Nissan Presage I (U30) photos

Launched in June 1998 and produced until 2003, the first-generation Nissan Presage (chassis code U30) was developed as a stylish, cruiser-oriented three-row minivan aimed at buyers seeking sedan-like driving dynamics combined with generous passenger capacity. Sharing its foundational platform architecture and body structure with the more upscale Nissan Bassara, the U30 Presage utilized four conventional hinged doors rather than sliding rear doors, along with a low center of gravity that contributed to stable highway handling. Inside, the cabin offered seating for seven or eight passengers with folding and swiveling seat configurations and a column-mounted gear selector that freed up walk-through space between the front seats. At launch, customers could choose between a 2.4-liter inline-four gasoline engine (KA24DE), a smooth 3.0-liter V6 gasoline unit (VQ30DE), and a 2.5-liter direct-injection turbodiesel inline-four (YD25DDTi). All powertrains were mated to a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layouts available across the range. In August 2001, the model underwent a mid-cycle refresh that updated the front grille, headlights, bumpers, and interior upholstery; at the same time, the diesel engine was discontinued, the 2.4-liter unit was replaced by a newer 2.5-liter QR25DE inline-four, and the sporty Highway Star trim with aerodynamic body styling was added. Marketed primarily in Japan, the U30 Presage subsequently saw widespread export as a used vehicle to Russia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.