Nissan Figaro

Nissan Figaro (E-FK10)
Overview
Manufacturer Nissan
Production 1991 (20,000 built)
Assembly Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
Designer Naoki Sakai
Body and chassis
Class City car
Body style 2-door convertible
Layout FF layout
Platform Nissan B platform
Related
Powertrain
Engine 987 cc MA10ET I4 turbo
Transmission 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,300 mm (91 in)
Length 3,740 mm (147 in)
Width 1,630 mm (64 in)
Height 1,365 mm (53.7 in)
Curb weight 810 kg (1,790 lb)

The Nissan Figaro is a small retro car manufactured by Nissan. The car was originally sold only in Japan. Despite this, the Nissan Figaro has become popular with owners in the UK, Ireland and South East Asia, given the popularity of second-hand Japanese import cars. Its appearance has a resemblance to the 1960s Datsun Fairlady models. In Japan, it was exclusive to Japanese Nissan dealership network called Nissan Cherry Store.

Overview

The Figaro was introduced at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show under the slogan "Back to the Future", and the name "Figaro" was a reference to the main character in the play The Marriage of Figaro by Pierre Beaumarchais. It was built by a Nissan special projects group called Pike Factory, which also produced other niche automobiles such as the Be-1, Pao and S-Cargo. It was based on the Nissan Micra aka March. Only four colours were available: Topaz Mist, Emerald Green, Pale Aqua and Lapis Grey. Each colour symbolised a season of the year. When the car was launched, Topaz Mist was the least popular colour. There were only 2,000 produced in Topaz Mist hence they have become increasingly rare.

Nissan Figaro (Japan)
Nissan Figaro interior

The Figaro was equipped with leather seats, air conditioning, CD player and an open roof. It was designed by Shoji Takahashi, who won a design competition with the car.

Only 8000 were originally available with an additional 12,000 added to production numbers to meet demand. Prospective purchasers had to enter a lottery to be able to buy one of these cars. Limited edition cars came with passenger side baskets and cup holders. There are specialist dealers in the UK who supply parts and servicing for this car. The Figaro Doctor in London is one of the oldest importers in the United Kingdom.[1]

Specifications

Size

Weight

Performance

Engine

Various devices

Features

Mechanism

Body

In popular culture

Sarah Jane Smith drove a mint green Nissan Figaro in the BBC spin-off television series of Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Andrew Marr is seen driving a Figaro in the opening credits of the Sunday morning BBC One programme The Andrew Marr Show.[2]

The car has a brief cameo in Mako's flashback of a Kaiju attack on Tokyo in 2016, in the film Pacific Rim, where it can briefly be seen as a fleet of fighter jets fly above.

The car has a cameo in the Canadian Sci-Fi show, Continuum, season 1, episode 7.

In the Japanese TV drama Aibō, the lead detective drives one that is painted black and had driven the same car since the series began in 2000.

The YouTube show Mighty Car Mods bought a Figaro to replace The Blue Turd, but it lost in the Figaro vs The Blue Turd episode.

Pop star Marina and the Diamonds used a bluish/grey Figaro in the music video for her song Blue, from her third album Froot.

Owners

The Nissan Figaro has a number of high-profile owners, including FC Barcelona and Belgian footballer Thomas Vermaelen,[3] guitarist Eric Clapton, Canadian Tabla/Ghazal Wizard Cassius Khan and his wife Amika Kushwaha, TV presenter Vanessa Feltz, and Princess Eugenie.[4] Mollie King, from British girl group The Saturdays is another proud owner. Mami Ayukawa purchased a Figaro new in 1991 and was still driving it as of 2013.[5]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.figarodoctor.com
  2. ↑ The Andrew Marr Show - Frequently Asked Questions BBC One
  3. ↑ "Thomas Vermaelen urged to ditch his old banger by Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie". Metro.co.uk. Associated Newspapers Limited. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  4. ↑ Toby Brooks, Origins of the Nissan Figaro, The Figaro Shop
  5. ↑ My Friend "FIGARO" mami's talking

http://www.figarodoctor.com http://www.japcarsandparts.co.uk

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