Practicality, dependability, and affordability have been the main selling points of the Nissan Sunny for over 50 years. It is among the top choices for families in Qatar, along with the Hyundai Accent and Honda City as its main competitors. Moreover, this Japanese offering is commonly sought by car rental companies and driving schools alike.
Exterior
The Nissan Sunny 2017 is clad in slick bodywork. Its design is visibly minimalist, opting to focus more on being a practical ride than looking like a luxury car. Nevertheless, its simplicity makes it easier to maintain compared to its rivals. Despite its austere appearance, it gives off a commanding presence owing to its upright stance.
Interior
Although its front is noticeably more compact than earlier versions, the 2017 model remains a bit longer and taller than its Hyundai counterpart. However, the extra size helps ensure a roomy shoulder and legroom, benefiting all occupants. It also possesses a 490-liter trunk that is way more spacious than what is offered by competitors in its class.
The Nissan Sunny’s unassuming interior complements its exterior well. Covered mostly in light beige materials, the dashboard, seats, roof and door panels are easy on the eyes. While it may not seem as sporty or as glossy as the others, it serves its basic function far beyond expectations.
Safety and Tech
Chrome radiator grilles and equally bling door handles are among a few notable features of the Sunny. Its fog lamps and window defoggers are helpful during the troublesome hazy days in Qatar. Additionally, its Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-Lock Brakes, Brake Assist, and Dual Front SRS Airbags help make up for the plainness in its overall design.
Specs
The Nissan Sunny 2017 is fitted with a 1.5-liter engine that produces 99 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque. It also boasts a top speed of 178 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 14.5-seconds, thanks to its 4-speed automatic transmission. While these figures are passable, its main competitors offer better performance for those in search of a sportier drive.
Verdict
The Nissan Sunny is a staple in Qatar’s city and desert roads alike for noteworthy reasons: it is reliable, affordable, and practical. It outshines its rivals in terms of pricing and in some aspects of safety. However, its rivals take the lead when it comes to performance and design. Its fuel efficiency might have been a huge benefit in non-Middle Eastern countries. But in an oil-producing country like Qatar, the savings from this benefit may not be something worthwhile.
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