Two variants of the MKI Nissan Gazelle were sold in Australia between 1983 and 1986, the base GL Hatchback model (referred to as Liftback in Australian publications) and the higher-specification SGL Coupe model, both fitted with the larger displacement CA20E twin-spark engine. Specifications, interior trims and vehicle options were very limited and of a much lower grade than the broader Japanese range of Gazelles, making it a fairly basic yet affordable sports car in the Australian market. The Gazelle received mixed reviews from Australian motoring journalists, often voicing their desire for more power from turbocharged engine options, and therefore the car did not achieve massive sales numbers in the local market.

Introducing a new breed. The new Dual Ignition Gazelle by Nissan. And never has a car been more aptly named.
Swift. Nimble. Smooth.Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

VIN Plate Identification Data
View S12 Identification Page

All Australian market MKI Gazelle's produced from October 1983 until March 1985 are equipped with the 4-Link Coil Axle Type (SRA) rear suspension. Cars produced after March 1985 had a different chassis base and are equipped with Independent Suspension Semi-Trailing Arm Type (IRS) rear suspension.

Standard Equipment as Listed
Options Available

^{From the Oct. 1983 - Mar. 1985 Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure}

Introducing a new breed.
The new Dual Ignition Gazelle by Nissan.
And never has a car been more aptly named.
Take the new Gazelle Sports Coupe, for instance. As you can see, it's sleek… graceful… elegant. Just like its beautiful namesake. New Nissan Gazelle Sports Coupe not only looks high spirited - it is. On the move, it's very fleet with an all-new Fuel-Injected 2-litre engine with unique Dual Ignition. A 5-speed overdrive manual transmission is standard. Or, you can opt for a 4-speed overdrive auto with “lock-up” torque converter that gives you automatic convenience with manual-like response and economy.
Inside, it's very roomy and comfortable. And very luxurious. A special option ack consisting of air conditioning, power sunroof and power steering is available on the Coupe at extra cost.
Otherwise, everything else is standard, including cruise control for driving convenience, a 6-speaker AM/FM radio/cassette player with electronic tuning, Dolby noise reduction and diversity antenna for constant FM signal strength, power windows, power-controlled exterior mirrors, heated rear window with timer and time-delay interior lighting.
Plush, reclining front bucket seats are fine-recline adjustable and feature lumbar support for the driver. Luxury cloth trim extends to headlining and sunvisors. There's even carpet in the load area. In fact, no other car in its class offers more luxury, more features than Gazelle Sports Coupe.

Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

The impressive dash layout in the Sports Coupe Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

Gazelle Sports Coupe features luxury cloth seat trim and ample interior room. Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

^{From the Oct. 1983 - Mar. 1985 Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure}

Beneath Gazelle's sleek good looks beats a powerful heart: a brand-new Dual Ignition, Fuel-Injected 2-litre, 4 cylinder OHC engine that is the very latest in lightweight, fuel efficient design from Nissan.
It has an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, achieved through the use of the most advanced lightweight alloys available today. Hemispherical combustion chambers and “high swirl” intake ports, combined with electronic Fuel Injection and Dual Ignition, help achieve an outstanding level of power and torque. Dual Ignition simply means that each cylinder has two spark plugs, so fuel burn is faster, more thorough, resulting in greater responsiveness and fuel savings with less emission.
In transmissions, a smooth 5-speed manual with 5th gear overdrive is standard. The all-new optional 4-speed overdrive automatic incorporates a “lock-up” torque converter. This means that from 78kph in top gear, the torque converter “locks-up” so that drive is direct from engine to transmission. Thus eliminating conventional automatic slippage and reducing engine speed for economy.
Gazelle scores high in road handling ability. McPherson Strut front suspension, anti-sway bars front and rear, rack and pinion steering and steel radial tyres give it superior handling ability for spirited driving. The combination front disc-rear drum brakes, with disc pad wear indicator, assure smooth, controlled stopping power.
The overall result is a technically advanced blend of performance, comfort and handling. With sophisticated styling and luxury to please.

Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

^{From the Oct. 1983 - Mar. 1985 Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure}

Settle into its plush, deep foam bucket seat with lumbar support. Buckle up and grip the tilt-adjustable soft-feel steering wheel. An exciting ride and handling discovery is at hand. The new breed Gazelle Liftback is meant to run.
The sleek, lean shape, as you can see, is clearly aerodynamic. It offers the same performance, handling and ride characteristics that make the Coupe so quick, and sure-footed.
It also offers most of the creature comforts of the Coupe, at a lower price. There's a 4-speaker electronic AM/FM stereo radio/cassette player with Dolby noise reduction for your listening enjoyment. Remote control fuel lid and liftback release for convenience. Luxury cloth trim and cutpile carpet throughout for comfort. Instrumentation includes tachometer, low-fuel/door ajar lamps and digital clock. The rear window is heated and has a wiper/washer. The split-fold rear seat can be used with one side down, or both. And luggage retaining straps are included to keep everything secure. All this, and more, is standard. In fact, the only optional extras available are the 4-speed automatic transmission and special options pack consisting of air conditioning, sunroof and alloy wheels. Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

^{From the Oct. 1983 - Mar. 1985 Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure}

1. Gazelle Liftback's impressive dash display ensures easy read out.

2. Both the Sports Coupe and Liftback feature retractable halogen headlights.

3. Rear wiper/washer is standard on the Liftback.

4. Power sunroof is available as an optional extra on the Sports Coupe.

Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

5. Gazelle Liftback also features luxury cloth seat trim.

6. Sports Coupe offers alloy wheels as standard.

7. Good looking full wheel covers are standard on the Liftback.

Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

8. Gazelle's aerodynamic shape is styled to cheat the wind - note for example the flush fitting door design.

9. Tilt adjustable steering is standard in both the Sports Coupe and Liftback.

10. The Liftback's large load area is increased greatly when the split fold rear seat is operated. Nissan Gazelle Australia Brochure

Oct. 1983 - Mar. 1985 Gazelle is available with an option pack, at extra cost, for both the Liftback and Coupe. Liftback; Air Conditioning, Sunroof (Manual), Alloy Wheels Coupe; Air Conditioning, Sunroof (Power), Power Steering

Mar. 1985 - Oct. 1986 Gazelle is available with an option pack, at extra cost, for the Liftback. Liftback; Power Steering, Sunroof (Manual), 15“ Alloy Wheels & 60 Series Tyres

Air Conditioning Dealer fitted option on both Coupe and Liftback.

In early 1986 the Australian market Nissan Gazelle received a chassis update, and with this came a new printed brochure. All cars, both Coupe and Liftback, would now be equipped with the Independent Suspension Semi-Trailing Arm Type (IRS) rear suspension design. The Coupe would now be fitted with all options as standard, and the option pack now only applied to the Liftback. Gear ratio set in the manual gearbox was updated and both the automatic and manual cars received new final drive ratios. A new alloy wheel design was added to the lineup, the same wheels available on the Japanese market Turbo RS-X. These wheels were standard on the coupe and available as an option on the Liftback. Colour options were slightly revised, with Champagne Beige no longer being an option.

You've never been in better shape.

One look at Gazelle invites you to slip behind its wheel and throw some tough ones at it. Like overtaking road trains. Or deftly negotiating mountain bends. Or emergency stops. Maybe even tight parking spots. But you'll find that Gazelle will easily take these challenges in it's long stride… an beat them.

McPherson Strut front suspension, independent rear suspension with four wheel disc brakes ensure the steel radials stick safely to just about all road surfaces with ample stopping power. While revised gearing has improved on road performance. Take a good look around you as you snuggle into your body hugging, 3-way adjustable bucket seat. Instrumentation is clear and comprehensive and monitors all major functions. The soft-padded steering wheel is tilt-adjustable.

Your personal entertainment system delivers superb performance through a genuine hi-fidelity AM/FM stereo radio/cassette with Dolby NR. In the liftback there are four speakers. In the coupe, there are no less than six! There's even a “Diversity” antenna to help maintain constant FM signal strength.

No comfort or convenience item has been overlooked. There's a footrest. Power-operated exterior mirrors. Remote fuel and boot/liftback release. The rear window is heated and, on the Liftback, a broad-sweeping wiper/washer is added. The Liftback also features split-fold rear seats for optimum luggage capacity. Load restraining straps are also included. Whilst, in the Coupe, convenience even runs to time-delay interior lights. Nissan Gazelle Australia Update Brochure

Left, colour options Oct. 1983 - Mar. 1985 | Right, colour options Mar. 1985 - Oct. 1986

Interior Trim
Blue (B), Grey (K)

Blue cloth (B) available with exterior colours 002, 106, 210 and 261.
Grey cloth (K) available with exterior colours 013, 029, 218, 224 and 280.

See Also; Colour Database

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