REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Adrenaline rush

 They’re bubbling with enthusiasm over at Nissan, new models, record sales, the whole nine yards. It’s not really surprising; since merging with French giant Renault, uncertainty and stagnation have given way to new optimism. Even before the merger, the Nippon manufacturer had begun to renew its entire range, a major undertaking that is still in progress. After revising the Sentra and Pathfinder two years ago, the company gave the Frontier a facelift last year.

The timing couldn’t be better for this compact pickup truck, which had spent some 10 years in the shadows and despite the last remodeling, has not really been able to recover. Ironically, Toyota and Nissan, inventors of this niche in the 1970s, are being outstripped by such North American makes as the Ford Ranger and the Chevrolet S-10/GMC Sonoma duo from GM.

Although this market segment is not a crucial one, accounting for just 3% of sales in Canada, it is important for Nissan to have a compact pickup truck in its lineup. Not only was the firm the pioneer in the realm of compact pickups, it was also the first to introduce an extended cab version (King Cab) and a four-door model (Crew Cab). The Frontier is not available with the regular cab because of its limited sales.The last time this pickup was refurbished was in 1998, which is also when it was renamed Frontier. The Crew Cab version was launched two years ago, at the same time as the XTerra built on the same platform.

But there were problems even then. The Frontier was criticized for being under-powered, which was true; its appearance caused one American journalist to call the design,Third World-ish. Executives at Nissan weren ’ t too pleased about that, so they gave stylists the green light to make substantial changes, as quickly as possible. Coincidentally, the Pathfinder was the target of similar criticism, and it made trips to the plastic surgeon and the gym shortly before the Frontier did. From the outside, it looks great. The bigger front end and bulging fenders give the pickup a more muscular look. The passenger cabin has also improved, albeit only in the more expensive SE and SC versions. Otherwise it’s spartan and the liberal use of inexpensive plastic doesn’t help. And what to say about the awful "imitation inner tube" rubber on the steering wheel? It looks and feels horrid.

Along with looking dreary, the base XE version skimps on the equipment; the side mirrors can’t even be adjusted from inside the truck! It reminds me of my 1978 Chevette and believe me, that’s not a happy memory. In the same vein the overly long stickshift (manual transmission) not only looks outdated, it also hampers access to the radio controls. This is a shame, because it wouldn’t have taken much to improve the ergonomics. The same can be said of the comfort level; the rear seats are cramped. This is offset by good front seats and a suspension that provides a nice, smooth ride. An astonishing one, even, on the all-wheel drive models, perched high and fitted with oversized tires. On rough roads the rear end tends to bounce, but that’s to be expected from this type of vehicle.While the stylists were busy with the esthetic aspects, the engineers were reviewing the powertrain. One would have thought that the Pathfinder’s V6, with its 250 hp, would be the ideal solution, but it wasn’t that simple, the vehicles don’t have the same chassis or structure. To equip the Frontier with the most powerful engine in its category, they chose the good old Eaton compressor and added a standard 3.3-litre V6 with 210 horsepower. We came up short in our search for pure performances, it takes a good 10 seconds to achieve 0-100 km/h, but at low rpm the compressor is extremely responsive and generous with torque. A dramatic difference from the standard V6 (170 horsepower), which is cruelly lacking both torque and bite.
Japanese engines being what they are, both V6 engines are commendably smooth and quiet. The Frontier also has an excellent record for reliability, engine included. Other strengths include braking and steering. In my notes I wrote that the latter was, a sheer delight. Fast, accurate, and with a tight turning circle, it can be appreciated both in the city and off-road. The brakes are responsive and powerful and do not cause nose-dives in abrupt stops.

PROS
Successful restyling
Sturdy and reliable
Well-assembled

CONS
Naturally aspirated
 V6 lacks pep
Uncomfortable auxiliary seats
Suspension a bit mushy

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: no data
Passenger: * * * *

Long bed available with the Crew Cab
2004

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