Nissan Sunny 2014 Review & Pictures: Sunny Days Ahead

[350Z]

“Sunny Days Ahead”



Nissan Sunny Review Synopsis: Nissan Sunny price tag is between Rs.7.4 – 10.01 Lakh (Ex.showroom, Delhi). It officially launched in India on 3rd July 2014.​

Calling the Andaman & Nicobar Islands simply untapped and fascinating will be quite an understatement. I admit; it was the first time when I was as much excited about the location of a media drive as I was about the car itself. Five hour long tiring flight with a layover of three hours due to bad weather, this event better had to be worth it. No surprise, it indeed was. Upon landing, I could sense that scenic atmosphere of this miraculous location had already started affecting me. To complement it, was a fleet of facelifted Nissan Sunny and well-polished chauffeurs to drop us to the hotel and we were all-set to be a part of this exhilarating Sunny Odyssey.

Those twisty and empty stretches may tempt you to bring out the enthusiast from inside but is best avoided for the following reasons: 1) it’s India after all. Livestock can appear out of nowhere anytime, so could the humans. 2) Sunny isn't the car to be driven hard. 3) This location is so involving that you would rather want to enjoy each moment. Precisely the reason why a sedate car like Sunny made enough sense in this kind of setting. Nissan introduced Sunny, also known as Almera and Versa elsewhere, in 2011 in India with high hopes to establish itself in the mid-size segment but sales miserably took a hit due to an ever strengthening competition. The Japs believe that now is the time to answer. This mid-life makeover which goes on sale pan-India on July 3, more or less incorporates cosmetic changes from the inside and out while engines remain untouched.

​

Youn’ Sunny that we first saw in 2011 has now grown up to become more handsome and charming. It retains the same mini-limo like aura but has been fine-tuned to reflect Nissan’s new family design with boomerang headlamps, V-grille and a more sculpted bonnet. In other words, the cute’ish front looks are displaced with a much more mature design even though the tweaks are limited. There’s also uncannily heavy dose of chrome running around the car, straight from the wide grille to bumpers to the trunk garnishing. A chrome stripe on the front bumper’s airdam is particularly unwanted but may nevertheless be a cup of tea to some customers. Though (thankfully?) this bling isn’t a part of lower variants. Side profile still holds true to the Nissan’s highly popular caaar advertising campaign. With a wheelbase of 2600 MM and well-utilized at that, it makes an ideal executive’s sedan.

New Y-shaped 12 spoke alloys are another center of attraction. Chikuya Takada, who heads Nissan India’s product planning department in Chennai, has informed us that machined alloys as seen on Terrano maybe available sometime soon. In fact, at the launch, New Sunny will also be offered in a unique purple exterior shade (color of our test car) which although appears blackish in these images but sparkles up under sunlight. It’s through such minor but noticeable bits where Nissan has attempted to increase premiumness of this car. Some more examples include outside rear view mirror integrated indicators on top-end variant as well as a shortened antenna which is mounted towards end of the roof. The rear design continues to remind of the former Sunny with exact tail lamps, though apart from the fact that there’s a chunk of chrome on top of the number plate area. Also, the rear bumper has been slightly altered to make it look sportier.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Interiors and Comfort

It needs no justification why the Sunny is truly a poor man’s limousine. This car absorbs in an environment of its own with acres of space on offer, right from the time one enters inside. Not surprisingly, that’s the biggest USP of this Nissan. Facelifted version also brings along a refreshing new center console with piano black finish (lifted from New Micra) and a sophisticated looking new three spoke steering wheel with inbuilt audio controls. These changes alone make a difference to help the interiors appear slightly up market.

There are ample of cubby holes all around to store some items of different shapes and sizes. Glove box has a very limited space but what comes handy is an exposed compartment above it which is supplemented with an Aux-in / USB port. My only grouse was the cheap rubber cover of this port which often came off during the drive. One of the prominent differences between top and lower variants lies in the instrument cluster. While the XV receives a sportier fine-vision dual dial cluster, lower versions feature a combined unit that displays both, speedometer and tachometer. Additionally, top variant informs about the due services too.

Unlike the current model of Sunny, lower variants of facelift skip the rear cooling unit, which basically is just a fan with an intake from the main compressor. Although air-conditioner wasn’t really required in the serene environment of Andamans, turning it on to get rid of the humidity quickly cooled the cabin and added to our comfort. And while I’m at it, the decent CD / USB / Bluetooth compatible audio system playing soothing tracks from Buddha Bar did a neat job of keeping us entertained. However, unavailability of remote control means that you will have to rely on the chauffeur to control the audio. XV trim features a 5.1" touchscreen unit that also acts as parking camera display.

There’s no doubt that comfort must have been the top priority while making Sunny. Perforated seats are large and supportive and legroom is abundant to stretch your legs after a hectic day. Or better yet, come to the rear seat and now we’re talking. This sedan easily surpasses everything else in the segment on sale right now as far as sheer space and comfort is concerned. Nissan claimed 636 MM rear legroom is biggest in the segment. The backrest is reclined just right and center armrest is large, featuring multiple cup holders. Being 5.11”, for me, headroom and under thigh support were not an issue either but for taller passengers, the slanting roofline could be a cause of concern. All doors open wide enough translating that ingress and egress is relatively easier for elderly occupants.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Nissan Sunny facelift will continue to be available in the same Petrol and Diesel engine options as currently. On the first day, we laid our hands over the effortless Petrol with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). It’s powered by a 1498 CC, 4 Cylinder, 16 Valve engine that produces 99 PS @ 6000 RPM (on manual) and 101 PS @ 5600 RPM (on automatic) while torque is 134 NM @ 4000 RPM. In essence, Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gearbox utilizes two pulleys with a steel belt running between. To continuously vary gear ratios, it simultaneously adjusts the diameter of the drive pulley that transmits torque from engine and the driven pulley that transfers torque to the wheels. With stepless shifting of gear ratios, CVT helps to avoid the “shift-shock” and delivers a fairly smooth driving experience.

Speaking in layman’s language, operating a CVT is simple enough with almost no business of your left foot and hand (that’s why a front center armrest is sorely missed!). When the car is left in “P” (Park) mode, it engages the parking pawl which thereby prevents the wheels from rolling unlike in Neutral. On the other hand, additional ‘L’ (Low) mode locks the car in first gear which is required for uphill driving or to deploy engine braking effect while moving downwards. Then those who wish to extract more juice out of this otherwise tranquilized sedan can switch to ‘Sport’ mode by pressing a button on gear lever, just beneath gear disengage knob. All it does is allows the car to be driven at higher RPMs. Multi-information screen on the instrument cluster keeps the driver informed on exactly which mode the car is running.

The company has now also retuned the ECU to enhance the fuel economy. As a result, New Sunny CVT’s ARAI mileage has raised upto 17.97 Kpl. It’s worth noting that contrary to popular belief, figures of an automatic transmission can be more than that of its manual counterpart. In this case, 16.95 Kpl on manual (Petrol). The Sunny CVT behaves well if driven in a gentle manner. Be a tad hard on the accelerator and it strikes back with the classic rubber-band effect, means that although revs will get higher and the car will be noisy but it only gradually picks up the due momentum. Particularly on a very sharp incline, Sunny CVT terribly lost it breath, obviously while in the L mode. That said, this version is most suitable for someone mainly looking for city commute or those who prefer to be chauffeured around.

Next day we took the Nissan Sunny Diesel for a spin to some of the most scenic locations of Andaman. And I’m glad we did so, because it was the second day of our drive that included a lot more steep inclines. Here, having a torquey motor was essential and 1.5L DCi served well. Loaded with the bells and whistles, top of the line XV variant has on offer all luxury features such as Start-Stop button, keyless entry, leather upholstery, rear air-conditioner vents etc. Powering this model is Renault-Nissan’s highly renowned and reliable K9K engine with turbocharger provided by BorgWarner. It’s a 4 cylinder, 8 valve SOHC unit that churns out 86 PS @ 3750 RPM and torque of 200 NM @ 2000 RPM.

The diesel version is mated to a five speed manual transmission and has ARAI claimed mileage of 22.71 Kpl. By the diesel engine standards, it has well-controlled noise, vibration and harshness levels. Plenty of low-end torque is what made it much of a pleasure to drive especially driving it after Petrol model back to back. The car flawlessly surges forward as soon as you release the foot from clutch pedal and power continues to build up in a linear way till the redline and gradually tapers down. The acceleration, however, is not outright responsive but Sunny Diesel does a respectable job of doing highway munching. Braking performance is adequate too though pedal feel has some room to be improved further.

Something that constantly annoyed me while driving the manual variant was a notchy gearshift that often resists slotting accurately. An odd issue which I also encountered while driving was unwarranted jerk in the gearlever each time the clutch pedal was depressed. Nevertheless, Sunny scores high when it comes to ride and handling. The way our test car gracefully conquered bad patches was a delighting experience. In fact, the handling is equally well-composed, albeit steering was slightly lighter for my preference, but Sunny managed to beautifully maneuver around sharp curves with predictable steering feedback and handling etiquette. The Sunny is now almost a 3 year old product which didn’t exactly struck a chord in the market but this refreshing new facelift and recent break-up from the notorious Hover Automotive after sales network certainly brings a new ray of hope. It’s clear that Nissan is making hay while the sun shines, in other words, before the next generation Sunny arrives in 2016.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Pictorial Comparison

Pictorial Comparison: Nissan Sunny 2011 vs Nissan Sunny 2014

Front view now looks more handsome.

Side profile remains unchanged.

And so does the rear, apart from some chrome and mildly tweaked bumper.

New Y-shaped 12 spoke alloys are a sureshot looker.

Fresh interiors appear more inviting.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Likes, Dislikes and Report Card

You'll Love:

• Refreshing new handsome looks.
• Highly comfortable. Generous amount of space.
• Petrol CVT is effortless to drive. A boon in traffic.
• Good ride quality. Handling is surprisingly decent.
• Respectable fuel economy figures for both, Petrol (MT / CVT) and Diesel.

You'll Loathe:

• Excessive chrome may not appeal everyone.
• Notchy manual gearshift is a no joy to operate.
• Some features have been trimmed from XL CVT variant in this facelift.
• No front center armrest on any variant (Much required atleast on CVT).
• Although improved if compared to 2011, Nissan India’s sales network is still limited.

Nissan Sunny Star Ratings:

• Design and Quality...............:
  
• Comfort and Features...........:
  
• Engine and Performance........:
  
• Handling and Ride Quality......:
  
• Safety and Security Levels....:
  
• Overall Fuel Consumption.......:
  
• Sales and Service Network.....:
  
• Value For Money Factor..........:
  
• The Automotive India’s Verdict:
  

Here's how to interpret above ratings: The Automotive India Reviews Star Ratings Explained.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Price, Misc Points and Feedback

Nissan Sunny Price (Ex.showroom, Delhi):

Petrol:

• XE: Rs.6,99,000
• XL: Rs.7,61,000
• XL CVT: Rs.7,61,000

Diesel:

• XE: Rs.7,99,000
• XL: Rs.8,60,000
• XV: Rs.9,33,036
• XV Premium (Safety): Rs.9,60,536
• XV Premium (Leather): Rs.9,80,128

Miscellaneous Points:

• Horn pad is right in middle of steering and needs getting used to.
• Nissan Sunny comes with a standard warranty of 2 Years / 50,000 Kms.
• Extended warranty for additional 2 Years or upto 80,000 Kms can be availed separately. Refer to this link for full pricelist.
• Recently, there has been an internal restructuring within the Nissan brand. Globally, it’s now split in three parts on basis of zones for overall better management.

Feedback To Nissan:

• Offer front armrest at least as an optional equipment.
• Kindly consider introducing the Diesel in base XE variant and / or with CVT.
• Similarly, CVT needs to be available in Petrol XV variant too. Especially now that you've removed features like push start button, rear AC vents etc from it.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Comparison, Technical Specifications and Brochure

Comparison: Nissan Sunny vs Honda City vs Ford Fiesta vs Hyundai Verna vs Volkswagen Vento

Nissan Sunny Technical Specifications:

Petrol

• Engine: 1498 CC
• Power: 99 PS @ 6000 RPM (MT) / 101 PS @ 5600 RPM (CVT)
• Torque: 134 NM @ 4000 RPM
• Transmission: 5 Speed Manual / CVT
• Kerb Weight: 1027 Kgs (MT) / 1040 Kgs (CVT)
• ARAI Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 16.95 Kpl (MT) / 21 Kpl (CVT)

Diesel

• Engine: 1461 CC
• Power: 86 @ 3750 RPM
• Torque: 200 @ 2000 RPM
• Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
• Kerb Weight: 1097 Kgs
• ARAI Claimed Fuel Efficiency: 22.71 Kpl
• Front Brakes: Disc
• Rear Brakes: Drum
• Front Suspension: McPherson Strut
• Rear Suspension: Torsion Bar
• Fuel Tank: 41 Liters
• Boot Space: 490 Liters
• Length: 4425 MM
• Width: 1695 MM
• Height: 1505 MM
• Wheelbase: 2600 MM
• Tyre Size: 185/70 R14 (XE P, XL CVT, XL D) | 185/65 R15 (XL P, XV)
• Ground Clearance: 165 MM

Exterior Color Options:

• Brick Red
• Onyx Black*
• Bronze Grey
• Blade Silver
• Storm White
• Sapphire Blue*
• Premium Purple*

Asterisk (*) denotes our choice of colors.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Video Clips

Nissan Sunny 2014 Facelift: 360° View

Nissan Sunny 2014 Facelift: In Action

Nissan Sunny 2014 Facelift (Petrol CVT): Exterior NVH

Nissan Sunny 2014 Facelift (Petrol CVT): Interiors NVH

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Pictorial Review

Scenic Shots

That's XL variant in Bronze Grey.

The chrome-laden XV Diesel.

Notice the coupe'ish slanting roofline. Practically, it limits the rear headroom for taller occupants.

Long rear overhang makes it look slightly bulky.

Space for aftermarket foglamp in lower variants.

While top-end receives it as standard along with the chrome stripe.

The washer jets are neatly hidden in the cowl.

All glasses (front, rear, side) are large enough which further contribute to the sense of roominess.

Short antenna is among a few of the minor upgrades which can be easily missed.

Base variants have to manage with the 'alloy-wheel' look alike wheel covers.

New headlamps gel-well with the existing taillamps.

ORVM integrated indicators now standard on XV.

Lower variants still get the indicators on fenders.

Touch sensor for the keyless entry.

XL-sized rear window.

Our test car was proud to be driven safe.

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[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Pictorial Review

No insulation whatsoever but cross-section makes the hood heavier.

Tiny 'Diesel' sticker can go unnoticed by fuel pump attendant.

Rear doors open wide enough and supremely comfortable for ingress and egress.

As with most interior panels, new steering mounted controls are of nice quality.

Push start button on XV. This slot is vacant on XE and XL. Perhaps aftermarket fitment is possible.

First instrument cluster image is of XL CVT. MID also tells in which mode the car is running. XV variant has sporty fine-vision meters.

No juggling around. Unlike Europeans, location of stalks on Japanese Sunny is as per Indian standards.

Circular AC vents on corner again taken from Micra. They look okay but do a good job of directing airflow.

All pedals are well spaced. Marginally elevated dead pedal available in CVT.

Interior lamps for front as well as rear passengers.

Lower versions have a decent audio setup.

However, top-end XV is equipped with this 5.1" touchscreen headunit which also functions as rear parking camera display.

This cheap rubber cover constantly detached.

Almost flat storage area above the dashboard.

Hood and fuel lid unlock levers placed on the dashboard. It's much more convenient than having them on the floor.

Electrically adjustable ORVMs. Power auto-fold function only on XV.

Useful ticket holder on driver's side sunvisor. Vanity mirrors on both sun visors, again, only on XV.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Sunny 2014: Pictorial Review

Missing seatbelt height adjuster.

Very limited space in the glovebox.

Empty space besides 12V socket useful to securely place your gadgets while charging.

Multiple cupholders ahead of the gearlever.

No pockets on the rear doors. There's no space to accommodate them anyway.

This kind of space is maximum in some of the sedans of this segment, but it's minimum in Sunny! (With front seat fully pushed back)

Now you know why they call it a caaar.

Large rear center armrest is quite comfortable.

Two more cupholders in variants which don't get rear AC vents.

Now only the XV features rear AC vents. Note that these are only 'vents' and don't have a separate compressor.

490 Liters of boot space is large enough.

Smart-looking manual key. Top-end Sunny offers remote keyless entry (though a manual key can be taken out from it if remote runs out of battery).

© TheAutomotiveIndia.com. Any attempt to republish the text or pictures anyway without prior consent of our authorities is strictly forbidden.

Disclaimer: This road test was conducted in a media drive event organized by Nissan. All expenses for such events are borne by the manufacturer.​

 

[350Z]

Re: Nissan Sunny 2014: Review | Test Drive | Pictures

Note: Thread now live. Presenting the most comprehensive review of New Sunny 2014 on web!

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[gandhi]

Re: Nissan Sunny 2014: Review | Test Drive | Pictures

Very nice review. Pics speaks more than the words. Nissan constantly increases it's presence in the roads. All face lifts were acceptable. But they really need to face lift the Service network.

 

[Vivekji]

Re: Nissan Sunny 2014: Review | Test Drive | Pictures

Very Comprehensive review, 350Z. It was a pleasure having your company during the drive.

 

[Volksjäger]

Re: Nissan Sunny 2014: Review | Test Drive | Pictures

A very nice and detailed review. Appreciate the effort ! Looks like sunny has a lot of body roll from the video posted above. And Fiesta has the worst GC when compared to the rest .