of larger Japanese sedans. To fit in with a lower bracket in Japanese taxation legislation, the U14 retained a sub- width. Only a four-door sedan was offered. The hardtop and the option of a 1.6 L engine were removed. Engine choices were either the SR18(DE), SR20(DE) and the SR20(VE) with available all-wheel-drive (ATTESA) versions. The Nissan Hyper CVT automatic transmission was available in this generation along with standard four-speed automatic, five-speed manual, or as an all-wheel-drive with a five-speed manual. Some models had a 1973 cc diesel CD20E engine. Models offered include the standard LeGrand, luxury Eprise, sports-oriented SSS, and a limited run SSS-Z model. The SSS-Z model came with the variable valve lift-equipped SR20VE engine and featured special interior trim which was silver rather than the wood trim found in the Legrand, Eprise, and SSS models. In 2001, a final limited run of SSS models was produced. These cars have a special red and grey paint job, gold rather than the standard silver emblems, and red metal covers over the headlights. Production of the Nissan Bluebird ended in Japan in 2001, and it was replaced by the mid-size Nissan Maxima, Nissan Teana, and Nissan Altima internationally, and the compact Nissan Bluebird Sylphy in Japan. It has been a popular used export to Russia, Africa, some parts of the Caribbean and New Zealand. References Nissan Heritage Collection Japanese Society of Automotive Engineers (JSAE) External links Drive.com.au Nissan Bluebird Review Japanese Imports Safety Recalls RatDat.com – paint colors, sales brochures, and model names earlydatsun.com Bluebird All-wheel-drive vehicles Vehicles with four-wheel steering Vehicles with CVT transmission Cars introduced in 1959 Touring cars Rally cars 1960s cars 1970s cars 1980s cars 1990s cars 2000s cars