conservative lines attract little attention on the road. However, it is

an attractive car. And one could argue that the 200SX is in keeping with

the trend away from curvy, rounded lines to flat expanses of sheet metal

accented with sharp creases.

Three models are available for 1997: The base 200SX, the SE and the

SE-R. The three look identical at first glance, right down to their rear

spoilers. But closer inspection of the SE-R reveals subtle side sill extensions,

along with its unique five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and SE-R badge on

the trunk lid.

As noted, the 200SX and 200SX SE models have a lot in common with the

Sentra compact sedan. That includes the 115-horsepower 1.6-liter dual overhead-cam

16-valve four-cylinder engine, which delivers an EPA-estimated 39 mpg on

the highway, 30 mpg in the city with the standard five-speed gearbox, and

36/27 with the optional four-speed automatic.

The faster SE-R comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter dohc engine. The

2.0-liter engine produces 140 horsepower and a respectable 132 pounds-feet

of torque, the force that helps the SE-R get a jump on other cars at stoplights.

Quick getaways are tempered with a drop in fuel economy to 23/31 city/highway

with either transmission. That's a far cry from the SE's miserly 39 mpg,

but it's a relatively small price for the improved performance--almost

a full second quicker from 0 to 60 mph. The SE-R, with its bigger engine,

is not sold in states that mandate California emissions standards.

Kicking tires, or at least examining them, can tell a lot about the

sporting intentions of a car. The inexpensive 200SX base model comes with

inexpensive 13-inch tires and steel wheels, while the well-appointed SE

runs on competent 14-inch all-season tires mounted on attractive six-spoke

alloy wheels. The sporty SE-R goes for handling performance with low-profile

195/55VR-15 Goodyear Eagle high-performance all-season radials mounted

on way-cool five-spoke 15-inch alloys.

Other signs of the SE-R's sports car leanings: A thicker front anti-roll

bar reduces body roll in corners. A viscous limited-slip differential reduces

front wheelspin by transferring power to the tire with the best traction.

Four-wheel disc brakes improve braking performance over the standard disc/drum

brakes. An antilock braking system is a $499 option for the SE and SE-R.

The 200SX base model and the SE, which starts at close to $16,000, including

destination charges, compete with the Honda Civic, Saturn Coupe, Mitsubishi

Mirage and VW Golf. With its higher level of performance and $17,220 pricetag,

the 200SX SE-R model also takes on the Acura Integra, Hyundai Tiburon,

VW GTI and Chrysler Neons.

The 200SX SE-R we tested was loaded with everything on Nissan's short

option list except the $800 automatic transmission: ABS and a $450 power

glass moonroof with sunshade brought the total with destination charges

to $18,167. That puts it under most of its similarly equipped competition.

A stylish Tiburon can be picked up for less, but its owner will sacrifice

a significant amount of interior roominess.