The Nissan Presage was a minivan built from 1998 to 2009 and sold officially only in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. The name is French for omen. It was a larger companion to the Nissan Prairie and, in Japan, exclusive to Nissan Bluebird Store dealers.
Nissan Presage at a glance
| Production | 1998–2009 |
|---|---|
| Markets | Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore |
| First generation | U30, from June 1998 |
| First-generation engines | 3.0-litre VQ V6, 2.4-litre KA24DE, 2.5-litre YD turbodiesel |
| Seats | seven or nine |
| Components from | Nissan R’nessa, with the Bassara as platform twin |
| Second generation | U31, from June 2003 |
| Second-generation engines | 2.5-litre four and 3.5-litre V6 from the Teana |
| Second-generation doors | sliding rear doors |
| Trim | Highway Star added after the 2001 restyling |
based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Nissan Presage.
History of the Nissan Presage
U30 (1998)
The first Presage was launched in June 1998 as a competitor to the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Estima, with seven or nine seats. Most of its components came from the Nissan R’nessa, although it also shared elements with its platform twin, the Nissan Bassara. Engines were a 3.0-litre VQ V6, a 2.5-litre YD turbodiesel and a 2.4-litre KA24DE; the diesel and the 2.4 were discontinued in August 2001 and replaced by a 2.5-litre QR petrol engine. All rear seats could be folded, though only those in the second row could be removed. After the 2001 restyling the Presage gained a trim called Highway Star.
Braking details
Two-wheel-drive cars had an Electronic Braking Force Distribution system that spread braking force between front and rear wheels according to the load, working with Brake Assist and ABS to give stronger braking with less pedal pressure even when full. Four-wheel-drive cars used a load-sensing valve as the mechanical equivalent, also combined with Brake Assist.
U31 (2003)
The second generation debuted in June 2003 with a transformable seven- or eight-seat layout. The rear side doors changed from swinging to sliding, and the car moved to the L-class platform used by the Teana and the North American Murano. Engines came from the Teana, a 2.5-litre four and a 3.5-litre V6, with a four-speed automatic or a sequential CVT. A reversing camera eased parking, the Highway Star trim continued, and production ended in 2009 because of poor worldwide sales.
Design and features
- Eight or nine seats: a large Japanese family van.
- R’nessa parts: the first generation used much of the R’nessa.
- EBD braking: brake force distributed by load.
- Sliding doors: introduced on the second generation.
Nissan Presage versions
- Presage U30 (1998–2003): the first generation.
- Presage Highway Star: the sporty trim from 2001.
- Presage U31 (2003–2009): the second generation on the Teana platform.
The Presage shared its platform with the Bassara and its engines with the Teana, and was a larger companion to the Prairie. More cars are in the Nissan collection.
Video: 2004 NISSAN PRESAGE X 2500CC
Video by YouTube on YouTube.
Sources
- Nissan Presage, English Wikipedia: generations, engines, seats, braking systems, Highway Star
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