Driven through the Skyline of Kobe - review -
It's always the same, typical Japanese car we see everyday which has 4 doors, 4 wheels with front wheel working while the back is just rolling and 4 cylinders which gives a generic note. Usually when we say Japanese cars, it is always meant to be spacious and overly practical for daily use like a big boot, a spacious rear seat which can fit 3 full sized adults and a flat floorboard.
However, this is rather different and it isn't really made for stereotypes on Japanese cars. Surprisingly the brand name has been there longer than BMW have come up with their 3-series. But due to their faux pride made them lose their market share to the European rivals. If it weren't, the 3 series would have been somewhat behind time.
It is the 12th Generation V36 Nissan Skyline 250GT. (Sold as Infiniti G-Sedan in the US market).
Since the Ghosn era, Nissan went through rapid changes in various ways and one of it is on the design. Started with the ever controversial looking V35 Skyline which was a total "cultural shock" to the Skyline enthusiast but looking on the positive side, it shows that the Skyline is not anymore in the typical box-like Japanese cars which many people would preceive. However, by replacing the Inline-6 engine with the V6 Engine, The original identity of Nissan Skyline has been lost.
My friend and I rented the Skyline sedan on last Saturday and took it out for a drive as to release some emotional stress we have in Japan. Yeah, although examination is closing in but also some external factors caused me to slow down my studies. Especially when in regards to the opposite sex. It is also the same thing with what my friend has at his workplace so we decided to rent a really good car and take it out for a drive.
Fortunately on that Friday evening that I managed to book the car for a day, although I decided to rent it for two days. So it was 12.00pm and we rented the car. Putting in a simple phrase " Love at first sight ". I'd just smile wide as I see the car gracefully stopped in front of the office. With the sleek and bold lines, it has surely matured from the previous generations. It looks small from the outside but I guess it is just great for young executives who wants a good looking car at a good price.
After checking around the car, I got into the cockpit and it felt like I'm in a car ready to take on the roads. Maybe because I'm used to drive SUVs, so that's why I felt a little different. The dashboard seems to be simple and easy to use and the seems are rather good. However certain plastics felt rubbery especially along the door area. Due to some abuses by previous owners, there are scratches here and there.
The speedometer and its multi information gauge seems to be simple and easy to read.However the fuel gauge is a little hidden but who cars ? I'd want to see the speed and the engine rotation speed than how much tank we have left. Like the 350Z, the panel tilts together with the steering, creating an easy sight of the meters for the driver.
Then it is the GPS Satellite Navigation System and the audio system which never fails to impress me. So far with the cars I've driven so far uses a DVD GPS System but this one uses a HDD Navigation System. The latter's resolution is better than the former and compared with the Murano I've driven months ago, it has a touch screen coupled with a BMW i-drive like cursor.
When I was driving around I wanted to know nearby restaurants and being able to select "nearest restaurant", the navigation system searches for nearby restaurants. How wonderful technology can be. On top of that, we can select and deselect the petrol stations as well as convenience store.
The sound system is BOSE if I'm not mistaken and it has the Greennote CDDB thingy which finds the name of each track you're playing. It has the Dolby Digital surround system and yes, it would be fun to drive with some trance beating in the background while zooming through the highways along the coast of Osaka Port.
Driving ?
The V36 Skyline sedan comes with a 2.5 litre V6 pumping 232 horses and it's no slouch. Acceleration was smooth and the engine note is just beautiful. Of course it isn't like the Straight-6 engine but it's never like the typical Japanese car you would drive. Since it is a rear wheel drive, the driver would have control over the 4 wheels of the car. However it was rather late for me to know that there is a D-Sports mode which makes the driving a little more exciting.
The suspension is rather stiff but well damped. But sometimes the intrusions from the road noise is audible. Maybe due to the selection of tyres ? I can't say that for sure as the car isn't mine. Steering, unlike the usual Japanese makes, it is heavier compared to the Harrier I had at home. That gives a different image to the new Skyline.
Interior space ?
Expect that the car fits 4 adults and 1 child (at the middle rear seat). It is not really made to be as spacious as the Toyota Camry or E-class for its price. However since it is a sport sedan, it should be just nice for a happily married couples who are yet to have a family of 5. The front space can be a little cramped as the gearbox is located just below your wrist.
Fuel Consumption
After 232 kilometres of driving and refuelling, I recorded a 9.0 km/litre (about 36mpg) of mixed city and highway driving with a heavy foot on the accelerator.I would have expected it about 7-8 km/litre looking at my driving style but seems the car have proven me wrong.
Minus points ?
Well there is no such thing as a perfect car and the Skyline itself has its weaknesses. The interior can be a little cheap as in the quality of some plastics are a little below the standards. For example the graying ring below the gearknob looks like it is taken out from a cheap toy factory. Then the metal like garnish seems to be a little plasticky ( I hope the wood version is not the faux wood).
As for Nissan, it is sad that this car is only for Japanese Domestic Market (and certain overseas market).
Conclusion
If you can't afford the legendary Nissan Skyline GTR, the normal Skyline Sedan would bring a smile to you. It wouldn't give you what the GTR could provide but at least it would give a big smile to the owners. It is sad that this type of car isn't that widely sold like the 3-series but looking at it on the bright side, it is still unique compared to the sea of German makes. I guess you could do a lot more with the car in terms of modification and improvements and a Skyline will always remain a Skyline.
However, this is rather different and it isn't really made for stereotypes on Japanese cars. Surprisingly the brand name has been there longer than BMW have come up with their 3-series. But due to their faux pride made them lose their market share to the European rivals. If it weren't, the 3 series would have been somewhat behind time.
It is the 12th Generation V36 Nissan Skyline 250GT. (Sold as Infiniti G-Sedan in the US market).
Since the Ghosn era, Nissan went through rapid changes in various ways and one of it is on the design. Started with the ever controversial looking V35 Skyline which was a total "cultural shock" to the Skyline enthusiast but looking on the positive side, it shows that the Skyline is not anymore in the typical box-like Japanese cars which many people would preceive. However, by replacing the Inline-6 engine with the V6 Engine, The original identity of Nissan Skyline has been lost.
My friend and I rented the Skyline sedan on last Saturday and took it out for a drive as to release some emotional stress we have in Japan. Yeah, although examination is closing in but also some external factors caused me to slow down my studies. Especially when in regards to the opposite sex. It is also the same thing with what my friend has at his workplace so we decided to rent a really good car and take it out for a drive.
Fortunately on that Friday evening that I managed to book the car for a day, although I decided to rent it for two days. So it was 12.00pm and we rented the car. Putting in a simple phrase " Love at first sight ". I'd just smile wide as I see the car gracefully stopped in front of the office. With the sleek and bold lines, it has surely matured from the previous generations. It looks small from the outside but I guess it is just great for young executives who wants a good looking car at a good price.
After checking around the car, I got into the cockpit and it felt like I'm in a car ready to take on the roads. Maybe because I'm used to drive SUVs, so that's why I felt a little different. The dashboard seems to be simple and easy to use and the seems are rather good. However certain plastics felt rubbery especially along the door area. Due to some abuses by previous owners, there are scratches here and there.
The speedometer and its multi information gauge seems to be simple and easy to read.However the fuel gauge is a little hidden but who cars ? I'd want to see the speed and the engine rotation speed than how much tank we have left. Like the 350Z, the panel tilts together with the steering, creating an easy sight of the meters for the driver.
Then it is the GPS Satellite Navigation System and the audio system which never fails to impress me. So far with the cars I've driven so far uses a DVD GPS System but this one uses a HDD Navigation System. The latter's resolution is better than the former and compared with the Murano I've driven months ago, it has a touch screen coupled with a BMW i-drive like cursor.
When I was driving around I wanted to know nearby restaurants and being able to select "nearest restaurant", the navigation system searches for nearby restaurants. How wonderful technology can be. On top of that, we can select and deselect the petrol stations as well as convenience store.
The sound system is BOSE if I'm not mistaken and it has the Greennote CDDB thingy which finds the name of each track you're playing. It has the Dolby Digital surround system and yes, it would be fun to drive with some trance beating in the background while zooming through the highways along the coast of Osaka Port.
Driving ?
The V36 Skyline sedan comes with a 2.5 litre V6 pumping 232 horses and it's no slouch. Acceleration was smooth and the engine note is just beautiful. Of course it isn't like the Straight-6 engine but it's never like the typical Japanese car you would drive. Since it is a rear wheel drive, the driver would have control over the 4 wheels of the car. However it was rather late for me to know that there is a D-Sports mode which makes the driving a little more exciting.
The suspension is rather stiff but well damped. But sometimes the intrusions from the road noise is audible. Maybe due to the selection of tyres ? I can't say that for sure as the car isn't mine. Steering, unlike the usual Japanese makes, it is heavier compared to the Harrier I had at home. That gives a different image to the new Skyline.
Interior space ?
Expect that the car fits 4 adults and 1 child (at the middle rear seat). It is not really made to be as spacious as the Toyota Camry or E-class for its price. However since it is a sport sedan, it should be just nice for a happily married couples who are yet to have a family of 5. The front space can be a little cramped as the gearbox is located just below your wrist.
Fuel Consumption
After 232 kilometres of driving and refuelling, I recorded a 9.0 km/litre (about 36mpg) of mixed city and highway driving with a heavy foot on the accelerator.I would have expected it about 7-8 km/litre looking at my driving style but seems the car have proven me wrong.
Minus points ?
Well there is no such thing as a perfect car and the Skyline itself has its weaknesses. The interior can be a little cheap as in the quality of some plastics are a little below the standards. For example the graying ring below the gearknob looks like it is taken out from a cheap toy factory. Then the metal like garnish seems to be a little plasticky ( I hope the wood version is not the faux wood).
As for Nissan, it is sad that this car is only for Japanese Domestic Market (and certain overseas market).
Conclusion
If you can't afford the legendary Nissan Skyline GTR, the normal Skyline Sedan would bring a smile to you. It wouldn't give you what the GTR could provide but at least it would give a big smile to the owners. It is sad that this type of car isn't that widely sold like the 3-series but looking at it on the bright side, it is still unique compared to the sea of German makes. I guess you could do a lot more with the car in terms of modification and improvements and a Skyline will always remain a Skyline.
Comments
PS. Love your low down shots of the V36.