Nissan Sunny through the lens: photos of all generations (1966–2023) with technical details

Nissan Sunny - a legend of the Japanese automobile industry, whose history goes back almost 60 years. This model, known in different countries as Datsun 1000/1200, Nissan Sentra or Nissan Almera, has gone from a compact sedan to a global bestseller. If you are looking photo Nissan Sunny From retro 1960s examples to modern versions for Asian markets, you've come to the right place.

In this article we have collected unique photographs of all 8 generations (B10–B17), including rare modifications: coupes, station wagons, sports versions Sunny GTi-R and limited editions for Japan. Each photo is accompanied by technical details - from engines to design features. And if you are planning a purchase, our guide will help you distinguish the original from the replica by visual markers.

1. Generation B10 (1966–1970): the beginning of a legend

First generation Nissan Sunny (index B10) debuted in 1966 under the brand Datsun. It was a revolutionary rear-wheel drive sedan for Japan with a 1.0-liter engine with a power of just 55 hp, but with phenomenal reliability. The photo below shows a rare specimen in original paint. #414 Black:

B10 design features to look for in the photo:

• 🔹 Chrome grille with vertical slats (on later versions - horizontal).
• 🔹 Round headlights with a diameter of 140 mm (on export models - with a rim).
• 🔹 Tail lights in the shape of an “arrow” - a unique element that was not repeated in subsequent generations.
• 🔹 Bumpers with "fangs" - protruding corner elements characteristic of Japanese cars of the 1960s.

On the secondary market prices for Sunny B10 in good condition start from $15 000, but copies with the original engine A10 and a box FS4W63A may cost 2-3 times more. Pay attention to the condition of the body - rust on the sills and arches is a typical problem for models over 50 years old.

⚠️ Attention: In the photo they are often passed off as Sunny B10 replicas based Datsun 1200 (B110). You can distinguish the original by the location of the license plate - it was attached to the B10 between the tail lights, and not under the bumper.

2. Sunny B12/B210 (1973–1978): transition to front-wheel drive

Second generation (indices B12 And B210) became a turning point: in 1977, a front-wheel drive version with an engine appeared A12 (1.2 l, 68 hp). The photo below shows a comparison of rear-wheel drive (left) and front-wheel drive (right) modifications:

B210 technical innovations worth knowing:

Characteristics	B12 (rear wheel drive)	B210 (front wheel drive)
Engine	A12 (1.2 l, 68 hp)	A14 (1.4 l, 75 hp)
Gearbox	4-st. Manual transmission FS4W63A	4-st. Manual transmission FS5W63A or 3-st. Automatic transmission
Suspension	Dependent, spring	Front - MacPherson strut, rear - torsion beam
Max. speed	145 km/h	155 km/h

The sports version is often seen in the photo Sunny Coupe (B210) with engine A14 and a two-door body. You can recognize it by:

• 🔥 Black headlight surrounds (optional Sport Package).
• 🔥 Spoiler on the trunk lid (installed only on the Japanese version).
• 🔥 Rims R13 with 5 holes (original - markings Nissan 02100-4M000).

3. Sunny B13 (1986–1990): the era of turbo engines

Third generation (B13) became the first Sunny, officially sold in Europe under the name Nissan Sentra. The main feature is the appearance of a turbocharged engine GA16DE (1.6 l, 120 hp) in the version Sunny GTi. The photo below shows a rare specimen in color. AR3 Sunset Red:

How to distinguish Sunny B13 GTi from the regular version from the photo:

Exhaust manifold with turbine Garrett T25>|

Rear disc brakes (drum on base versions)|Red calipers (optional) Sport Brakes>)|

Trunk lid spoiler (part code 62610-4M000>)-->

On the secondary market Sunny B13 GTi with mileage up to 100,000 km are estimated at $8 000–$12 000. The main problems are corrosion of the sills and wear of the turbine (lifetime of the original Garrett T25 - about 150,000 km). When purchasing, be sure to check:

⚠️ Attention: In the photo, rust is often masked under plastic covers. Inspect the joints of the front wings and side members - dirt accumulates there, causing corrosion. The original paint in these places should be matte, without bubbles.

A limited edition appeared in 1989 Sunny California with a tilting sunroof and leather interior. She can be identified by:

• 🌴 Two-tone color (top - white, bottom - blue or red).
• 🌴 Chrome moldings on the sides of the body.
• 🌴 Lettering "California" on the back door (font Nissan Type B).

4. Sunny B14 (1991–1995): peak of popularity in Russia

Nissan Sunny B14 - the most recognizable generation in post-Soviet countries. These cars were imported en masse in the 1990s, and today they can be found even in small towns. The photo below shows a typical sedan with an engine. GA14DE (1.4 l, 87 hp):

B14 Features Worth Knowing:

• 🔧 Two body types: sedan (PB14) and hatchback (NB14).
• 🔧 Three engines: GA13DE (1.3 l), GA14DE (1.4 l), GA16DE (1.6 l).
• 🔧 Gearboxes: 5-st. Manual transmission or 4 speed Automatic transmission (code RE4F03A).
• 🔧 Suspension: front - MacPherson strut, rear - multi-link (on sedans) or torsion beam (on hatchbacks).

The photos often show modifications for the Japanese market:

Modification	Distinctive Features	Engine
Sunny California	Sunroof, leather interior, two-tone paint	GA16DE
Sunny Brougham	Chrome bumpers, wooden inserts in the interior	GA14DE
Sunny Riessa	Sports package (R14 wheels, spoiler, red calipers)	GA16DE

Upon purchase Sunny B14 please note:

5. Sunny B15 (1999–2006): last generation for Europe

Nissan Sunny B15 became the last generation to be officially sold in Europe under this name (in other countries it is known as Nissan Sentra or Nissan Pulsar). The design was developed under the guidance Itaru Mita - Nissan's chief designer at the time. The photo below shows the restyled version of 2003:

Key changes in B15:

• 🔄 Restyling 2003: new headlights (26010-4M000), bumpers and radiator grille.
• 🔄 Engines: QG13DE (1.3 l), QG15DE (1.5 l), QG18DE (1.8 l).
• 🔄 Gearboxes: 5-st. Manual transmission or 4 speed automatic transmission (RE4F04A).
• 🔄 Security: standard driver and passenger airbags (optional side airbags).

The photo often shows a version Sunny Sport with package Aero Packagewhich included:

• 🏁 Front spoiler (code 62600-4M100).
• 🏁 Rear spoiler (only for hatchbacks, code 62630-4M000).
• 🏁 15" wheels (40501-4M000) with tires 195/55 R15.

On the secondary market Sunny B15 with mileage up to 150,000 km cost $3 000–$5 000. Main problems:

⚠️ Attention: Series engines QG prone to oil leaks after 200,000 km due to wear of the oil scraper rings. Before purchasing, check the compression in the cylinders (the norm is 12–13 bar). Also pay attention to the condition of the automatic transmission - in the model RE4F04A The hydraulic unit often fails.

How to check the automatic transmission on a Nissan Sunny B15?

1. Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km).

2. Press the brake pedal and switch all modes one by one (P-R-N-D-3-2-L). Delays of more than 1 second indicate wear on the clutches.

3. Check the color of the automatic transmission oil (should be red, without a burning smell). If the oil is dark or contains metal shavings, the box requires repair.

6. Sunny B16/B17 (2005–2023): modern versions for Asia

After 2006 name Sunny retained only for the markets of Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Models B16 (2005–2011) and B17 (2011–2023) were built on the platform Nissan V and offered modern options: climate control, rear view cameras and even hybrid versions (for example, Sunny Hybrid for China).

In the photo below - Nissan Sunny B17 sedan for the UAE market (2018):

Differences between modern Sunny from classic versions:

Characteristics	B16 (2005–2011)	B17 (2011–2023)
Engines	HR15DE (1.5 l), MR18DE (1.8 l)	HR12DE (1.2 l), HR15DE (1.5 l), BR15 (hybrid)
Gearboxes	4-st. Automatic or 5 speed Manual transmission	CVT JF015E or 5-st. Manual transmission
Drive	Front	Front (all-wheel drive option for hybrids)
Features	First generation with ESP	Adaptive cruise control, 360° camera

Often seen in photos Sunny Nismo — sports version with a tuning package from the Nissan division. She can be identified by:

• 🏎️ Red accents on the radiator grille and mirrors.
• 🏎️ 16-inch wheels with logo Nismo.
• 🏎️ Spoiler on the trunk lid (code 62630-4N000).
• 🏎️ Red stitching on the seats and steering wheel with logo Nismo.

Prices for Sunny B17 in the UAE and China start from $10 000 for the basic version. Hybrid modifications (BR15) cost 30–40% more. When purchasing, pay attention to:

7. Rare and collectible versions of the Nissan Sunny

Over almost 60 years of history Nissan Sunny was produced in unique modifications, which are rarities today. Below are photos and descriptions of the rarest versions:

1. Sunny GTi-R (B13, 1991–1992)

Sports version with turbo engine SR20DET (2.0 l, 220 hp) and all-wheel drive. Total released 15,000 copies, most for the Japanese market. In the photo, pay attention to:

• 🏆 Wide wheel arches (for installing tires 205/55 R16).
• 🏆 Hood with air intake (code 63100-4M000).
• 🏆 Tail lights with black surround (unique to GTi-R).

2. Sunny California (B14, 1993–1995)

Limited edition with tilt sunroof and leather interior. Released 5,000 copies, most are for Europe. The auction price reaches $20 000.

3. Sunny Electric (B17, 2020–2023)

Experimental electric version for the Chinese market with battery 40 kWh and power reserve 300 km. Not serially produced.

8. How to find original photos of Nissan Sunny

If you are looking high quality photos Nissan Sunny for restoration, purchase or collection, use these sources:

• 📌 Official Nissan catalogs: archives Nissan Heritage Collection (available at nissan-global.com).
• 📌 Japanese auctions: Goonex, CarView (photo with a detailed inspection of the body).
• 📌 Owner communities:
  • Nissan Sunny Club Russia (VKontakte).
  • Datsun-Nissan Classic Cars (Facebook).
  • JNC Forum (Japanese Nostalgic Car).
• 📌 Magazine Archives: Option Magazine (Japan) Classic & Sports Car (UK).

When searching for photos, pay attention to:

VIN code (to check originality)|Body panel numbers (at the door joints)|Engine and gearbox markings|Condition of the paintwork (especially on the sills)|Presence of original stickers (for example, Emission Control under the hood) -->

If you are taking photos Sunny yourself, use these tips:

• 📸 Light: Take pictures in cloudy weather or in the shade - this way there will be no glare on the body.
• 📸 Angles:
  • Frontal view (to check the symmetry of the body).
  • Photo below (for inspection of the bottom).
  • Photos of the interior with the dashboard (mileage check).
• 📸 Details: Take close photos of the VIN code, engine and transmission numbers.

❓ Where can I download high-resolution photos of Nissan Sunny?

Official photos in resolution 3000×2000 px available on the website Nissan Newsroom (section "Heritage"). Also check:

• Flickr (search by tag NissanSunny).
• DeviantArt (section "Car Photography").
• Archive Wikimedia Commons (photo under a free license).

❓ How to distinguish the restyled version of Sunny B15 from the pre-restyled one?

Restyling Sunny B15 took place in 2003. Main differences:

• Headlights: on the Restyle - transparent turn signals (pre-Restyle - orange).
• Radiator grille: chrome frame (dorestyle - black).
• Bumper: on the Restyle - integrated foglights (pre-Restyle - round in a separate block).
• Tail lights: on the restyle - LED turn indicators.

❓Which engines for Nissan Sunny are the most reliable?

According to statistics from repair services, the most resourceful engines are:

1. A12/A14 (B10–B210) - mileage up to 300,000 km without capital with regular maintenance.
2. GA16DE (B13–B14) - reliable, but sensitive to oil quality (recommended 5W-30).
3. QG15DE (B15) - resource 250,000 km, but is prone to oil burning after 200,000 km.

Worst in reliability: QG18DE (timing chain problems) and HR12DE (sensitive to overheating).

❓ How to check a Nissan Sunny for an accident using a photo?

Signs of emergency repairs in the photo:

• Uneven gaps between body panels (the norm is 3–5 mm).
• Traces of welding or putty on the joints (especially under the hood and in the trunk).
• Body color mismatch on different parts (use a color meter 3M Paint Checker).
• Presence of non-original bolts or rivets on the side members.

For an accurate check, use the services:

• CheckMobi (for Russia and the CIS).
• CarVertical (for Europe and USA).

❓ Where can you buy spare parts for Nissan Sunny restoration?

Sources of original and non-original spare parts:

Type of spare parts	Supplier	Website
Original (Nissan)	Nissan Classic Parts	nissan-classicparts.com
Non-original (Japan)	Amayama, JDM Parts	amayama.com
Used spare parts	Japanese showdown	carfromjapan.com
Tuning	Nismo, Mine's	nismo.co.jp

For rare models