New Groovy Wheels

                               exclusive first news of the Datsun 1200 back in 
                               March, then Big Deal in on the home market. Now 
                               it's here and has hit hard. The opposition is 
                               learning how to 
                               duck.

Nissan's groovy 
                               wheels have a bigger slot to run in for 1970. 
                               Already the "groovy wheels" image for the 
                               smallest Datsun range, the 1000 series, has 
                               caught on as Toyota dealers around australia hae 
                               been niggle by the strong small-bore Datsun 
                               march forward which is eating into the 
                               jealously-guarded Corolla 
                               market.
   The Datsun 1200 is 
                               an inflated 1000 -- all around. It is bigger, 
                               with more performonce and comes in three models, 
                               the coupe, sedan and station wagon. The 1200 
                               series was released in Japan earlier in the year 
                               as reported by our correspondent, Jack 
                               Yamaguchi. In Australia the coupe and station 
                               wagons will be imported, the sedans locally 
                               assembled at Press Metal, Enfield, Sydney, and 
                               Motor Constructions, at Clayton, in Victoria. 
                                  The 1200 boyd is bigger, which 
                               makes it more livable, and in 

                               Interior room is generous with curved side glass 
                               and a longer wheelbase for more 
                               legroom.
   Nissan claims the 
                               1200 as "all new" with a "carved front grille" 
                               for "an aggressive look of power". The 1200 
                               engine is a new block with five bearings, an 
                               increase of 7 bhp to 69 and torque up from 61.5 
                               to 70 lb/ft at 3600 rpm. The extra 200 cc puts 
                               top speed up to a claimed 93 mph, with added 
                               smoothness and low speed 
                               tractability.
   Transmission 
                               comes in two packages, the four speed all syncro 
                               box with central floor shifter and a three speed 
                               automatic.
   Top model in the 
                               range is the fully equipped coupe similar to the 
                               current fastback. It has reclining seats, radial 
                               ply tyres, disc brakes, a tacho, radio, 
                               heater-demister and is 
                               carpeted.
   Popularity of the 
                               four-door model has encouraged Nissan Australia 
                               to make it the only sedan and it comes complete 
                               with all the coupe gear minus the tacho and 
                               reclining seats. The five-door wagon features 53 
                               cubic inches of load space with the rear seat 
                               folded down.
   The new engine 
                               specifications are very close but the re-styled 
                               Datsun body could give the Nissan 1200 a wee 
                               edge over the Toyota product. The range hit 

                               and you can bet the first investigators will be 
                               the local salesmen from the Toyota and Ford 
                               dealers. Current market expectation for light 
                               cars is a 40 percent share which at present the 
                               Japanese makes have a firm foothold in -- and 
                               they're not about to let go. Toyota is producing 
                               and selling to its ceiling of 7500 units per 
                               annum and the new 1200 models for Datsun will 
                               possibly see "groovy wheels" in the unenviable 
                               position of not being able to meet demand.

                               released a completely re-styled Toyota 1200 
                               Corolla range -- aimed to resist the 
                               Nissan-Datsun revamp.
Prices, just 
                               released are: Standard 4-door $1885; Deluxe 
                               $1998; deluxe T-bar auto $2220; 2-door fastback 
                               $2298; 5-door wagon 

                               bold new face of the Datsun 1200 has already 
                               given chief opposition Toyota salesmen a 
                               fit.

Interior is plush, equipped to 
                               satisfy. Cockpit design is thoughtful and 
                               practical, though basic.

Autumn leaves 
                               reflect the new image of the re-beefed sedan -- 
                               but Toyota Japan has already answered with a 
                               new-look