The Nissan Presea II 1.8 16V Automatic, produced between 1995 and 2000, represented a mid-range offering within the second generation of the Presea (FNP10/FNP11 chassis). Positioned as a comfortable and practical sedan, it aimed to provide a balance between performance and fuel efficiency for the Japanese domestic market. The Presea, in general, was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a slightly more upscale alternative to the Nissan Sunny, offering a more refined interior and a more modern design. This 1.8L variant, paired with an automatic transmission, was a popular choice for those prioritizing ease of driving over outright sportiness.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Presea |
| Generation | Presea II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (125 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg, 21.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg, 40.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68 Hp/l |
| Torque | 157 Nm @ 4800 rpm (115.8 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1839 cm3 (112.22 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 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 | 1090 kg (2403.04 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 | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic 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 | 175/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Presea II 1.8 Automatic was the GA16DE engine, a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high output for its displacement. The GA16DE utilized multi-port fuel injection, a common technology in the mid-1990s, for precise fuel delivery. The engine’s 9.5:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and fuel efficiency. Paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and convenient operation. This transmission wasn’t known for being particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort and ease of use over rapid gear changes. The GA16DE engine was a relatively common design within the Nissan lineup, also found in models like the Sentra and Altima, contributing to a good parts availability.
Driving Characteristics
The 125 horsepower and 115.8 lb-ft of torque produced by the GA16DE engine, when channeled through the four-speed automatic, resulted in adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was respectable for everyday driving, but the automatic transmission did sap some of the engine’s potential. Compared to the five-speed manual versions of the Presea, the automatic was noticeably slower, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and smooth cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration. The power delivery was linear, making it predictable and easy to control, but lacking the punch of more powerful engines. The Presea II 1.8 Automatic was best suited for city driving and highway cruising, where its comfortable ride and ease of use were most appreciated.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Presea II 1.8 Automatic typically came equipped with features considered standard for a mid-range Japanese sedan of the era. These included power windows, power steering, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio. Higher trim levels offered options such as alloy wheels, a sunroof, upgraded upholstery (often cloth or velour), and a more sophisticated audio system. The interior design was functional and relatively spacious, with a focus on practicality. The dashboard layout was straightforward, with easy-to-read gauges and logically placed controls. Optional extras could include a CD player, central locking, and keyless entry.
Chassis & Braking
The Presea II utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension employed a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear featured a double wishbone configuration. This suspension design provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road surface effectively. 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 was rack and pinion, providing precise and responsive handling. The tires were typically 175/70 R13, offering a good balance between grip and ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Presea II 1.8 Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market as a practical and reliable family sedan. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers noted that its performance was somewhat underwhelming compared to competitors offering more powerful engines. Compared to other trims in the Presea lineup, such as those with the smaller 1.5-liter engine, the 1.8L Automatic offered a noticeable improvement in performance. However, it was less sporty than the manual transmission versions. In terms of reliability, the GA16DE engine proved to be a durable and long-lasting unit, contributing to the Presea’s positive reputation.
Legacy
The Nissan Presea II 1.8 Automatic has aged reasonably well, with many examples still on the road today. The GA16DE engine is known for its reliability, although regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues such as oil leaks and timing chain wear. Parts availability is generally good, thanks to the engine’s widespread use in other Nissan models. In the used car market, the Presea II 1.8 Automatic represents a relatively affordable and practical option for those seeking a dependable Japanese sedan. While it may not offer the performance or prestige of some of its competitors, its comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency make it a worthwhile consideration.
