The Nissan Be-1 is a retro-styled three-door hatchback manufactured by Nissan for model years 1987-1988, and originally marketed solely in Japan at their Nissan Cherry Stores.
Designed to be a fashionable city car, the Be-1 was originally marketed without Nissan branding, by reservation only and solely in Japan.
Because of its origins at Pike Factory, Nissan's special project group, the Be-1 — along with the Nissan Figaro, Pao and S-Cargo — are known as Nissan's "Pike cars."
In 2011, noted design critic Phil Patton, writing for the New York Times, called the Pike cars "the height of postmodernism" and "unabashedly retro, promiscuously combining elements of the Citroën 2CV, Renault 4, Mini [and] Fiat 500."
The engine was the 1.0L (987 cc) MA10S, and a 3-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission. This engine produced 52 PS (51 hp/38 kW) at 6000 rpm and 76 N·m (56 ft·lbf) at 3600 rpm.
The chassis included rack and pinion steering, independent suspension with struts in front, as well as 4-links and coil springs in back. Disc brakes were used in the front and Drum Brakes were used in the rear.
Model codesBK10RHF (5MT)BK10RHFW (5MT w/canvas top)BK10RHA (3AT)BK10RHAW (3AT w/canvas top)Dimensions and weightLength: 3,635 mm (143.1 in)Width: 1,580 mm (62.2 in)Height: 1395 mm (w/canvas top 1420 mm)Wheelbase: 2,300 mm (90.6 in)Ground clearance: 165 mm (6.5 in)Front tread: 1,365 mm (53.7 in)Rear tread: 1,350 mm (53.1 in)Weight: MT 670 kg, (w/canvas top 680 kg), AT 700 (w/canvas top 710 kg)Gross weight: MT 945 kg (w/canvas top 955 kg), AT 975 kg (w/canvas top 985 kg)Capacity: 5 peoplePerformanceMinimum turning radius: 4.4 m (14 ft)Fuel consumption (according to Japanese rule 10.15): (5MT) 20.5 km/L (48.2 mpg); (3AT) 16.5 km/L (38.8 mpg); (3AT w/canvas top) 15.0 km/L (35.3 mpg)Fuel consumption at a steady 60 km/h (37 mph): (5MT) 31.4 km/L (73.9 mpg); (3AT) 25.4 km/L (59.7 mpg)EngineEngine type: MA10SWater-cooled OHC inline-4-cylinderBore x Stroke: 68.0 mm × 68.0 mm (2.68 in × 2.68 in)Volume displacement: 987 cc (60.2 cui)Compression ratio: 9.5Highest outputs: 52 PS (38 kW) at 6000 rpmMax. torque: 7.6 kgf·m (75 N·m/55.3 ft·lbf) at 3600 rpmElectronically controlled carburetor (ECC)OtherFuel tank capacity: unleaded regular, 40 L (10.6 US gal)Rack and pinion steeringRear suspension: independent, 4 link coil typeFront suspension: strutsDisc brakes front and rearTire size: 165/70R12 front and rearElectric canvas top, available in March 1987.Body ColorPumpkin YellowTomato RedHydrangea BlueOnion White (all with black interior; steel wheels were painted in body color)
