Hatch Heaven

The 1986 Nissan Micra Colette was light on your purse but full of luxury features such as push-button LW/MW radio, quartz clock, reclining front seats, intermittent wipers, rear wash wipe, hinged rear side windows, halogen headlights and a heated rear window, to name a few. Further raising the “value” bar, it also added luxury seat upholstery, adjustable head restraints, elegant wheel trims, a “Collete” badge, body side pinstripe and the option of two-tone paint. All that in a car that would take you from 0-60 in 16.5 seconds and yet offer fuel consumption of 56.5 MPG and cruising speed and 44.1 MPG around town. Nissan even offered a 6-year anti corrosion warranty and a 3-year/100,000 mille warranty. It had an MSRP of £4,699.

The first-generation Nissan Pulsar, the N10, was launched in May 1978 and after two full model changes, the N13 was launched on May 7, 1986.

The N13’s distinguishing feature was its sporty styling, which combined flowing curved surfaces and sharp lines. Three body types were available: the 3-door hatchback, the 5-door hatchback, and the 4-door saloon. There were also five engines: 4 gasoline (1,300cc, 1,500cc, and 1,600cc twin-cam) and a diesel engine (1,700cc). Altogether, there were 33 basic models in the lineup.
The Milano X1 series was a sports-grade model available as a 3-door hatchback or 4-door saloon. The X1 twin-cam was positioned as the sportiest model, at the top end of the series.

What attracted attention to this model, together with its newly developed 1,600cc twin-cam engine, was Japan’s first fully automatic full-time 4WD (viscous coupling type), adopted for the 4-door saloon 1500J1. This ground-breaking 4WD system – which automatically ensured optimal torque distribution to the front and rear wheels, providing an easy, safe drive – was highly praised; in fact, it was singled out in the awarding of the 1986-87 Japan Car of the Year title.

In January 1987, to commemorate winning the 1986-87 Japan Car of the Year Award, the world’s first triple-viscous, fully automatic full-time 4WD car (Milano X1-E) was launched as a limited-edition model, and available as an option for the Milano X1 twin-cam was Japan’s first viscous LSD.

The first-generation Nissan March (K10) was launched in October of 1982. In April 1983, the fashionable, high-quality “Collet” was added to the lineup (based on the top grade G). Chic and luxurious, the Collet proved very popular with the young crowd and women. In February 1985, the first minor change was carried out. It had a maximum power of 57 PS via a 987cc inline 4-cylinder. It had a wheelbase of 2,300mm and a curb weight of 655kg.

Could this 1985 Nissan Prairie be any uglier? Some might ask this but I think it’s awkward profile could make it something interesting to have.

This vehicle was all about space, and luxury – according to Nissan. The roof line is 8″ higher than a typical car and the load platform is only 17″ from the ground. There are no central door pillars and the rear doors slide back to leave a clear open space. Even the seat belts are built-in to the front does to create more space. The interior is not only spacious, it is infinitely flexible. The rear seats recline, just like the front ones, or fold forward to give a cavernous storage space four feet high and five feet long. Or you can fold all the seats flat into a double bed for overnight camping.

The Prairie has a highly efficient lightweight OHC engine, with either 1.5 liters or a 1.8 liter (which had a top speed of 100 MPH), depending on the level of performance you want. Both engines are fitted transversely to give even more space and drive the front wheels though a five speed overdrive gearbox for outstanding economy and safe, sure handling. The high level of equipment included push-button radio, heat-reflecting glass, quartz clock, remote control for door mirrors and tailgate and petrol flaps, all standard. There was even a new “Anniversary II” model, with extra luxury items such as electric windows. Lastly, it came with a 100,000 mile/3-year warranty and a 6-year body warranty.

(image #2 source: John Lloyd).

The 1996 Nissan Praire Joy 5-door hatchback is one more nasty looking vehicle from this period. This one was sold in Japan. (image source: John Lloyd).

After being exhibited at the 26th Tokyo Motor Show, the Be-1 was launched two years later in January 1987 (the canvas top model debuted in March). The “nostalgic modern” design concept stressed relaxation and comfort. At the time Japanese society was shifting towards more individualism, so this car was well received. Production was limited and it was so popular that, at its launch, buyers were chosen by lottery.

Specifications.
Overall length / width / height: 3,635/1,580/1,395mm
Wheelbase: 2,300mm
Tread (front/rear): 1,365/1,350mm
Curb weight: 700kg
Engine: MA10 (4-cyl. in line, OHC), 987cc
Max. power (net): 38kW (52PS)/6,000rpm
Max. torque (net): 75Nm (7.6kgm)/3,600rpm
Transmission: 3-speed AT, floor shift
Suspension (front/rear): Strut/4-link
Tires: 165/70HR12
Seating capacity: 5