Nissan Sunny (2011-2017) Review
Sunny Current Generation (2011 - 2017)
The Nissan Sunny is a simple, quiet family car that launched in this generation in 2011 and remains available in the Egyptian market. It stands out for easy resale and wide spare parts availability, but faces criticism over high-speed stability and fuel consumption.
Pros
- Easy resale with strong used-car demand
- Wide spare parts availability inside and outside the dealer network
- Spacious cabin and large trunk
- High driving position for good visibility and wide door openings
- Quiet, smooth performance at normal speeds
- Basic safety features including ABS, EBD, BA and dual airbags
Cons
- Relatively high fuel consumption (around 13.5L/100km)
- Noticeable engine noise past 120 km/h
- Reduced stability at speeds above 100-120 km/h
- Rear bench is narrow for three adults and does not fold
- No cruise control or seatbelt height adjustment
- Recurring complaints about brake performance
- AC does not reach the rear seats strongly
Full Generation Review
Engine & Performance
The 1.5L engine is relatively quiet and smooth to drive, paired with light electric power steering and a comfortable automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is not particularly low, averaging around 13.5 liters per 100 km in city driving, with better economy on highways and long trips. The car is easy to drive, but engine noise rises noticeably under acceleration and past 120 km/h, the manual transmission version experiences some vibration, and acceleration response is relatively slow.
Interior & Cabin Space
The cabin is spacious with a large trunk, a high driving position for better visibility, and wide door openings that ease entry and exit. The front cabin offers good passenger room and legroom thanks to a long wheelbase. However, the rear bench is somewhat narrow, making it difficult to seat three adults comfortably, the rear seats do not fold to expand trunk space, and interior storage compartments are limited.
Maintenance & Resale
Spare parts are widely available both through the official dealer and the aftermarket, alongside a broad range of accessories, with parts pricing generally better than some competitors though slightly pricier than Hyundai. The Sunny has strong market presence in Egypt, at times outselling the Hyundai Verna, which makes resale relatively easy and demand in the used-car market high.
Suspension & Stability
Owners are divided on the car's stability: some consider it the car's biggest flaw, especially at high speed, while others find it stable on normal speeds, particularly when loaded. Stability noticeably decreases past 100-120 km/h. Opinions also vary on how well it handles bumps, though most owners find it reasonably capable.
Safety & Equipment
Safety features include ABS, EBD and BA brakes, dual front airbags, and an engine immobilizer, but the car lacks cruise control and seatbelt height adjustment, with recurring complaints about brake performance. Equipment includes air conditioning (which does not reach the rear seats strongly), a rear camera, parking sensors, Bluetooth, a display screen, remote door locking, and sport rims, among other features.
