Nissan Sunny Review
Affordable, Feature Rich and Spacious
Monday, April 22, 2013The Nissan Sunny was launched by Nissan India inspired by the Micra hatchback. The Sunny is the first medium-sized vehicle in India manufactured by Nissan. It is a top quality saloon vehicle which has been manufactured by Nissan Design and Nissan Motor Company Ltd with contribution from 170 countries worldwide. The C+ segment sedan was initially launched in petrol in September 2011 and diesel variants were launched in December 2011. The word Sunny means good beginning in the morning. The model is the tenth generation of the Sunny that has been launched in India and it made its worldwide launch at the 8th China International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou in December 2010. The Nissan Sunny is known as a versatile and flexible sedan with no nonsense features that enables it to do everything properly. The Sunny will compete with other vehicles in the C-segment such as the Volkswagen Vento, Honda City, Skoda Rapid, Tata Manza, Maruti SX4, Ford Fiesta Classic and Hyundai Verna. The competition in this segment is growing so Nissan Sunny needs to provide new features to grab the attention of car enthusiasts and buyers.
Nissan Sunny - Fast Facts
- Petrol engine has displacement of 1498cc
- Maximum power is 97 bhp at 6000 rpm
- Maximum torque is 134 nm at 4000 rpm
- Diesel engine has displacement of 1461cc
- Maximum power of 84.8 bhp at 3750 rpm
- Maximum torque of 200 nm at 2000 rpm
- Available in 5 variants: XE, XL, XV, Diesel XL and Diesel XV
- Even the base model will features one SRS airbag, ABS with EBD
- Top model feature key-less entry system and push button start/stop system
- Is available in six shades: Bronze Grey, Storm White, Blade Silver, Sapphire Blue, Oynx Black and Brick Red
Update: Nissan India launches Special Edition Sunny
Nissan India has launched Sunny Special Edition which is available in both petrol and diesel. It comes with few additional features like 2 DIN music system, rear spoiler, leather interiors, rear parking camera and rear trunk garnish.
Nissan Sunny Exterior
The Nissan Sunny is the newest entry level vehicle from Nissan in the segment where vehicles do not generally have quite exciting design and style. There are delicate lines all around the sedan that provide it with a good touch of elegance that is visually appealing even at a short distance away. While the Sunny has no head turner features, it has a massive front end that hosts big headlights that are based on the Japanese’s Manga strips which gave the car its very unique look. The design of the Nissan Sunny has a perfect balance of elegance and aggression but the rear looks disproportionate, the balance with its design which is based on the bigger Teana. The car actually looks extremely dull with triangular tail lamps. The Nissan logo is placed just above the registration plate. Nevertheless, the Sunny is still pleasant to behold and has completely overrun the other vehicles in the segment with its overall classy look.
Nissan Sunny’s exteriors reveal its aggression and its masculine side with the bold lines adding the dominative outer appearance. The front of the vehicle includes big jewel shaped halogen headlamps that intensely enlightens the wider area rather than having standard headlamps. The front grille features chrome plated slats and company logo in the center which are newly designed to add the classy look to the exteriors. Moreover, the Sunny houses a lower air dam with one slat that is very common among these types of cars in India. The fog lamp clusters are circular in shape and are attached in individual slats. The Nissan Sunny also features body colored bumpers and rear view mirrors. The waistline molding is chrome plated while the outline of each panel adds to the aggressive and distinctive look of the car. The wide opening doors allow the passengers to have better and easier entry and exit while the stylish curves, muscular haunches and neat rear spoiler provide a sporty and masculine look to the silhouette. The rear view of the Sunny is similar with other cars in its segment except the tail lamp cluster that includes a rear turn indicator and reverse light. The rear’s chrome plated finish adds to the appeal of the sedan with the rear windshield housing a third brake light.
- Fog lights, Alloy wheels, Door side moldings
- Chrome finish front Grille, Chrome finish rear garnish
- Body colored mud flaps, Chrome plated outside door handle
Nissan Sunny Interior
For it being called the Sunny, you would expect it to contain lively interiors but it does not. Instead, the Sunny has classy and elegant interiors. It has a single shade of grey on the upholstery on the interior which gives the car a bland and dull feel. However, the door trim contains a dash of colors that breaks the dullness inside a bit. Its monochrome interior contains a round instrument console that is based on the Micra hatchback that does not give too much brand appeal to the car. The vents for the rear passengers are a smart cost-cutting move from Nissan because they are not directly linked to the air conditioning system but simply use a blower to make the air in the cabin a bit cooler. Despite these cost-cutting moves from Nissan, the plastics and materials used for the interiors are of high quality. Probably because of the dull looks of the upholstery, the Nissan Sunny incorporates interior features that enhance the overall look of the interior. These interior features include a console box in an overhead position on the central console box on the central console, a panel box, a shift knob, seat belts, incorporated head rests, bigger room in the trunk, foot operated parking brake, door and rear centre armrests with cup holders, power windows, keyless entry system, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors and a push button start or stop system.
- Power windows, Power steering, Climate control system
- Rear centre armrest with cup holders
- Electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors
- Remote central locking: key-less entry system
- Push button start/stop system, Rear AC vents
- Dash integrated MP3 CD player with four speakers and AUX port
- Interior Color Scheme - Black (in XE - base model)
- Interior Color Scheme - Grey (in XL and XV variants)
Comfort and Convenience
When it comes to comfort and convenience, the Sunny does not take a back seat with its wide array of comfort features. The sedan has a 5 passenger seating capacity including the driver with spacious front and rear space. The rear seat is comfortable enough that it can accommodate three adults with ease. The front and rear seat provides ample legroom, shoulder room, head room and hip room that adds to the comfort factor. The rear knee room allows the rear passengers to stretch and move their legs with ease and comfort. The automatic and manual AC vents gives the cabin enough airflow while the audio system enhances ones entertainment comfort level. The Nissan Sunny carries a decent sized boot that is capable of handling 490 litres of luggage which is ideal for family vacations. Its long wheelbase also adds up to so much luggage space. The keyless entry systems of the Sunny provide a one touch door lock and unlock function with remote boot opening. Added to that security convenience are the single-switched lock and unlock doors, fine vision meters for better vision of the road and the round illuminated digital display centre console.
- Power windows, Power steering, Climate control system
- Rear centre armrest with cup holders
- Electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors
- Remote central locking: key-less entry system
- Push button start/stop system, Rear AC vents
- Dash integrated MP3 CD player with four speakers and AUX port
- Interior Color Scheme - Black (in XE - base model)
- Interior Color Scheme - Grey (in XL and XV variants)
Nissan Sunny Dashboard and Storage
The Nissan Sunny includes a dual tone dashboard that incorporates the automatic or manual AC controls and vents, the instrument cluster and the audio system. The instrument panel is integrated and has four dials; 2 bigger central dials and 2 smaller ones. Both the AC vents and in-dash audio system are rectangular in shape. The dashboard also includes a wide front passenger glove box and mounted audio controlled steering wheel. Infotainment and Music System of Nissan Sunny The music system of the Nissan Sunny incorporates a dash integrated CD/MP3 player with four speakers and aux-in Port that enhances the comfort and convenience level of both the passengers and the driver.
Engine and Gearbox of Nissan Sunny
As mentioned earlier, the Nissan Sunny was first launched in the petrol variant and then the diesel variant came after few months. The petrol engine generates maximum torque of 134 Nm at 4000 rpm with maximum power of 97 bhp at 6000 rpm. The diesel engine generates maximum power of 84.8 bhp and maximum torque of 200 nm.
- 1498cc 4 cylinder 97 Bhp petrol engine
- Maximum power of 97 bhp at 6000 rpm
- Maximum torque of 134 nm at 4000 rpm
- 1461cc 4 cylinder 84.8 bhp diesel engine
- Maximum power of 84.8 bhp at 3750 rpm
- Maximum torque of 200 nm at 2000 rpm
Acceleration and Performance
Powered by Japanese engine technologies, the Nissan Sunny promises greater power and acceleration. The 1.5 liter, 4 cylinder engine output is delivered through a five-speed manual transmission thus generating a 100 – 175 kmph speed in 15.8 seconds.
Nissan Sunny Mileage
Aside from ensuring lesser weight and higher performance, the V-platform of the Sunny is providing more fuel efficiency. The petrol variants of the Sunny offer a mileage of 15 kmpl in the city and 17 kmpl on the highways while the diesel variants can deliver an ARAI certified mileage of 21.64 kmpl that is ideal both for city and countryside roads. This engine ensures good low end power and smooth and balanced driving.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, you will never go wrong with the Nissan Sunny. It is packed with active and passive safety features that include front dual SRS airbags, the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution with Brake Assist, halogen headlamps, front disc brake, front fog lamps, seat belts, an impact absorbing body, an engine immobilizer, front and side impact beams, a keyless entry system, child safety locks, central locking and day and night inside rear view mirror.
- Dual SRS airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) with BA (Brake Assist)
Nissan Sunny Suspension and Braking
The Nissan Sunny is fitted with front disk brakes and rear drum brakes that are considered as the perfect combination for immediate braking. While normal discs are used for the diesel variants, ventilated discs are attached to the wheels of the petrol variants. With the combination of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and the Brake Assist (BA), the braking system is more powerful for giving the ultimate braking when applied. When it comes to its suspension, the Sunny is equipped with front McPherson Struts and rear torsion beam suspensions with stabilizer bars. It does not only provide a better driving experience but also adds to the rigidity of the chassis.
Ride and Handling
The Nissan sunny has a ground clearance of 165 mm with kerb weight from 998 kg to 1027 kg for petrol variants and 1092 kg to 1097 kg for diesel variants. Because of its light weight structure that is carried from the superb modern engineering of the V-platform, the Nissan Sunny offers vital strength, a strong ride and refinement and vibrant on-road performance. The adjustable driver seat, wide 2600mm wheelbase and 3 spoke powered steering wheel provides easy handling of the car. This segment is very competitive with its wider visibility features and light, easy to handle, precise steering that provides a comfortable driving position. It provides the best handling features when gliding through city roads even in traffic.
Nissan Sunny Shades
The Nissan Sunny is available in six shades namely:
- Storm White
- Bronze Grey
- Blade Silver
- Onyx Black
- Sapphire Blue
- Brick Red
Nissan Sunny Variants
Nissan Sunny is available in three petrol variants - XE, XL and XV;
2 diesel variants: XL and XV. The base variant (XE) features power steering, air-conditioner, driver airbag, ABS and EBD. In addition to XE variant, the XL variant features rear defogger, power windows, central locking system, automatic climate control system, rear AC vents, steering mounted audio controls and 2 SRS airbags. In addition to the XL variant, the top-of-the-line XV variant features alloy wheels, electric-foldable ORVMs and key-less entry system.
Value for Money
The Nissan Sunny provides good value for money. This is maybe not the best car when it comes to style and appearance, but the easy handling, fuel efficiency of its diesel variants, very good engine performance and good riding quality makes the looks not such a huge compromise.
Nissan Sunny Features
The top-model XV of Nissan Sunny has following features:
- Body Coloured Bumpers, Roof Antenna, Green Tinted Glass, Alloy Wheels
- Body Coloured Outside Door Mirrors, Chrome Plated Outside Door Handle
- Chrome Plated Radiator Grille, Rear Defroster, Electrically adjustable mirror
- Electric Folding Outside Mirror, B Pillar Sash Black Out, Full Wheel Covers
- Drive Computer, Tachometer, Digital Clock, Manual Antil-Dazzling Room Mirror
- Integrated Audio System With 4 Speakers and Aux-in Port
- Adjustable Front Headrests, Adjustable Rear Headrests
- Rear Seat Centre Armrest With Cup Holders, Outside Temp.Display
- Chrome Plated inside door handles, Fine Vision Meters, Door Trim Fabric
- Front Rear Door Armrest Finish, Electric Power Steering, Steering Tilt Adjustment
- 12 V Accessory Socket, Headlight on Warning Lamp, Key remove Warning Lamp
- Auto AC with Filter, Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Rear Comfort Fan
- Driver Side front Window With Auto-down Anti-Pinch Function, Central Door Lock
- Driver Passenger Vanity Mirror, Boot Lamp, Remote Key-less Entry, Front Fog Lamps
- Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, ABS+EBD+BA, Engine Immobilizer
- Dual SRS airbags, Door Ajar Warning, Anti Theft Device with Alarm
- Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock
Verdict
With the fantastic amount of space it has to offer, the many safety features, the loaded interiors, the good riding quality and engine performance, the Nissan Sunny is definitely known to be a no nonsense sedan. Even though it is not a head turner when it comes to appearance, the Sunny’s incomparable features like the sporty button start, the keyless entry system, the steering mounted controls and more are definitely worth the tradeoff. In this segment where space is an important factor, Nissan has made a smart move with its superb space capability. Although its top petrol variant may seem costly, with the unmatchable features and top-quality interior comfort that the sedan offers, it is certainly a smart move to consider a Nissan Sunny on your list. As far as this segment is concerned, the Sunny definitely will expand the brand image of Nissan with its newly launched diesel engine version. There may be cons when it comes to its design and looks, its less responsive brakes and lack of extensive service outlets across India; it is undoubtedly one of the best cars in its segment when it comes to comfort, riding quality and multiple safety features. So if you are looking for a sedan, consider the Sunny as an option.