SX SE-R rises to the challenge with an all-aluminum 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, delivering peak performance with 140 horsepower and 132 ft-lbs of torque. Capable of handling a myriad of driving situations, the 200SX SE-R also offers superior fuel economy with EPA mileage estimates of 31/23 mpg Highway/City for the 5-speed manual transmission and 30/23 mpg Highway/City for the 4-speed automatic transmission. All 200SX models feature an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and utilize Nissan's innovative rear Multi-Link Beamä suspension. Enhancing its sports car capabilities, the SE-R model adds a 25.4 mm front stabilizer bar to improve control during cornering maneuvers. A rear stabilizer bar is also fitted to all 200SX models. The design of the rear Multi-Link Beam suspension allows for greater interior space, and also reduces road noise by replacing struts with shock absorbers and springs. Softer bushings and five suspension mounting points also help reduce noise into the interior cabin. Interior Never known to overlook details, Nissan engineers have enhanced the 200SX with numerous comfort and convenience features. Comfort enhancing interior features include: reclining front seats with added support for the pelvis and lumbar arch, a tilt steering column, center console without a lid for easy accessibility, adjustable front head restraints and pull-out type cup holders. Other notable standard conveniences include: power trunk and fuel-filler door releases, trunk lamp, rear coat hooks and 12-volt in-dash power source. The unique rear suspension design of the 200SX allows for a spacious rear seat, perfect for passengers or for storage. Also adding to passenger comfort is a generous amount of front head room and rear shoulder, hip and leg room, providing ample space for two adults to sit comfortably in the rear seats. Additionally, 60/40 split fold-down seatbacks on the 200SX SE and SE-R models make the roomy 10.4 cu. ft. storage capacity even more convenient and accessible. Safety Features The 1998 200SX comes equipped with an extensive list of standard safety features, including: dual air bags, manual 3-point ALR/ELR seat belt system for the front passenger-side and rear outboard positions,"Fasten seat belt"warning lights and warning chimes, energy absorbing steering column, front and rear body structure crumple zones, and steel side-door guard beams. For added braking confidence, an advanced 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock braking system (ABS) is available on SE and SE-R. Standard Equipment/Optional Features and Packages There are three distinct trim levels - 200SX, SE and SE-R - giving customers a wide selection of standard and optional features from which to choose. Standard features include power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for better handling, rear window defroster and dual power remote-controlled outside mirrors. In 1998, all models will enjoy Nissan's signature white-faced analog speedometer and tachometer gauges for greater readability. Also new this year, the lower portion of the instrument panel and center console have been modified to a darker color to create a more integrated look in the interior. Additionally, all models are fitted with an upgraded jacquard flat woven seat cloth. Seat sides and back are now covered in the same, durable cloth on the 200SX Base model. The 200SX SE receives several additional enhancements, adding to its overall sporty look, including 14-inch steel wheels (standard on 200SX and SE) with newly designed wheel covers (now also standard on the Base model) and black side-view mirrors. The 200SX SE comes equipped with bucket front seats, fog lights and body-color side sill extensions and door handles. Passenger comfort items such as CFC-free air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD with digital clock, Dolby® noise reduction and four speakers, power windows and door locks, and split fold-down rear seats complete the package. The top-of-the-line 200SX SE-R adds: vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering), power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, lower body sill extensions and a remote keyless entry and vehicle security system (optional). Design/Manufacturing The 200SX features unique sporty coupe styling, with a low hood line and steeply raked rear window line that curves smoothly into the cars high trunk line. This design creates a smooth, aerodynamic shape that is also practical, allowing for a sizable interior and trunk dimensions in a space-efficient package. Manufactured at Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation (NMMC) in Smyrna, Tenn., each 200SX model is held to the highest quality standards, and all are subjected to ongoing quality inspections throughout the manufacturing process. All models are built using Nissan's corrosion-resistant DURASTEEL", and are protected with undercoating and durable paint. New for 1998 are three new exterior colors, Deep Crystal Blue, Sierra Pine and Timber Frost, in addition to the previously available Aztec Red, Autumn Sunburst, Super Black, Platinum Gold and Cloud White. Two interior cloth color schemes are available, Gray and Charcoal. Warranty All 1998 Nissan models are covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile "bumper-to-bumper" Limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Corrosion Coverage and a Lifetime Seat Belt Warranty. Issued by Nissan