The third generation appeared in January 1977. For the first time, the C230 was available in either saloon and hardtop coupé form, but also as a hardtop saloon without B-posts. The hardtop was only available with six-cylinder engines. Buyers could choose between a 1.8-litre four, a 2.0-litre inline-six (carburetted or fuel-injected, a first for the Laurel), a 2.8-litre six, or a 2.0-litre diesel four, sourced from Nissan Diesel as an alternative to the diesel-powered Toyota Mark II and the Isuzu Florian.

Transmissions were mainly four- or five-speed manuals or a three-speed automatic, although a three-speed manual with a column shift was also available in the lower spec and commercial versions. In the autumn of 1978 the C230 received a mild facelift (type C231), marked visually by squared instead of round double headlights. The Toyota competitor was the Mark II coupé and sedan. Again, comfort was prioritized over handling and agility.
1978 Nissan Laurel SGL Hardtop, rear view

One year later (January 1978) Nissan released a tenth anniversary edition, which adopted a special deep red body color known as “Laurel’s Crimson”, as well as trim-specific emblems, aluminum wheels and front grille. In 1979 the 2.4-litre L24 engine was added to the lineup. European outputs were 71 and 83 kW (97 and 113 PS) DIN for the 2.0 and the 2.4 inline-sixes. European buyers were attracted to the Laurel for its overall reliability, low price, and ample equipment. Datsun-Nissan South Africa also developed a two-litre four-cylinder option not offered elsewhere to suit local needs with a lower-cost, torquier engine than the two-litre six sold elsewhere. The L20B engine offered 72 kW (98 PS) and was paired with somewhat lower equipment than the 100 kW (136 PS) 280L sold alongside it.

November 1978 brought minor changes to the Laurel, including squaring off of the front headlights. The highest trim level, “Medalist”, received air conditioning in addition to its OHC four-cylinder two-litre diesel engine. The 1800 cc cars switched to the newer Z18 crossflow engine and all Laurels now met the Showa 53 (1979) gasoline vehicle emission regulations.

Later, in October 1979, a two-litre four-cylinder gasoline option (Z20-series) was added in several markets. Also new were the options of automatic transmission and the SGL equipment grade on diesel vehicles.

In February 1980 an electric sunroof was added to the hardtop version of the Medalist. This was the first year in which a sunroof was a model option.

In July 1980 a special limited edition “gold medalist” top-of-the-line trim was released

Also called 180L, 200L, 240L, 280L
Chassis code: C230, KHC230
Assembly Musashimurayama, Japan
Body style 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop, 2-door hardtop
Layout front engine/rear drive
Engine
1770 cc L18 I4
1770 cc Z18 I4
1952 cc L20B I4 (South Africa)
1952 cc Z20 I4
1998 cc L20/L20E I6
2393 cc L24 I6
2753 cc L28/L28E I6
1991 cc SD20 diesel I4
Transmission 3, 4, 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length 4,525 mm (178.1 in)
Width 1,685 mm (66.3 in)
Height 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb weight 1,235 kg (2,722.7 lb)