NX1600/NX2000 (North America) The NX1600 was based on the standard 1.6-litre third generation
Sentra (engine code GA16DE), and the NX2000 was based on the 2.0 L SE-R model (engine code SR20DE). Most models were fitted with T-Tops, while the remainder were hardtops. Constructed in Japan, it was sold from 1991 to 1993 in the
US (mainly competing with the
Mazda MX-3,
Isuzu Impulse,
Toyota MR2, and
Honda Civic del Sol). It was produced for a few more years for other countries. Its body was designed at NDI (Nissan Design International) in San Diego under the direction of NDI President Jerry Hirshberg, Blue Studio Chief Designer Allan Flowers, and staff designers Bruce Campbell and Doug Wilson. The NX2000 model included some mechanical improvements over its SE-R sibling in the form of larger brakes and more aggressive tires on wider 6-inch wheels (195/55VR-14 with 14x6-inch wheels vs. the 185/60HR-14 with 14x5.5-inch wheels and tires in the SE-R). The NX2000 brakes are a common aftermarket upgrade for B13 Sentra SE-Rs. The NX2000 also had a center armrest, a larger two-core radiator, and slightly lower ride height compared to the SE-R. However, the T-top roof in the NX2000 along with the mechanical upgrades made it slightly heavier than the SE-R. The NX2000, with its light weight, stiff chassis, and limited-slip differential, was considered one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars of the time. In 1992,
Road & Track magazine included the NX2000 in a test of the world's best-handling cars against such competition as the
Acura NSX,
Porsche 911,
Nissan 300ZX,
Mazda Miata, and
Lotus Elan.
100NX (Europe) The 100NX came with two engine options, a 1.6 L and a 2.0 L. The 1.6 liter, made from 1990 to February 1993 had a
carburetor fitted which tended to consume excessive fuel as it aged. From April 1993 to 1996, the 100NX was sold with a more efficient
fuel injected setup. In November 1993 a version called the SR appeared. This stands for "Steel Roof" as this slightly sportier model was lighter and more rigid. The SR's engine produced somewhat more power than the regular GA16DS thanks to a modified control unit and an enlarged intake manifold. The gearing was also shorter than for the regular 1.6. • 1.6 with ECU carbureted — • 1.6 Non ECU carbureted — • 1.6 fuel injected — • 1.6 fuel injected — SR model • 2.0 fuel injected — North American version • 2.0 fuel injected — The 1.6 liter fuel injected version achieved in 10.5 seconds and had a top speed of . The 100NX was mainly sold with a T-bar removable roof in Europe although this does vary from country to country. Specialised Badged Editions sold only in 1995 include the "Pacific" in Ireland and the United Kingdom and the "Sail" in the Netherlands. Features vary from country to country, such features include heated seats, electric windows, other differences although rarer include cup holders, umbrella holder embedded in the driver's side B-pillar, and headlight wipers.
100NX (UK) The Nissan 100NX was initially introduced in the UK in April 1991 as part of the
Nissan Pulsar range replacing the
Nissan Sunny 1.6 GSX Coupe. At this time Nissan UK, the British importer were in a heated dispute with
Nissan Motor Corporation over profit margins. In an attempt to deliberately shrink market share Nissan UK launched the entire Pulsar range with no promotion as well as only providing a limited colour range and pricing all models well above their position in the market. At launch the 100NX was only available with the 1.6L 95 PS carburetor engine, and in a basic specification, priced at £14,585, the same price as a 2.0 L
Toyota MR2 and £1,000 more than the 2.0L
Honda Prelude. T-bar roof and automatic transmission were optional. In January 1992 Nissan Motor Corporation set up their own importer (Nissan Motor (GB) LTD) and relaunched the entire Nissan Range, the 100NX now coming with alloy wheels, T-bar roof and front foglights as standard at a lower price of £11,817 and was available in a full range of colours. From February 1993 to 1996, the 100NX the carburetor engine was replaced by a more efficient
fuel injected setup. • 1.6 Non-ECU carbureted — • 1.6 fuel injected —
Sunny NX Coupé (Japan) The Nissan NX was also sold in the Japanese domestic market as the Nissan Sunny NX Coupé. Some models were fitted with T-Tops, whilst others were hardtop. The Japanese domestic Sunny NX Coupés came with either a 1.5
DOHC carburetted engine (GA15(DS)), a 1.6 DOHC EFI engine (GA16(DE)), a 1.8 DOHC EFI engine (SR18(DE)) or the rare 2.0 DOHC EFI engine (SR20DE). The model was available in automatic or manual transmission. The 1.5 DOHC models were all fitted with digital speedometers, whilst all other engine versions had the standard analogue gage. All Japanese domestic models were fitted with electric windows,
air conditioning, power steering, electric mirrors and central locking which locked the doors automatically at 18 km/h whilst driving, and was exclusive to
Nissan Cherry Store Japanese dealerships.
NX Coupé/NX-R (Australia) The Nissan NX was sold in the Australian market as the Nissan NX Coupé. A range topping model known as the NX-R included an added front lip with fog/driving lights, side skirts, lip rear spoiler, 14-inch alloy wheels (N14 SSS Pulsar), cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, electric windows and ABS (
Anti-lock Braking System). Both models were only ever offered with the powerful 105 kW/178Nm 2.0L naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder engine (SR20DE). The NX also came with a choice between a 4-speed automatic gearbox or a 5-speed manual. No LSD (
Limited-Slip Differential) was offered in Australia for the NX range. It has a claimed 0–100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 8.2 seconds and with a combined fuel consumption figure of just 8.4L/100 km would be considered above average. ==Safety==