Nissan Prairie M12 2.0 i 16V (140 Hp)
Overall Rating
Nissan Prairie:
The Nissan Prairie is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Nissan from 1981 to 2004. Considered a mini MPV or a compact MPV. It was also marketed as the Multi in Canada and the Stanza Wagon in the United States. In Japan, it was exclusive to Nissan Bluebird Store locations, then later at Nissan Blue Stage sales channels. The Prairie had a very flexible seating capability and sliding rear doors on both sides of the vehicle, with a liftgate in the back. The name "prairie" was derived from French which means an extensive area of relatively flat grassland, similar to "steppe" or "savanna"....(Read more on Wikipedia)
M12 Overview:
Nissan Prairie (M12). With 181 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1490 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 160 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Nissan Prairie M12 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Therefore, specific star ratings and occupant scores are unavailable.
2.0 i 16V (140 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides sufficient power for everyday commuting and family duties, though it might feel a bit underpowered when fully loaded on long highway stretches.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy data is not provided, but it's expected to be similar to the 147 Hp FWD variant, offering a practical balance for daily use.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and practical interior with flexible seating
- • Reliable 2.0-liter SR20DE engine (common in Nissan models)
- • Comfortable ride quality suitable for families
- • Good value on the used car market
- • Optional 4X4 system for enhanced traction
Cons:
- • Dated exterior and interior styling
- • Average fuel economy, especially for 4X4 variants
- • Performance can feel sluggish when fully loaded
- • Not Euro NCAP tested, safety data is limited
- • Limited engine choices (only 2.0L petrol)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(M11: 1992 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Nissan |
| Model: | Prairie |
| Generation: | M12 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 i 16V (140 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 140 Hp @ 5800 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 181 Nm @ 4800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.6 kg/Hp, 94 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.2 kg/Nm, 121.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1490 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4545 mm mm [185mm more] |
| Width: | 1690 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1630 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2690 mm mm [95mm more] |
| Front track: | 1470 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |











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