Nissan Avenir II (W11) photos

The second generation of the Nissan Avenir mid-size station wagon, designated by the chassis code W11, was introduced in August 1998 and remained in production until 2005, when it was succeeded by the Nissan Lafesta. Compared to the previous W10 generation, the W11 featured a stiffer body structure, bolder angular exterior styling, a longer wheelbase for enhanced cabin space, and dropped the commercial cargo van variants to focus entirely on passenger comfort and versatility. Front-wheel-drive models utilized a compact multi-link beam rear suspension, while all-wheel-drive variants equipped with the ATTESA E-TS system received an independent multi-link rear setup. The powertrain lineup initially consisted of 1.8-liter (QG18DE) and 2.0-liter (SR20DE) naturally aspirated inline-four gasoline engines, a high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged SR20DET unit in the GT4 trim, and a 2.0-liter CD20ET turbodiesel. Transmissions included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and Nissan's Hyper CVT, with higher trims featuring a 6-speed manual mode (CVT-M6). A major facelift in 2000 brought revised front fascia and interior trim, replaced the SR20DE engine with the newer QR20DE unit, and introduced the Avenir Blastar, an outdoor-oriented crossover wagon with raised ground clearance and rugged body cladding to compete in the growing recreational vehicle segment. Sold primarily as a Japanese domestic market (JDM) model, the W11 Avenir later became a popular grey-import vehicle in Russia, New Zealand, and other right-hand-drive markets.