The Nissan Bassara 2.5i, produced between 2000 and 2002, represented a significant offering in Nissan’s lineup as a comfortable and spacious minivan. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the broader Bassara generation (U30 chassis), the 2.5i variant aimed to balance practicality with a more refined driving experience than the base models. It was primarily marketed in Japan, where large, comfortable minivans were – and continue to be – highly sought after by families. The Bassara competed with other Japanese minivans like the Toyota Estima (Previa) and Honda Odyssey, offering a distinctive blend of features and styling. This particular configuration, pairing the 2.5-liter inline-four engine with a four-speed automatic transmission, was designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing ease of use and a smooth ride over outright performance.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Bassara |
| Generation | Bassara |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5i (165 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 year |
| End of production | 2002 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp, 104.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 165 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 233 Nm @ 4000 rpm (171.85 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 2488 cm3 (151.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| 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) | 150 mm (5.91 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 2.5i is the Nissan KA25DE engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine, part of Nissan’s KA series, is known for its relative simplicity and durability. The KA25DE features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable power output for its displacement. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, optimizing combustion efficiency. The engine produces 165 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 233 Nm (171.85 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. This torque figure is particularly important for a minivan, providing adequate pulling power for carrying passengers and cargo. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration were standard for this class of vehicle. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most modern, was chosen for its smooth operation and ease of use, aligning with the target demographic’s preference for a relaxed driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The Bassara 2.5i Automatic delivers a comfortable and predictable driving experience. Acceleration is adequate for everyday driving, but it’s not particularly sporty. The four-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, lacks the responsiveness of more modern transmissions with a greater number of gears. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising rather than quick acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Bassara, the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness. The higher-output 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines offered in other Bassara trims provided noticeably quicker acceleration, but at the expense of fuel economy. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively. Steering is light and easy, making maneuvering in tight spaces relatively effortless.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.5i trim of the Bassara 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 (often cloth or velour), and woodgrain interior trim. The seven-seat configuration was standard, with the second-row seats often offering individual adjustments or a folding center console. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The dashboard layout is functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over aesthetic flair. The interior space is a key selling point, offering ample headroom and legroom for all passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The Bassara 2.5i utilizes a conventional front-wheel-drive chassis with coil spring suspension at all four corners. The front suspension features MacPherson struts, while the rear utilizes a multi-link setup. This configuration provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. The ABS system helps to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, enhancing safety. The steering system employs a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance, offering light and precise steering control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Bassara 2.5i Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliable engine. However, some reviewers noted that the four-speed automatic transmission felt dated compared to the newer transmissions offered in competing minivans. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to the smaller-engined Bassara models, the 2.5i offered a noticeable improvement in performance, making it a more appealing option for buyers who frequently carried a full load of passengers or cargo. The 2.5i also offered a more refined driving experience than the base models, justifying its higher price point.
Legacy
The Nissan Bassara, while not a global success, remains a popular choice among used car buyers in Japan. The KA25DE engine is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most advanced, has proven to be reliable. Today, well-maintained Bassara 2.5i models can still provide years of dependable service. The vehicle’s spacious interior and comfortable ride continue to appeal to families seeking a practical and affordable minivan. While it may not offer the latest technology or performance, the Bassara 2.5i represents a solid and reliable option in the used car market.
