The Nissan Presea II 1.5 16V, produced between 1998 and 2000, represented a refinement of Nissan’s compact sedan offering, primarily aimed at the Japanese domestic market (JDM). Positioned as an affordable and practical family vehicle, the Presea II slotted below the more upscale Sentra (known as the Sunny in Japan) and offered a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. This variant, equipped with the GA15DE 1.5-liter engine producing 105 horsepower, was a popular choice for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and ease of use over outright performance. It was a key model in Nissan’s lineup during a period of increasing competition in the compact car segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Presea |
| Generation | Presea II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 16V (105 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11 l/100 km (21.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 4000 rpm (99.57 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | GA15DE |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.6 mm (2.9 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1030 kg (2270.76 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4490 mm (176.77 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2580 mm (101.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Rear track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 165/80 R13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Presea II 1.5 16V is the GA15DE engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine is a member of Nissan’s GA series, known for its reliability and relatively simple design. The “DE” designation indicates Nissan’s Dual Engine technology, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and power output. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The GA15DE produces 105 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 135 Nm (99.57 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, offering a balance between fuel economy and driver control. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration were standard for compact cars of this era.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5-liter engine and 5-speed manual transmission combination in the Presea II 1.5 16V delivers adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration is best described as leisurely, with a 0-60 mph time estimated around 11-12 seconds. The engine feels most comfortable in the mid-range, providing sufficient power for everyday driving situations. The manual transmission offers precise shifts, and the gear ratios are well-suited for maintaining fuel efficiency. Compared to higher-output versions of the Presea (which were not commonly available), this variant prioritizes economy over speed. The handling is predictable and safe, but lacks the sharpness of more performance-oriented vehicles. The relatively light weight of the vehicle (1030 kg or 2270.76 lbs) helps to mitigate the modest power output.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Presea II 1.5 16V typically came equipped with a modest level of standard features. These included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard layout. Optional extras could include power windows, central locking, and upgraded audio systems. The trim level for this variant was generally considered entry-level to mid-range within the Presea II lineup. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical and affordable family car without the added cost of luxury features.
Chassis & Braking
The Presea II 1.5 16V utilizes a conventional chassis design with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a double wishbone suspension in the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road surface effectively. The braking system consists of ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included as a standard safety feature, enhancing braking performance in slippery conditions. The steering is rack and pinion, offering precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Presea II 1.5 16V was generally well-received in the Japanese market as a practical and reliable family car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of sporty handling and somewhat uninspired styling. Compared to other compact sedans of the time, such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the Presea II offered a competitive price point and a good level of standard equipment. Its fuel economy was comparable to its rivals, and its reliability was generally considered to be above average. However, it didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as the Corolla or Civic.
Legacy
The Nissan Presea II 1.5 16V, while not a particularly iconic vehicle, has proven to be a durable and reliable car in the used car market. The GA15DE engine is known for its longevity, and with proper maintenance, can provide many years of service. Parts availability is generally good, and repair costs are relatively low. Today, the Presea II 1.5 16V is often sought after by buyers looking for an affordable and dependable transportation option. It represents a snapshot of Japanese automotive engineering from the late 1990s, prioritizing practicality and efficiency over outright performance.
