The Nissan Bassara 2.4i Automatic, produced between 1999 and 2001, represents a significant offering in Nissan’s lineup of family-oriented vehicles. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the broader Bassara generation (U30 chassis), this variant catered to buyers seeking a comfortable and spacious seven-seater minivan with a balance of performance and convenience. The Bassara, primarily marketed in Japan, aimed to provide a practical and well-equipped vehicle for larger families, competing with offerings from Toyota and Honda. This specific 2.4i Automatic configuration offered a step up from the base models, providing increased power and the ease of an automatic transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Bassara |
| Generation | Bassara |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4i (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 year |
| End of production | 2001 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.5 kg/Hp, 94.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm, 136.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 216 Nm @ 4400 rpm (159.31 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2388 cm3 (145.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1580 kg (3483.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440 kg (970.03 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4795 mm (188.78 in.) |
| Width | 1770 mm (69.69 in.) |
| Height | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| 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 | 215/60/R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Bassara 2.4i Automatic is Nissan’s KA24DE inline-four cylinder engine. This 2.4-liter powerplant utilizes a naturally aspirated configuration with multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The KA24DE is known for its relative simplicity and durability, making it a reliable engine for everyday use. The engine produces 150 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 216 Nm (159.31 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm. This output is delivered to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. While not a particularly advanced transmission by modern standards, it provided smooth and convenient shifting for drivers prioritizing comfort over sporty performance. The engine’s longitudinal mounting within the chassis contributed to a more balanced weight distribution, although the front-wheel-drive configuration inherently limited handling capabilities.
Driving Characteristics
The Bassara 2.4i Automatic offered a comfortable and relaxed driving experience. The four-speed automatic transmission, while lacking the responsiveness of a manual or more modern automatic, provided smooth gear changes and made the vehicle easy to drive in urban environments. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, but the 150 horsepower engine didn’t provide particularly brisk performance, especially when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Bassara, the automatic suffered a slight performance penalty due to the transmission’s inherent efficiency losses. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and ease of use rather than outright speed. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps and irregularities in the road well, contributing to a pleasant ride quality.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.4i Automatic trim level typically included features such as power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with a cassette player. Higher-end options included a CD player, upgraded upholstery, and woodgrain interior trim. The Bassara prioritized interior space and comfort, offering ample legroom and headroom for all seven passengers. The interior design was functional and straightforward, with a focus on practicality rather than luxury. The seats were typically upholstered in cloth, with leather options available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was simple and easy to use, with clearly labeled controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Bassara 2.4i Automatic utilized a conventional chassis design with coil spring suspension at all four corners. The front suspension featured MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed a multi-link setup. This configuration provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling stability. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance, providing light and easy steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Bassara 2.4i Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market as a practical and spacious family vehicle. Critics praised its comfortable ride, ample interior space, and reliable engine. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission felt somewhat dated and that the engine lacked the power of some of its competitors. Compared to other trims in the Bassara lineup, the 2.4i Automatic offered a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The smaller 2.0-liter engine provided better fuel economy but lacked the power of the 2.4-liter, while the larger 3.0-liter V6 engine offered more performance but at the expense of fuel efficiency.
Legacy
The Nissan Bassara, while not a globally recognized model, remains a popular choice among used car buyers in Japan. The KA24DE engine is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs, making the Bassara 2.4i Automatic a reliable and affordable option. Parts availability is generally good, and the vehicle’s simple design makes it relatively easy to repair. While not a performance vehicle, the Bassara 2.4i Automatic continues to provide comfortable and practical transportation for families seeking a spacious and reliable minivan.
