Nissan Sunny B-15

This car has always been the cheaper alternative to the Corolla. It has the same passenger capacity and will basically take you where a Corolla can. Question is, will it return? There is a popular notion that the Sunny is best as a town-only car and this can be explained by its suspension system.

Unlike the Corolla which has rear torsion beam type coil spring and front strut type coil spring, the Sunny’s is an independent suspension strut type for the front and link beam type for the rear, meaning that a dip into a pot hole with one wheel and the effect is likely to be transferred to the other. Yes, this type of suspension makes the B15 very capable in handling but not very adjustable in terms of camber/toe.

The Japanese parent company ceased producing the Sunny in 2007 and replaced it with the Tiida, first launched in 2005. In terms of comfort and interior space, the Tiida is far more superior. There are two sub-models of the B15, the Ex Saloon and Super Saloon. Though available in similar engine models, the Super Saloon has remarkably more interior features. Notably, it has an RPM gauge, rear seat head rests and an armrest on rear-passenger seat. It also has retractable mirrors and all-round power window as standard. With the EX-Saloon, it’s not unusual to find the traditional roll down window mechanisms.

A few years ago, I owned a Nissan Sunny B14, a direct import from Singapore. Then, there were going for about $2,700 cost and shipment to Mombasa, a real bargain. It was the start of my troubles, which I, thankfully, largely blame on the source of the car and not the brand itself. But it also gave me an opportunity to interact with the Nissan engine in a way that no other car had done before. I got so frustrated at frequenting garages that I would do the routine service myself! Yes, change the spark plugs, air and oil filters. One of the B14’s main problems was the front wheels suspension set up, where the … were joined separately. This problem was fixed in the B15.

Remember the Wacucu/Rasta/Wanugu error? The B12 and B13 were the favourites thugs’ getaway car. Crime reporters always used the appendage, “the suspects speed away from the scene in a Nissan Sunny”, with as much gusto and inaccuracy as they misreport that every small plane that crashes is a Cessna. Ok, you get the drift… the Sunny has sprint and pace. 

At 4400 rpm, its 1497cc engine delivers 135Nm of torque, which precedes 77kW of power at 6000 rpm. By comparison, the Lancer Cedia manages a maximum of 133Nm at 3750 rpm and 66 kW at 5250 rpm. The B15 only falls short of the NZE, the best in this class, with 81kw of power at 6000rpm and 143Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. Though there are 4WD varieties of the B15, the front wheel drive model under review will understeer if pushed round corners or wet surfaces but if handled well, this car is more than capable as a daily commute. But it has poor ground clearance and you’ll need to put spacers if you want to negotiate rough roads more easily. Against the competition, this car fairs the worst with a chassis-to-ground height of 130mm. The Familia has 140mm, NZE 160mm and Cedia 150mm.

If well tuned, it’s a smooth operator with minimal cabin noise. You can barely tell that the engine is running when you are on the move while its four-speed full range electronic control transmission ensures that the gear change is smooth. There is nothing much to write home about this car’s interior; it’s a basic transportation tool with all the comfort and safety features to find with its rivals; duo airbags, power windows and mirrors, front passenger cup holders. A friend likes to say that you can tell a car’s price-performance ratio but looking at the interest taxi drivers have in it. With the B15, this interest is in droves. At a price of between Ksh600,000 and Ksh670,000, this car will get you where you want to go and still fetch a better resale value than the Cedia and Familia. If you take care of it, the Nissan Sunny will brighten your day. If you don’t, it will disappoint you. Big time.