The Nissan Sunny is a small car from Nissan. It was launched in 1966 as the Datsun 1000 and although production in Japan ended in 2004, it remains in production today for the African and American markets. In the US, the later models were known as the Nissan Sentra; in Mexico, the Sunny is known as the Nissan Tsuru. The Sunny fit neatly into Nissan model line. It was larger than the supermini Nissan March (Micra) models, but not as big as the compact Bluebird models. The latest versions of the Sunny were larger than the early models, and may be considered compact cars. Earlier versions (through at least the B11 series) were subcompact cars. All Sunnys through the 1982 model year (except as noted below) used Nissan A engine motors.
Confusingly, the "Sunny" name has been used on other Nissan models not part of the Sunny (B-series) family, notably various export versions of the Nissan Pulsar model line.
B10 series
| First generation (B10) | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Datsun 1000 |
| Production | 1966–1969 |
| Body style(s) | 2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door station wagon 2-door coupe |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 988 cc I4, 56 hp (Coupe: 60 hp) |
| Wheelbase | 2280 mm (89.8 in) |
| Length | 3820 mm (150.4 in) |
| Width | 1445 mm (56.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 625-705 kg (1380-1556 lb) |
The first Nissan Sunny, exported as the Datsun 1000, was launched in September of 1966, with two body styles, a two-door sedan (B10) and a van/station wagon (VB10). These were available in both a "Standard" and "Deluxe" version, featuring drum brakes, conventional leaf springs at the rear and wishbone type independent front end. The front end used a single transverse leaf spring.
The 1968 model, introduced in October 1967 added to the lineup the four door sedan (B10) in both DeLuxe and Standard form. October 1968 saw the new '69 models released with a new coupe (the KB10) added. Marketed as a 'Sunny Coupe' in Japan, it was available in a wide variety of levels from 'Standard', to 'GL' (ostensibly "Grande Luxe"). The range of factory options and accessories was by this time vast.
All of the other models got new grilles & larger tail lights, which now included reversing lights in the van/wagon model.
The only other country that seems to have received the coupe is Australia, where it was marketed as the 'Datsun 1000 Coupe'. It was well equipped, and was available only in the Deluxe level of trim. The Australian Deluxe model came standard with many inclusions that were available only as options in the Japanese model. The engine in the coupe had higher compression, a different Hitachi carburettor, and a dual outlet exhaust manifold. These changes increased its power output to 66 hp (a 4 hp, or 6.5% increase over other models).
Unlike the other models, the coupe was only ever made in right drive.
July 1969 saw the release of the slightly different (cosmetically) 1970 models which left the 1969 model run at only nine months. No additional models were added, and production ceased in December 1969, cutting the 1970 model run at only six months.
B20 series
The Sunny Truck debuted in October 1968 and was the light commercial truck variation of the B10 passenger models. It was based on the VB10 Van chassis, & is a body style which is correctly known as a Coupe Utility. This is known as a "Ute" in Australia and "Sunny Truck" in Japan.
Being a commercial model, these were only ever available in Standard trim. Everything you ever wanted in a car, it didn't have it, but this kept the price so low that just about every Butcher, Baker & Candlestick maker could afford one.
The B20 used the same wheelbase and running gear of the Datsun 1000 VB10 van.
B110 series
| Datsun B110 Series | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Also called | Datsun 1200 |
| Production | 1970–1976 |
| Class | FR Subcompact |
| Body style(s) | 2-door Coupe 2-door Sedan 4-door Sedan 4-door Wagon 2-door Wagon |
| Engine(s) | 1.2L 68/69 hp I4 1.2L 83 hp Twin-carb |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed automatic 3-speed manual 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm (90 in.) |
| Length | 3830 mm (152 in.) |
| Width | 1495 mm (59.6 in.) |
| Height | 1390 mm (53.1 in.) |
| Curb weight | 700 kg (1640 lbs) |
The second-generation Sunny launched in 1970 and was also known as the Datsun 1200. This new model was slightly larger in all dimensions to match its market rival, the equally popular Toyota Corolla.
The Datsun 1200 featured MacPherson strut front suspension with optional disc brakes and an economical 1.2-liter A12-series engine. A 5-door station wagon was added to the Sunny range in addition to the 3-dr wagon. In April 1970 a GX Grand Luxury trim with twin-carburetor engine was added for the Japan domestic market. In January 1972 a minor facelift occurred in the Japan market with a new hood, grille and other small modifications and equipment fitting. In August 1972, the GX-5 model was added in Japan, which improved on the GX by fitting a direct-fifth (non-overdrive) five-speed manual transmission. For the 1973 model year, USA models were re-specified with energy-absorbing bumpers, fire-resistant interiors and other government-mandated safety items.
The B110 made its racing debut at the Fuji 200 Mile race November 23, 1970 in the TS1300 class. In this class which was effectively a Toyota Corolla monopolistic state it was challenged by only one Nissan works car, but with beautiful victory for driver Suzuki Makoto.
In Australia, the Datsun 1200 was highly regarded for conversion to a 2WD rally car. The Datsun 1600 generally rated highest among entry-level Datsuns, and the 1200 a close second.
The Datsun 1200 was the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the United States in 1973, as rated by the government at 28.7 miles per gallon (mpg) in overall driving pattern. It achieved 37.9 mpg in highway driving.
At its United States introduction, it was the lowest price car at $1866. (Road & Track magazine, November, 1970)
In Mexico, the Sunny B110 was marketed as the Nissan Sentra.
In South Africa, the B110 was sold through 1976.
In New Zealand, a special edition Datsun 1200 SSS 4-door sedan with twin sidedraft carburetors and other racy features was marketed.
In Portugal, a special Datsun 1200 SSS 2-door sedan was marketed.
In North America (US and Canada), there were an average of 44,000 Datsun 1200s sold each year for three model years.
PB110 series
April 4, 1971, halfway through the model year, the Sunny Excellent (PB110 series) debuted for the Japan domestic market. It was based on the B110, but with new hood, fenders and grille, and featured a SOHC 1.4-litre Nissan L engine. The front overhang was extended 130mm and the wheelbase 40mm. In Mexico this was marketed as the Sentra 1400.
At the Tokyo motor show, October 19th 1972, A Sunny Excellent with Nissan's two-rotor Wankel rotary engine was exhibited (Article on Datsun1200.com). Wheels magazine drove this car on the race track .
B120 series Sunny Truck
The B120 commercial truck debuted in February 1971, based on the B110 passenger car chassis. The B120 used the same wheelbase and running gear of the Datsun 1200 sedans, coupe and wagon models. Initially it used the same stainless steel grille as the 1200 sedan, and the rectangular gauges of the Stadard model B110s. Both regular (B120) and longbed (GB120) models were offered. After the 1200 car series ceased production the B120 continued. Interestingly, in certain markets the B120 was actually badged as 120Y, to correspond as part of the updated 120Y range. The B120 ute was sold in Australia until 1985. It was marketed in New Zealand during the 1980s in two trims: RoadStar and SportStar. This model was known as a bakkie in South Africa.
In 1978, in the Japan market the B121 model replaced the B120, with the most notable change being a switch to a plastic grille of the type used by the B110 Coupe. Also notable was a change to upscale round instrumentation.
In November 1989, an updated B122 and GB122 (longbed) models replaced the B121. Prominent among changes was a switch from round headlights to rectangular ones (along with new grille to accommodate this change). However other significant changes included:
- front disc brakes
- catalytic converters
- NOx Conforming (emission controlled) models RB122 and RGB122
B122 was manufactuerd in Japan into 1994, all models using carburetors and A12 engine.
B140 series Bakkie
The Sunny Truck lives on South Africa, though no longer marked under the Datsun or Sunny names. The B140 variation, now with 1.4-liter A14 engine, continues to be manufactured and sold in 2007 by Nissan South Africa as the Nissan LDV 1400.
B210 series
| Datsun B210 Series | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Also called | Datsun B-210, 120Y, 140Y, Sunny |
| Production | 1973-1983 |
| Class | FR Subcompact |
| Body style(s) | 2-door Coupe 2-door Sedan 4-door Sedan 2-door Panel van 2-door Wagon |
| Engine(s) | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed automatic 3-, 4- or 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2340 mm (92.1 in) |
| Length | 4080 mm (160.6 in) |
| Width | 1545 mm (60.8 in) |
| Height | 1360 mm (53.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 2000 lb (907 kg) |
Exported as the Datsun 120Y and Datsun B-210 (in North America), the third generation (1973–1978) Sunny was extremely popular as it debuted during the gas crisis of the 1970s. It continued to be the fuel-economy leader in North America and one of the least expensive cars available. At the time body styling was popular with buyers. The American model's safety bumpers actually were said to "improve" the styling. One name in particular used for the American market 120Y was the "Datsun Honeybee". Although regular production in Japan as well as sales in most countries ended with the 1978 model year, the B210 series continued to be produced by Nissan South Africa through 1980.
The 1978 B-210 (American model) with 5-speed transmission was rated by the EPA at 50mpg highway fuel economy.
The 120Y was sharply criticized by magazines such as Wheels of Australia, which felt that it offered no true improvement on its predecessor, not surprising given that the B110 platform was carried over, but used a slightly revised A12 engine. Like some Nissans of this period, it tended to be overstyled.
The related Sunny Excellents continued as PB210 models, fitted with a 1.4-litre L14 engine. In 1976 Nissan changed the Sunny Excellent from a distinct vehicle model (PB210) to simply a trim-level option for the regular B210, now fitted with 1.6-liter L16 engine.
Six bodystyles were offered: 4-door sedan (saloon), 2-door sedan, 3-door coupe, 3-door wagon, 5-door wagon and 3-door van. The coupe still retained fastback styling, but now featured a full hatchback door rather than the small boot lid of the previous generation Sunny. In Australia these same bodies were known simply as the Four Door Sedan, the Two Door Sedan & the Coupe. In North America, the wagon was not offered.
Road & Track was somewhat critical of the B-210 in their 1975 test. They criticized the "modest performance" of the "peppy" engine, but were impressed with its 27 mpg fuel economy. B210 pricing started at US$2849 that year.
US-market models were fitted with these A-series engines (years given are model years:
- 1974: A13 engine, 1.3 L (1288 cc) OHV I4
- 1975-1978: A14 engine, 1.4 L (1397 cc) OHV I4, various horsepower ratings from 65-85 hp
In most markets, the B210 line featured as the only engine option a re-designed A12 engine. However, in the South African market they also featured L14 and L16 engine options, as well as special edition of B210 coupe badged as a 140Z and a 160Z. The 140Z and 160Z featured twin SU carburetors and a 5-speed transmission.
B310 series
| Datsun B310 Series | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Also called | Sunny, Datsun 210, 120Y, 130Y, 140Y, 150Y |
| Production | 1978-1982 |
| Class | FR Subcompact |
| Body style(s) | 2-door Coupe, 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, 4-door hatchback Wagon, 4-door Wagon |
| Engine(s) | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed automatic 4- or 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2340 mm (92.1 in) |
| Length | 4190 mm (165 in) |
| Width | 1580 mm (62.2 in) |
| Height | 1365 mm (53.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 2000 lb (907 kg) |
The final rear-wheel-drive Sunny from model year 1978 to 1982 featured numerous variants, including a fastback station wagon as well as more squared-off, utilitarian models with three and five doors, a coupé, and two- and four-door sedans. These models appeared with Datsun 120Y, 130Y, 140Y and 150Y badges in some markets (depending on engine size) though Sunny was increasingly used for export, too. The North American version was marketed as the Datsun 210. The B310 was known for its high equipment levels and build quality at the time. It was available with the same A-series engines as its predecessor although the B210's optional 63 series 5-speed transmission was replaced with the smaller 60 series unit. The leaf spring rear suspension was discontinued and the live axle was now suspended using a coil spring four-link configuration. In 1980, the B310 was given a mild facelift, with a smoothed off front end, a grille with square headlamps, and a redesigned dashboard.
In North America, the only wagon offered was the fastback version. In Japan, this fastback wagon was a special model called the Sunny California. In most other markets, a more traditional two-box wagon was offered.
In most markets, the A12 engine was the only, or most common engine offered. However B310s in various markets were fitted with the following A-series engines:
- A12 (1171 cc, not offered in North America)
- A12A (1237 cc, North America only)
- A13 (Short Deck Engine)
- A14
- A15
In North America, the Datsun 210 engine line ups were as follows:
- 1979 - A12A or A14
- 1980-1982 - A12A, A14 or A15
The special MPG model comprised of small-port A14 with 5-speed transmission achieved 47 mpg per US standards.
B11 series
The B11s were the first front-wheel-drive Sunnys—predating the same shift to front-wheel drive by their main Toyota Corolla rival—and were exported to the United States as the Nissan Sentra from the 1982 model year onwards.
The B11 series was regarded as one of Nissan's most modern ranges at the time, and was the first to abandon the Datsun name formally (though a small 'Datsun' still appeared on boot lids for the first two years). The wagon was known in its home market as the Nissan Sunny California. It was launched in late 1981 and continued into 1985.
The B11 was the first Mexico-market Sunny to be named Tsuru.
A completely unrelated vehicle - albeit using a similar drivetrain - the Sunny-Vanette, was introduced in 1980. This was exported to most markets as the Datsun C20 van. It later became the Nissan Vanette.
A further spin-off from the Sunny line was the Nissan Laurel Spirit, which was essentially a rebadged Sunny sedan designed to capitalize on the premium image of the larger Laurel line.
B12 series
From 1985, the B12 was not as widely exported, apart from the station wagon model. This line is characterized by its squared-off styling, which was very unfashionable in the 1980s. The angular styling was insisted upon by Nissan's design chief at the time and contributed to the automaker's increasingly poor sales of the period. A four-wheel-drive variant was introduced during this generation. Known as Sentra in some markets.
B13 series
The B13 was introduced in 1990 and retained many of the B12's ideas but in a more rounded, up-to-date body. It was particularly successful in the United States where the sports model two-door Sentra SE-R was marketed by Nissan of America as a latter-day BMW 2002. The car is still being made in Mexico, where is it sold as the Tsuru, for domestic and export markets (in Chile as Nissan V16), and is quite popular among cab drivers for its reliability and low maintenance costs. It was also part of the image of the former Mexico City mayor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who drives a white Tsuru. A wagon version was also sold as the Nissan Tsubame (which, with the T removed, means "get me on top" in Spanish, and swallow, the bird, in Japanese). In Taiwan, it is known as the Nissan 331.
Many units of Nissan V16 in Chile have said to last al least 500.000 or up to 700.000 km under worst conditions wihout opening the engine block for adjustements.
In Mexico, the Nissan Tsuru is still the best selling car in its category as it’s much bigger and cheaper in maintenance than its direct competitors: the Volkswagen Pointer and the Chevrolet Chevy C2. The 2007 model is available in 2 trims: the GS 1 and GS 2. Both trims use a 1.6 liter 16-valve engine producing 110 hp and can be equipped with an automatic gear-box and air-conditioning. A 2007 Nissan Tsuru GS1 costs approximately USD 9,500.
In Malaysia, known as Nissan Sentra Super Saloon with GA16DE fitted engine with two version(1st models & last models),it is widely used as a taxi in Genting Highlands, due to its engine durabality and fuel efficiency in such conditions.
The Sunny was a popular car in the UK with buyers who favoured its good handling, solid build and cast-iron reliability. It was replaced by the Almera in late 1995, but it took two years to sell the remaining stock; at least one R-registered version (a green four-door saloon in the West Midlands) is in existence.
B14 series
The B14 Sunny and Sentra appeared in 1994 and were produced till 1998, and featured four-wheel-drive variants. Other than Japan, this variant was produced in Pakistan through a joint venture between Gandhara-Nissan and Nissan Japan till 2001 for the local and export markets.
In this generation, the station wagon was supplied to Mazda under an OEM deal as the Familia Van. The Nissan Wingroad range appeared as a spin-off of the Sunny line in Japan, denoting a highly specified station wagon that replaced the Nissan Sunny California. Both the Mazda Familia and the Nissan Wingroad had different front and rear ends compared to the wagon that was exported.
Nissan Mexico sold versions of this as the Sentra with 1.5 and 1.8-litre engines.
Thailand uses this model of B14 from 1994 until 2000 with a few minor changes along the way. First minor change shows when the rear changes to split the red strip into two sides, next the face changes in a few years with a small ridge i the middle of the hood and a chromium decoration on the hood tip, finally the last minor change, the tail light style changes from two layers of white/red to be the three layers red/white/red. The two variants of engines is 1.5L (in the first generation) and 1.6L (available only after some minor changes).
B15 series
The Sunny was produced up to the B15 series, from 1998 to 2007. For the 2005 model year in Japan, the Nissan Tiida took over this market, replacing the Sunny model line. In the United States, the Sentra continues with 1.8 and 2.5 litre engines, and carries on the Sunny lineage, though plans are to make the next Nissan Sentra based on something other than the discontinued Sunny chassis.
In Japan, the Sunny was offered with 1.3, 1.5, and 1.8 L petrol or 2.2 L diesel engines.
Also to be noted is that while earlier North American-market Nissan Sentras were very similar to their Japan-market B-series Nissan Sunny twins, the B15 Sentra (2000-2006) diverged greatly from the B15 Sunny. The Sentra B15 body looks similar to the aero-look B14 body, while the Sunny B15 body is return to the more traditional squared-off off 3-box sedan design. In Japan the B15 was marketed as the Nissan Super Sunny.
The Wingroad station wagon and the badge engineered Mazda Familia Van (1.3, 1.5 and 1.8 L) continued to be spun off from the main Sunny range. A facelift for the Wingroad in 2002 gave it a new front end, though the rear was retained.
A new Wingroad wagon was released in 2005, based off the Tiida.
Sunny Name Used with Some Pulsar models
See main article: Nissan Pulsar.
Although the Nissan Pulsar range (N-series family) was a separate model line with different heritage from Sunny (B-series family), for various reasons the Sunny name was -- in some markets -- applied to various Pulsar vehicles.
The Sunny name was used on the Pulsar N13 series in Europe from 1987, and was a successful model. In Malaysia and elsewhere the car was still known as Nissan Sunny 130Y.
The N14 Pulsar was introduced in 1989 in Japan and in 1991 for Europe, badged as the Sunny. It introduced the 2 litre turbocharged 4-wheel drive GTI-R. The N14 came in five engine variants: 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 L petrol (GTI), Diesel 2.0 L and the turbo 2.0 L SR20DET. It was replaced by the N15 Nissan Almera in 1996.
Although the N16 Pulsar did not spawn a Sunny range in Japan, the N16 Nissan Bluebird Sylphy was sold as the Sunny Neo in Thailand and Sunny in Hong Kong (In Hong Kong only 1.5L engine was imported by the dealer), Kenya, Singapore, Sri Lanka (where it is one of the best sellers), and the People's Republic of China. The Sunny is produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Motor Company, a joint venture with Nissan.
Also, the N16 series is sold in parts of Latin America as Nissan Almera. For 2007 model changed to the Samsung SM3 platform that is sold in northern Europe as Almera Classic.
A new Sunny will replace the Nissan Almera in 2007.
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