The Nissan CD engine is a diesel version of the Nissan CA engine that replaced the Nissan LD four-cylinder engine. Part of Nissan's PLASMA engine family, it was available in two displacements: 1.7 and 2.0 litres. They have a cast-iron block and alloy head. It was used from 1980 to the late 1990s until it was replaced by the Nissan YD engine.
The CD17 family displaces , from a bore and stroke of . Built to be as light as possible, the engine walls were made thinner by the use of fins where extra strength was needed, while lateral ribs helped reduce vibration and noise. A new, two-stage glowplug meant that even cold starting times were rarely more than a few seconds.
The CD20 family displaces , thanks to an increased bore and stroke of . The swirl chambers were given additional ports, while the glow plugs were now arranged horizontally. The Aside from being more powerful, the CD20 was quieter and more durable than its predecessor.