Popular International Nissan Cars
Nissan Cars For Serious Enthusiasts
The Nissan Motor Corporation is headquartered in Nishi-Ku, Yokohama, Japan. The company sells a wide range of brand-new Nissan cars in countries all over the world under the Nissan, Infiniti, Datsun and Nismo brands. The origins of Nissan date back to the early 20th century, with the Nissan zaibatsu, now called Nissan Group.
Nissan has also been part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999 which is a partnership between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan and Renault of France. Through this partnership, extensive research and development, they’ve manufactured a long list of impressive Nissan cars and here are some of the standout international Nissan cars as well as a summary of their Nissan model history.
Nissan Skyline
The history of Nissan Skyline shows that this legendary vehicle was originally built by Japan’s Prince Motor Company and was first introduced in 1957. Production continued until 1966 when Prince and Nissan merged which is when this humble, modest 4-door luxury car started its exciting transformation into the performance car we know and love today.
When it comes to the history of Nissan Skyline GTR, from the R30 Skyline to the 1988 Skyline GTS-R R31, everything they did set the scene for the Nissan Skyline R32 GTR which many pundits call the precursor to the modern Nissan GT-R.
They didn’t stop there as other highly successful performance Nissan cars included the Nissan Skyline R33, Nissan Skyline R35 and the Nissan Skyline GTR R35.
Nissan Altima
Since its debut in 1992, the Nissan Altima has been a high-end mid-size favourite sedan for families and business professionals. With continuously impressive sales rates for each model, the Nissan Altima demonstrates that its safety-first and unique appearance are popular among a wide variety of drivers.
Nissan’s Altima design language is all about attention to detail and top-of-the-line aesthetics bolstered by its elegant and functional looks. While its greatest selling points are the safety features and various functions for the driver and passengers, it also features an impressive top speed and fuel economy.
All of that is topped off with a luxurious interior, an innovative steering wheel and a good suspension and traction system for added comfort.
Nissan Silvia
The Nissan S10 was the first car produced in the S-Series where a distinguished 2-door fastback version featured a single slope from the roof to the rear. Introduced in 1975, the S10 was available in manual and automatic modes but they later introduced a hatchback version which remained in demand until the Nissan S12 generation.
From there, they introduced the Nissan S13 in mid-1988 which became tremendously popular in Japan with good overall performance and styling to match. The Nissan Silvia S14 made its debut in Japan towards the end of 1993 but was lower and wider than the Nissan S13. A revised model was launched and sold as the second-generation Nissan 240SX in North America from 1995 to 1998.
Nissan Z
The history of Nissan Z dates back to 1969 when the Nissan Z range of sports cars was manufactured by Nissan in seven generations. The original Z model was sold from October 1969 in Japan as the Nissan Fairlady but it was initially promoted for export as the Datsun 240Z. Since then, Nissan has made six generations with the most recent being the new Nissan Z which has been in production since 2009.
Petrolheads around the world have praised these cars for their looks, reliability, performance and affordability. In Japan, every Nissan Z car has been sold as the Nissan Fairlady Z and in other countries under the names Nissan S30, Nissan S130, Nissan 300ZX, Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z, Nissan Z and the new Nissan 400Z.
Nissan SUVs Not Available In SA
The range of Nissan cars available globally is extensive with SUVs among the top, especially since the big shift toward SUV and crossover-type vehicles. From the stunning design language inside and out to the long list of safety features and sheer driving pleasure.
Many different Nissan SUVs have been launched internationally over the years starting with the Datsun light truck in 1980 before introducing the compact Nissan MPV Stanza in 1984. While not your typical SUVs, these vehicles served as a springboard for what we see today.
The mid-sized Nissan Pathfinder was launched in 1986 and remained the brand’s only SUV until 2000 when they introduced the compact Nissan Xterra SUV, followed by the X-trail in 2004. The list of international SUVs includes some incredible ranges such as:
Nissan Dualis
Nissan Terrano
Nissan Xterra 2021
Nissan Armada
Nissan Rogue
For the sake of accuracy, while these are the international Nissan brands, some of these vehicles are available in South Africa, albeit under different names. The Nissan Dualis is effectively the Nissan Qashqai while the Armada is the Nissan Patrol and the Nissan Rogue is similar to the Nissan X-Trail.
Nissan Bakkies Not In South Africa
One of the most popular Nissan pick-ups was the Nissan 720 although it was sold under the Datsun brand until 1983. Despite steadily updating and improving it to meet the growing demand, the Nissan 720 was eventually replaced in 1997 by the Frontier and Navara. This incredible workhorse brought a lot of positives into Nissan’s light-duty transporters which is evident in today’s vehicles across the globe.
Another great bakkie is the Nissan D21, unofficially called Nissan Hardbody in the United States, which refers to its double-wall bed and overall styling. It was made for the American market and proudly served individuals and businesses from 1986 to 1997. These models are crucial to understanding the history of Nissan Frontier, as they laid the groundwork for its development.
The first generation featured a 106-hp 2.4-litre Z24i throttle-body injected four-cylinder engine which was replaced by a 134-hp 2.4-litre KA24E multi-point fuel-injected four-cylinder for the 1990-1997 models.
The International Market Nissan Titan Pick-up
Nissan launched the second-generation Nissan Titan at the 2015 North American International Auto Show which with a 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine with more power. It produced 390 hp (290 kW) and 394 534 Nm of torque while coupled to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. They also released a Titan in 2019 with a 310-horsepower (230 kW) Cummins 5.0-litre turbodiesel V8 that produces around 752 Nm of torque.
The second-generation Nissan Titan is available as regular or XD where the latter is built on a heavy-duty frame based on Nissan’s commercial vehicle line-up. It also includes the Cummins turbodiesel engine as an option.
Trim levels for the Nissan Titan and Nissan Titan XD are S, SV, PRO-4X (4X4 only), SL, and Platinum Reserve. The regular cab is only available in the S or SV trim levels while the King Cab has S, SV, or PRO-4X.
International Nissan Commercial Vehicles
As in South Africa, the international Nissan commercial vehicle sector is loaded with top quality models fit for just about any task. From the lighter people carriers and the mid-size cargo vans to the larger commercial vehicles, few can compete with the Nissan badge. One example of a fleet or cargo van is the Nissan Caravan.
Produced since 1973, the E20 series Caravan and Urvan van and minibus were manufactured with seating configurations for three, five, seven, and up to 10 passengers. In 1978, they added the smaller Nissan Vanette since the Caravan increased in dimensions and market positioning. There were several iterations in between from the Nissan Homy (E24) people carrier and the Nissan Caravan E25 to the Nissan Caravan 3.0 Di with a dual sliding door.
The Nissan Primastar is a well-equipped, versatile and comfortable mid-size panel van that saw continuous development over a long production run that started in 2001. It only ended in 2014 with a notable addition in 2010 of a common rail 2.0-litre diesel engine offering a lot more torque. Abroad, drivers can choose from various layouts from a Nissan Primastar Van, Crew Van or Platform cab.
With low running costs, flexible load space and loads of smart features, the Nissan Primastar certainly seems to be a firm favourite, especially in the UK. This brings us to its bigger sibling, the Nissan Interstar which is available as a panel van, dropside single or double cab, tipper single cab or a crew van. The Nissan Interstar has a mighty 3.0-litre common rail diesel engine with a longer wheelbase and medium-high roof that can hold up to 12.6 cubic metres of cargo.
Another commercial vehicle worth noting is the Nissan Cabstar which originated from the 1968 Datsun Cabstar. However, it gradually changed over to Nissan in the early 1980s. The lighter range Nissan Cabstar (1-1.5 tons) replaced the earlier Cabstar and Homer, while the heavier Nissan Atlas series (2 – 4 tons) replaced the Caball and Clipper lorries.
Nissan Cars In South Africa At Group1
Since the list of international Nissan cars is exhaustive, we’ve only highlighted some of the standouts across several countries based on history and popularity. While none of these vehicles are available in South Africa, some have been redesigned and renamed for the local market including the Nissan Navara and the Nissan NV350 (Impendulo). Please read our blog and follow us on social media for motoring news, driving tips and more. To see a list of brand new Nissan cars in South Africa, visit any of our showrooms across the country where you can also book a test drive.
FAQs About Other International Nissan Cars
Is the Nissan Maxima a good car?
Expand Content +The history of Nissan Maxima is that it is a good, reliable car with a powerful V6 engine. The Nissan Maxima V6 delivers a smooth ride in a classy cabin with simple-to-use infotainment controls it has one shortcoming compared to most big car rivals which is a lack of room for passengers and boot space.
What is the range of the Nissan Ariya?
Expand Content +The Nissan Ariya range will depend on the model you drive as the front-wheel-drive Nissan Ariya Venture Plus can go for 300 miles (about 480 km) which is the highest of any Ariya in America. Compared to the Tesla Model Y which has a range of 315 miles (approximately 507 km) in Long Range form and 298 (also about 480 km) in the Performance model, the Ariya performs admirably.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan Elgrand?
Expand Content +The average fuel consumption of a Nissan Elgrand (an international Nissan minibus) is around 10.22 l/100km or 23 MPG. With its high-end interior and specifications, the Nissan Elgrand is ideal for a luxury recreational vehicle (RV) conversion.
Is the Nissan Cube still in production?
Expand Content +The Nissan Cube has been discontinued despite loads of open space, good visibility and quirky design elements some Nissan pundits admired. Unfortunately, the Nissan Cube failed to deliver, especially compared to other models released around the same time.
What is the difference between the Nissan Safari bakkie and the Nissan Patrol?
Expand Content +The Nissan Safari bakkie delivers great performance all around as a versatile and powerful off-roader eating up all types of terrain, much like the Nissan Patrol and the Nissan Navara. The suspension of the Nissan Patrol, however, is comparatively soft and offers a more luxurious feel than the Nissan Safari which is a reliable and safe workhorse in all kinds of situations. The Nissan Safari bakkie is better for the environment with an average consumption of 6.58 l/ 100 km.
Is the Nissan 180SX the same as the Nissan 200SX?
Expand Content +The Nissan 180SX was designed specifically for the Japanese market but the European version of the car was known as the Nissan 200SX. Owners of the Nissan S110 Silvia in Europe could also buy a lower-level trim called the “180sx,” which was essentially an older model of Nissan’s S-chassis from 1979 to 1983.
Is it a Nissan 280ZX or a Datsun 280ZX?
Expand Content +Nissan produced the S130 a sports coupé in Japan from 1978 until 1983 but it was sold as the Datsun 280ZX, Nissan Fairlady Z and Nissan Fairlady 280Z, depending on the market. The Nissan ZX compares favourably with more expensive rivals such as the Toyota Supra and Porsche Cayman. The Nissan 280ZX was the first time where the automaker added the subscript “By Nissan” alongside the Datsun logo.
How old is the Nissan Sunny?
Expand Content +The Nissan Sunny was manufactured from 1966 to 2006 and although its production in Japan ended, the name remains in use in China and GCC countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for a rebadged version of the Nissan Almera.
What engine is in a Nissan Pulsar?
Expand Content +The Nissan Pulsar family hatchback is powered by a 188 bhp 1.6-litre DIG-T engine which takes just 7.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) with a possible top speed of 217 km/h (135 mph). Smooth power delivery and loads of power are available from 1,500 rpm but go easy on the throttle as the power drops and your economy figures will start to tumble.
What type of car is the Nissan Livina?
Expand Content +The Nissan Livina is a multipurpose vehicle or MPV introduced by the Japanese car manufacturer in July 2006. It was built to have maximum functionality for people with an active lifestyle as the Nissan Livina offered ample space and storage along with respectable performance figures. The range includes a 7-seater MPV called the Grand Livina which is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that comes from the Nissan Tiida.
Is a Nissan Tiida safe?
Expand Content +The Nissan Tiida is listed as having a 4-star ANCAP safety rating and compares favourably with its competitors in this sector. Other safety features include driver and passenger airbags, ABS and child safety locks.
Which is Nissan’s fastest car?
Expand Content +The Nissan V6 or VQ engine and the Nissan V8 or VK engine (formerly known as the ZH) are among the best on the market fitted to many sensational cars. As it stands, the 2021 GT-R Nismo uses the turbocharged V6 engine and is rated as the fastest GT-R model. It can reach 0-100 km/h (60 mph) in just 2.5 seconds with a top speed of around 330 km/h (205 mph).
Next on the list is the Nissan R50, better known as the limited edition Nissan GT-R50. Built on the same underpinnings as a standard Nissan R35 GT-R, it has a more refined Nismo-tuned version of the same V6 engine pushing 0-100 km/h in less than three seconds and a top speed of about 320 km/h (200 mph). A true-to-form Le Mans performance car is the Nissan R390 GT1 which can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph) in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 354 km/h (220 mph), putting it third overall.
How fast is the Nissan Stagea?
Expand Content +The Nissan Stagea was designed to compete with the Subaru and resembles a street racer you might see in a Fast and Furious movie or Need for Speed game. For a station wagon, the Nissan Stagea can burn some serious rubber thanks to a turbocharged engine delivering between 130 and 280 bhp (96 – 206 kW) model dependent.
How fast is the Nissan R390?
Expand Content +The Nissan R390 GT1 was a race car produced in Atsugi, Japan and served as the basis for Nissan’s bid to enter the 24-hours Le Mans in 1997 and 1998. Only one road-legal version of the Nissan R390 was ever made which is housed at Nissan’s Zama factory. Nissan claims that the road version could reach a top speed of 354 km/h (220 mph) and 0-100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds.
Which are the most popular Nissan cars through the ages?
Expand Content +Nissan has long been a leading manufacturer of not only performance models but also cars for the people. They’ve had many fan-favourite cars over the years including the following:
- Nissan Sunny
- Nissan Pulsar
- Nissan Leopard
- Nissan Figaro
- Nissan S-Cargo
- Nissan EXA
Is the Nissan Quest a sedan?
Expand Content +While some may consider the Nissan Quest a sedan, it is a minivan or a “family limo” as mentioned by Nissan USA. It was manufactured by Nissan for over four generations with model years from 1993 to 12017 when it was subsequently discontinued. It had a spacious interior, a combined fuel consumption of 10.7 litres/100 km (22 mpg), seating for seven, and a second-row centre console with a DVD entertainment system.
Is the Nissan Fuga the same as a Nissan Skyline?
Expand Content +At the top of the list of international Nissan sedan models is the Nissan Fuga which some might confuse with the Skyline. While both are prominent in Nissan’s lineup, the Nissan Fuga and the Nissan Skyline are distinct vehicles with different histories and characteristics.
The Nissan Skyline history dates back to 1957. Originally produced by Prince Motor Company, it became part of Nissan through a merger in 1966. Over 13 generations, the Skyline evolved from a luxury car to a high-performance sports car. The Nissan Skyline GTR spawned the legendary GT-R variant in 1969, which, after a hiatus, returned in 1989. The GT-R dominated motorsports with the R32, R33, and R34 models, ultimately becoming a separate model line in 2007 with the R35 GT-R.
In contrast, the Nissan Fuga is a more recent addition to Nissan’s lineup, focusing on luxury rather than sports performance. The exterior of the Nissan Fuga is markedly different from the Skyline, with a less sporty and more business-oriented design. What sets the Fuga apart is its luxurious interior and the wide range of models available, including GT, GT Type S, GT Type P, 350GT, and a 4WD version.
What is the Nissan Laurel?
Expand Content +The Nissan Laurel is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sedan available as a two- or four-door. It was introduced in 1968 as a new model above the 1968 Datsun Bluebird 510 and offered more luxury on a smaller scale. Like the Nissan Fuga, the Nissan Laurel also shared many components and architectures with the Skyline.
Is Nissan Bluebird RWD?
Expand Content +The Nissan Bluebird history includes that the name was first used in 1982 when the Datsun brand was discontinued in favour of the Nissan badge. Australia followed in Japan’s footsteps since 1981, referring to its model as the Nissan Bluebird, and has had a distinct, facelifted rear-wheel-drive version on sale from 1984 through 1985. It was powered by 1.5 litre and 2.0-litre engines, both in-line 4-cylinders.
Does Nissan make a coupe?
Expand Content +Nissan has produced many impressive coupe cars over the years including the Nissan 200SX, Nissan 240SX, Nissan 300ZX, Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z, Nissan Altima and the Nissan GT-R. The range of Nissan coupe cars is synonymous with performance, inspired by advanced automotive engineering built into every legendary Nissan Z car.
Is Nissan Primera a good car?
Expand Content +The Nissan Primera is a large family car produced by the Japanese automaker from 1990 to 2007 for the Japanese and European markets. In North America, the Nissan Primera was the entry-level luxury sports sedan for the Infiniti brand. In the UK, Nissan replaced the Bluebird with the smaller Nissan Primera which had a conventional front-wheel-drive chassis and five-speed manual gearbox while some versions had the option of a four-speed automatic.
What is the Nissan V6 and is it available in South Africa?
Expand Content +The Nissan V6 refers to America’s version of the Nissan Navara but with a V6 petrol engine. The current line-up of Navara double cab bakkies in South Africa feature rugged 2.5-litre diesel engines – even the petrol-powered Navara single cab has a 2.5-litre engine. The V6 engine is not available in the local Nissan Navara at this time.
Are Nissan station wagons sold in South Africa?
Expand Content +Nissan does not technically make station wagons but according to the EPA, the Nissan Murano is classified as one. Although it’s been discontinued in South Africa, it’s effectively the only newer Nissan station wagon you can buy.
