Nissan Sunny Automatic review, test drive and video

The transmission is Nissan’s X-TRONIC system that was recently also offered on the Sunny’s sister car, the Renault Scala. This fourth-generation CVT uses two pulleys with a steel belt running between them and an auxiliary planetary gear set that helps further widen the range of ratios. Nissan also claims this arrangement makes the X-TRONIC ’box 10 percent smaller and 13 percent lighter than conventional CVTs, apart from bringing with it a 30 percent improvement in friction. The ARAI-tested fuel economy of the Sunny CVT is a class-leading 17.97kpl.

 

Driving the Sunny in Chennai’s early morning rush and then on the scenic East Coast Road towards Pondicherry, we found the transmission well suited to the characteristics of the engine with notably less of the rubberband effect usually associated with CVTs. When ambling in town or cruising at 80kph, the transmission keeps engine speeds within the 1200-2000rpm bracket for best efficiency. Part throttle responses are good too with a linear build of power from the 99.6 bhp, 1.5-litre petrol motor. As a result, overtaking slower traffic isn’t much of an effort. If there’s a negative, it’s at full throttle, where revs are held at 5500-6000rpm (for max power) and make the engine sound loud and strained. We haven’t tested the Sunny automatic for performance just yet but going by the Scala automatic’s 0-100kph time of 12.11 seconds, it could be among the faster automatics in the segment. The manual variant comes with the same motor but with 97bhp. 

The car’s high speed manners are also fairly good with a composed ride though sharper edges do make their presence felt, more so at city speeds. The front seats offer adequate cushioning and are very accommodating as well. Rear seat space remains a highlight although the seat itself could offer more by way of thigh support.

 

We also wish Nissan would add a splash of colour to the smart but overtly grey cabin that tends to look a bit dull. Nissan will initially sell the Sunny automatic in a single XL variant which gets power windows, central locking, electric mirrors, keyless entry and go and a rear blower, but no alloy wheels. The Sunny XL automatic is priced at Rs 8.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). At this price, the Sunny undercuts rivals such as the automatic versions of the Honda City, Ford Fiesta and even the Renault Scala.

 

Apart from the promise of good fuel economy, there are plenty of other things to like about the car. With enough space for the entire family and the convenience of an automatic gearbox, the Sunny automatic certainly ticks the important boxes for the average city car buyer. If you drive yourself, it's certainly worth considering.