The Transformation of the NISSAN ATLAS 1t Class
First Generation F22 Model (1982 - 1992)
The NISSAN ATLAS was released in February 1982 as a successor to the NISSAN Cabstar and Homer. For this F22 model, the Atlas 100 (1-ton) and Atlas 150 (1.5-ton) was introduced in the lineup. The outer design utilized quad round headlights and a cab that emphasized a square structure. The cab lineup included the 3-person Regular Cab and the 6-person Double Cab. For the drive system, in addition to the 2WD, the 4WD was made available as an option.
For the interior, the instrument panel was designed to emphasize sharp, straight lines. Another distinctive feature was the fuel indicator and water temperature gauge being positioned vertically next to a large-sized speedometer.
In addition to the 1,595cc gasoline engine with 95 horsepower and 1,952cc gasoline engine with 105 horsepower, the 2,289cc diesel engine with 68 horsepower and 2,488cc diesel engine with 70 horsepower were made available, for a total of 4 engine options.
In November 1986, minor changes were made to the design, particularly around the front area, and the diesel engine was changed as well. For the front area, the extended front grille and light bezel were made the same color as that of the body. Furthermore, a subwindow was installed in the lower areas of the doors, expanding visibility.
The 2,289cc/68 horsepower and 2,488cc/70 horsepower diesel engines were replaced with 2,300cc/76 horsepower and 2,500cc/82 horsepower diesel engines, further improving running performance.
In June 1990, the gasoline engines were also replaced with newer models. The 1,595cc/95 horsepower and 1,952cc/105 horsepower were replaced with the 1,600cc/76 horsepower and 2,000cc/91 horsepower engines. (*For the power output values, the first is the gross value, and the second is the net value). Moreover, the 2,700cc diesel engine with 90 horsepower was also added to the lineup.
Second Generation F23 Model (1992 - 2007)
In January 1992, a full model change led to the Atlas’s evolution to its second generation model. In terms of the outer design, the quad round headlamps was replaced with double rectangular headlamps. Moreover, the front grille was redesigned for a cleaner look, and accordingly, the NISSAN emblem was moved from the center of the grille to the blacked out area of the lower portion of the front window. Furthermore, the side window’s lower edge was lowered, securing greater visibility.
In terms of the interior, trimming was installed in various areas, leading to greater riding comfort. As for the meter panel, by consolidating the speedometer and tachometer into one panel, visibility was heightened.
The 1,600cc gasoline engine with 76 horsepower, the 2,000cc gasoline engine with 91 horsepower, the 2,300cc diesel engine with 76 horsepower, and the 2,700cc diesel engine with 85 horsepower (net value) were made available.
The 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were made available to be combined with the engines.
In June 1995, the 2,3000cc diesel engine with 76 horsepower was newly replaced by the 2,500cc diesel engine with 82 horsepower. In August of the same year, the 1,600cc gasoline engine with 76 horsepower was removed from the lineup.
In August 1997, the 3,200cc diesel engine with 105 horsepower was added to the lineup, further improving running performance.
In June 1999, minor changes were made, leading to improvements to the outer design. The opening of the front grille was newly redesigned to a wing-like design, and double non-standard rectangular headlamps were used for a more refined look. The NISSAN emblem that had been positioned in the blacked out area of the lower portion of the front window was completely removed; instead, a round corporate mark/emblem was placed at the center of the front grille.
The gasoline engine carried was newly changed to the 1,998cc with 120 horsepower.
Because of these alterations, the body variation lineup changed according to the chart below:
| Drive System | Cabin | Load Capacity | Trunk Length | Tire Classification | Trunk Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD | Single | 1.3 | Standard | Super Low | Single/50 Aspect Ratio Single/Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.5 | Standard | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.3 | Long | Super Low | Single/50 Aspect Ratio Single/Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.5 | Long | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.5 | Long | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.0 | Standard | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.3 | Long | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.0 | Standard | Low Floor | Single | Steel |
| 2WD | Double | 1.3 | Long | Low Floor | Single | Steel |
| 4WD | Double | 0.8 | Standard | Super Low | Single | Steel/Wood |
| 4WD | Double | 1.0 | Long | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
The standard-sized trunk measured in width and length at 1,610mm and 2,860mm respectively for the wooden long trunk, 1,620mm and 2,860mm for the steel long trunk, 1,610mm and 1,880mm for the wooden double cab trunk, 1,620mm and 1,880mm for the steel double cam trunk, 1,610mm and 2,860mm for the wooden long, and 1,620mm and 2,120mm for the steel long.
As for the height of the car floor from the ground, it measured at 770mm for the standard single, 690mm for the 50 aspect ratio single, 735mm for the small diameter double, 710mm for the low-floor standard body single, and 760mm for the long body single.
For all of these, the height of the side door/gate was 380mm.
In October 2000, the Atlas 10 LPG went on sale. This model was developed with the Atlas 10 Long Body Super-Low 1.5-tonner as the base. The 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic were made available as transmission options.
In August 2002, the power window was installed on all vehicles as standard equipment.
In August 2004, with the aim to improve safety features, all vehicles were equipped with driver’s seat SRS airbags.
Third Generation (2007 - )
In June 2007, the current third generation model was introduced. This full model change saw big changes to the outer design. The front headlight design was changed to a more vertical design that integrated the blinker lights. Moreover, the side window’s design was changed to one that allowed it to bend forward, leading to heightened visibility and a brighter interior space. By extending the length and height of the cabin, more head clearance and feet space were secured, leading to greater riding comfort. Controls were placed on the steering wheel that allows drivers to find their most optimal driving position. Furthermore, by enlarging the door opening and increasing the height of the steps, users could more easily get on and off the vehicle.
As for loading capacity, in addition to the existing lineup that went up to 1.5 tons, 1.7- to 2-tonners were added, responding to more varied needs.
As such, the body variation increased as seen in the chart below:
| Drive System | Cabin | Load Capacity | Trunk Length | Tire Classification | Trunk Material | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2WD | Single | 1.5 | Short | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.5 | Short | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.5 | Standard | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.5 | Standard | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.5 | Standard | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.15 | Short | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.25 | Short | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.2 | Standard | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.25 | Standard | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Double | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 1.25 | Standard | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Steel/Wood |
| 4WD | Single | 1.4 | Short | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 4WD | Single | 1.4 | Standard | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 4WD | Single | 1.4 | Standard | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Double | Steel/Wood |
| 4WD | Double | 1.15 | Short | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.15 | Standard | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Single | Steel/Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 2.0 | Short | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Double | Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 2.0 | Short | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 2.0 | Long | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Double | Wood |
| 2WD | Single | 2.0 | Long | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.85 | Standard | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Double | Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.75 | Standard | Super Low | Small Diameter Double | Wood |
| 2WD | Double | 1.75 | Long | Full Super Low | Aspect Ratio Double | Wood |
The transmission that could be combined with these are the 5-speed or 6-speed manual, according to the vehicle type, or the 5-speed or 6-speed automatic.
In August 2010, the diesel engine of the 1.5-tonner was improved to allow for enhanced fuel economy, subsequently achieving “2015 Fuel Consumption Standards.”
In November 2011, the diesel engine of the 1.5-tonner was again improved. Consequently, all 1.5-tonners achieved “2010 Gas Emission Standards PM 30% Reduction Levels.” Furthermore, the 2WD also achieved the “2015 Fuel Consumption Standards,” leading to its adherence to the tax exemptions available through the “Tax Plan to Promote Environmentally Friendly Cars,” and it also became subject to 75% exemption from the automobile acquisition tax and motor vehicle tonnage tax in Japan.
In March 2012, improvements were made to the diesel engine of the 2-tonners to enhance environmental performance. As a result, all 2-tonners were able to adhere to New Long-Term Gas Emission Regulations. Moreover, through improvements to the engine and gear proportions, fuel economy was enhanced, leading to its achievement of “2015 Heavy Vehicle Fuel Consumption Standards.” As a result, all diesel engine 2-tonners adhered to the tax exemptions available through the “Tax Plan to Promote Environmentally Friendly Cars,” and they also became subject to 75% exemption from the automobile acquisition tax and motor vehicle tonnage tax in Japan.
In June 2013, improvements were implemented, and the 1.5-tonners carrying diesel engines were able to achieve 10% reduction in NOx (nitrogen oxide), in adherence to the 2010 Gas Emission Regulations (Post New Long-Term Gas Emission Regulations). Achievement of “2009 Gas Emission Standards 10% Reduction” was realized according to the Low-Emission Gas Vehicle Certification Standards; as a result, tax exemptions available through the “Tax Plan to Promote Environmentally Friendly Cars” were applied, as well as 50% exemption from the automobile acquisition tax and motor vehicle tonnage tax in Japan.
In April 2015, through improvements to the engine and changes in the tire size, fuel economy of the diesel engine vehicles increased. As such, the 4WD diesel engine 1.5-tonners were able to achieve “2009 Gas Emission Standards 10% Reduction” according to the Low-Emission Gas Vehicle Certification Standards and “2015 Fuel Consumption Standards.” This led to the diesel engine 1.5-tonners achieving 40% reduction of the automobile acquisition tax and 50% reduction of the motor vehicle tonnage tax for vehicles registered by April, and 25% reduction for vehicles registered in or after May.
| ATLAS 1t-2t | MODEL | Displacement | Fuel | Lineup Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-1992 | BF22 | 1,595 | Gasoline | 1982-1990 |
| BGF22 | 1,595 | Gasoline | 1982-1990 | |
| UF22 | 1,595 | Gasoline | 1990 | |
| UGF22 | 1,595 | Gasoline | 1990 | |
| PF22 | 1,952 | Gasoline | 1982-1990 | |
| PGF22 | 1,952 | Gasoline | 1982-1990 | |
| WF22 | 1,952 | Gasoline | 1990 | |
| WGF22 | 1,952 | Gasoline | 1990 | |
| YF22 | Diesel | 1982-1983 | ||
| YGF22 | 2,289 | Diesel | 1982-1986 | |
| TF22 | 2,289 | Diesel | 1986-1992 | |
| TGF22 | 2,289 | Diesel | 1986-1992 | |
| EF22 | 2,488 | Diesel | 1982-1986 | |
| EGF22 | 2,488 | Diesel | 1982-1986 | |
| REGF22 | 2,488 | Diesel | 1982-1986 | |
| AF22 | 2,700 | Diesel | 1986 | |
| AGF22 | 2,700 | Diesel | 1986 | |
| AMF22 | 2,700 | Gasoline | 1986 | |
| 1992-2007 | SJ2F23 | 1,600 | Gasoline | 1992-1995 |
| SK2F23 | 2,000 | Gasoline | 1992-1997 | |
| SH4F23 | 2,000 | Diesel | 1999-2002 | |
| SM2F23 | 2,300 | Diesel | 1992-1995 | |
| SM4F23 | 2,300 | Diesel | 1992-1995 | |
| SM6F23 | 2,300 | Diesel | 1992-1995 | |
| SN2F23 | 2,500 | Diesel | 1995-1997 | |
| SN4F23 | 2,500 | Diesel | 1995-1997 | |
| SN6F23 | 2,500 | Diesel | 1995-1997 | |
| SP2F23 | 2,700 | Diesel | 1992-2002 | |
| SP6F23 | 2,700 | Diesel | 1992-1998 | |
| SR2F23 | 3,200 | Diesel | 1998-2002 | |
| SR4F23 | 3,200 | Diesel | 1998-2002 | |
| SR8F23 | 3,200 | Diesel | 1998-2002 | |
| F23 | 2,000 | LPG | 2000-2007 | |
| 2007- | F24 | 2,000 | Gasoline | 2007-2014 |
| SZ1F24 | 3,000 | Diesel | 2007-2014 | |
| SZ2F24 | 3,000 | Diesel | 2007-2014 | |
| SZ4F24 | 3,000 | Diesel | 2007-2014 | |
| SZ5F24 | 3,000 | Diesel | 2007-2014 | |
| TZ2F24 | 3,000 | Diesel | 2007-2014 | |
| TZ3F24 | 3,000 | Diesel | 2007-2014 |
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