Not fair! -Bluebird SSS ATTESA
We're
all familiar with the Nissan U13 Bluebird... driven by the conservative
executive to golf, or Granddad to pick up milk and bread. It's comfortable
and practical, but not high on the performance enthusiast's wish list.
Unless...
What
you get
The
local bird offers a 2.4L, naturally aspirated, 4 cylinder supplying
112kW and 210Nm, while the imported SSS uses a smaller 2.0L four, with
a healthy, 155kW and 274Nm, thanks largely to it's turbo and intercooler.
Another obvious distinction is the local's front wheel drive, verses
the SSS's ATTESA 4WD system.
Most examples of the SSS will be found with the 4 speed automatic installed,
fewer have the stronger, but noisier 5 speed manual. The
SSS's ABS brakes use solid rotors at the rear and vented fronts.
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As
you'd expect, the niceties are catered for; velour upholstery,
wooden dash panels, digital climate control air-conditioning,
electric seats and mirrors. Airbags, large boot with ski port,
two-way sunroof with blind, maplights, rear wiper, chrome door
handles inside and out.
An unusual, but useful touch are the separate cornering headlights,
activated by the indicators.
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Driving
and Owning
It's
not just 'sporting' really. As the SSS draws up along side you at the
lights, de-badged, you'll be lucky to pick it from the local edition.
The larger fog lights and the discrete intercooler cut-out below the
number plate are the only give-aways. But all you've noticed is the
bloke looking across at you, struggling to keep the grin off his face...and
you've decided to teach him a lesson...
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"But
it's not fair!" you mutter as he leaves you behind... "If
I'd known, I could have found more traction, launched harder..."
and the truth is it's not fair.
Off the line, there aren't a lot of cars, local or imported,
that will touch a modified,
manual
SSS, despite their driver's efforts. For it, under 6 seconds
0-100kph is routine, even a standard auto achieves the dash
in 7.4 seconds...
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Fair
or not,
using stealth
and coming out in front is what the SSS owner relishes and does well!
The
balance is restored when we look at handling, here
the
SSS is built for comfort rather than speed. A dose of understeer and
bodyroll betray the soft springs and dampers.
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The 4WD traction does compensate somewhat, allowing you to claw
your way around bends securely.
For those who want it there is a solution, Whiteline produce a
number of products that will give the car much better dynamics.
Similarly, with standard pads installed, braking is just adequate.
The ABS assisted system bites well at low speeds, but is too mushy
for comfort at higher speed.
A set of fast road pads would help here.
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Importdriver's
Choice
The
'sleeper' qualities of this car can't be beaten, it's great fun and
if anyone can tell us what the rear window blurb "Super Fine Coating"
refers to, yes, we'll take
one. A manual with and a few Whiteline bits please.
Recommended Reading
AutoSpeed
Review - http://www.autospeed.com/A_0140/article.htm
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