Nissan Accent: photos of all generations (1995-2019) with a description of design and features

Nissan Accent - a compact sedan, which over the course of 24 years of production (1995-2019) managed to change 4 generations and become a cult model in the secondary market. Despite the fact that the car was never officially delivered to Russia, it was actively imported from the USA, Korea and the UAE, where it was sold under the brand Nissan (not Renault Samsung SM3, as is often mistakenly thought). In this article we have collected all official and rare photos of Nissan Accent, analyzed the differences between generations in terms of exterior/interior and gave advice on how to determine the year of manufacture and equipment from photographs.

The peculiarity of the model is its “double life”: in different countries Accent had different names and design details. For example, in Mexico it was called Nissan Tsuru, in South Korea - Samsung SM3, and in some Arab countries it was sold as Nissan Sunny. This creates confusion when searching for spare parts or photos of a specific modification. We will help you understand these nuances and show you what to look for when studying photographs of a car.

Generation 1 (B13, 1995–1999): photos of rare versions and distinctive features

First generation Nissan Accent (index B13) debuted in 1995 as a budget alternative Nissan Sunny. The car was developed specifically for developing markets, so it had a simplified design and minimalistic design. In the photo of this generation it is easy to recognize by:

• 🔹 Rectangular headlights with clear edges (no lenses or angel eyes).
• 🔹 Chrome radiator grille of 3–5 horizontal strips (depending on the configuration).
• 🔹 Bumpers without integrated fog lights (they were installed only in top versions for the UAE).
• 🔹 Wheels R13–R14 with plastic caps (alloy wheels are rare).

In the photo of the salon Accent B13 striking no passenger airbag even in top trim levels (it began to be installed only in 1998). The instrument panel is made in a simple style: analog clock, mechanical odometer and wood-like plastic in the version GLS. Pay attention to the steering wheel - in basic versions it is not adjustable for reach, but in SE (for the USA) has a leather braid.

On the secondary market Accent B13 often confused with Nissan Sunny B13 (1990–1995), but they can be distinguished by:

1. Shape of rear lights: y Accent they are rectangular Sunny - with rounded corners.
2. Trunk lid: Accent it is shorter and the license plate is located higher.
3. Radiator grille: u Sunny it is wider and has vertical slats.

⚠️ Attention: Pictured are the American versions. Accent B13 often visible DOHC-engine GA16DE (1.6 l, 110 hp), while in the Korean and Middle Eastern versions they installed GA13DS (1.3 l, 75 hp). This is critical when selecting spare parts!

Generation 2 (B14, 2000–2006): photos of restyling and exclusive trim levels

Second generation (B14) brought Nissan Accent more modern design, but retains the budget essence. Main changes in the photo:

• 🔹 Oval headlights with integrated turn signals (in versions for the UAE - with tinted windows).
• 🔹 Radiator grille in the shape of a trapezoid with a chrome edging.
• 🔹 Tail lights with transparent sections (before the 2003 restyling they were completely red).
• 🔹 Wheel arches with plastic lining (in version SE Sport — with red inserts).

The interior has become more comfortable: there is steering wheel reach adjustment, passenger airbag (since 2002), and in top versions - air conditioner And electric windows. In the interior photo, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Center console with silver inserts (in SE) or black plastic (in Base).
• 🔹 Dashboard with white backlight (before restyling) or blue (after 2003).
• 🔹 Gear lever: in automatic versions it is shorter than in manual ones.

The photos stand out Nissan Accent SR (2004–2006) - sports version with 1.6 liter engine (105 hp), spoiler, 15-inch wheels and red accents in the cabin. These cars were officially sold only in Mexico and the USA, so they are extremely rare on the Russian market.

Version	Engine	Power	Drive	Features in the photo
Base	GA13DS 1.3 l	75 hp	Front	Steel caps, black bumpers
GLS	GA16DE 1.6 l	110 hp	Front	Chrome door handles, R14 alloy wheels
SE Sport	GA16DE 1.6 l	105 hp	Front	Red inserts on bumpers, spoiler
SR (Mexico)	QG16DE 1.6 l	110 hp	Front	15" wheels, sports seats

Generation 3 (B15, 2007–2011): photos after restyling and differences from SM3

Third generation (B15) was the last to be developed jointly with Renault. Externally, the car looked like Renault Samsung SM3, but had key differences:

• 🔹 Headlights: y Accent - with clear edges, SM3 - more rounded.
• 🔹 Radiator grille: y Accent it is wider and has 3 horizontal slats, SM3 — 2 strips with chrome edging.
• 🔹 Tail lights: y Accent they go onto the trunk lid, SM3 - located only on the body.

Restyling took place in 2009: the photo of the updated version shows:

• 🔹 New bumpers with integrated fog lights (in version S).
• 🔹 Radiator grille with V-shaped chrome insert.
• 🔹 Tail lights with LED elements (in top trim levels).

Appeared in the salon multimedia system with support Bluetooth (optional) and heated front seats (in versions for Canada and the UAE). In the interior photo, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Steering wheel with audio system control buttons (only in SL).
• 🔹 Central display: in basic versions it is a monochrome screen, in top versions it is color.
• 🔹 Door trim: in S - fabric, in SL — fabric + leatherette.

How to distinguish Accent B15 from Kia Rio 2007?

In the photo Nissan Accent B15 And Kia Rio (2007) are very similar, but Accent:

- Narrower headlights with a “ragged” lower edge.

- Radiator grille without vertical chrome strips (like Rio).

- Rear lights without a “step” in the upper part (they have Rio).

Generation 4 (B17, 2012–2019): photos of new engines and trim levels

Fourth generation (B17) became the most technologically advanced: the car received a new platform, series engines HR and modern design. In the photo of this generation, pay attention to:

• 🔹 "Smiling" radiator grille with chrome edging (in version SV - with black mesh).
• 🔹 LED running lights in bumpers (since 2015).
• 🔹 16-inch alloy wheels (in SL And SR).
• 🔹 Tail lights with L-shaped LEDs.

Appeared in the salon 5" touch screen (in SV and above), climate control (optional) and rear view camera (standard since 2016). The photo of the interior shows:

• 🔹 Steering wheel with leather braiding and cruise control buttons (in SL).
• 🔹 Dashboard with color display of on-board computer.
• 🔹 Seats with lateral support (in the sports version SR).

Under the hood installed:

• 🔹 HR16DE 1.6 l (110–138 hp) is the most common option.
• 🔹 HR14DE 1.4 l (100 hp) - for markets with preferential taxation.
• 🔹 K9K 1.5 l diesel (90 hp) - only for Europe.

⚠️ Attention: In the photo Accent B17 for the Middle East often visible preheater block (installed due to hot climate). In Russian conditions it is useless, but its presence indicates that the car was operated in aggressive conditions.

- Condition of the paintwork on the hood (prone to chipping).

- Availability of LED optics (halogen in basic versions).

- Transmission type (CVT or manual).

- Condition of the cabin filter (pictured under the glove compartment).-->

Rare and exclusive versions of Nissan Accent: photos and history

In addition to the standard versions, Nissan Accent had several unique modifications that are almost never seen in photos on the Internet:

1. Nissan Accent Coupe (1996–1999) - two-door version based on B13, sold only in Mexico. It features a short wheelbase and sporty design.
2. Nissan Accent Wagon (2000–2006) - station wagon based B14, produced for South Korea. In the photo it is recognized by its high roof and vertical rear lights.
3. Nissan Accent Nismo (2013–2015) - limited edition with 1.6-liter turbo engine (180 hp), sports suspension and unique aerodynamics. A total of 500 copies were produced.

In the photo Accent Nismo catch your eye:

• 🔹 Aggressive body kit with large air intakes.
• 🔹 17" wheels with red calipers.
• 🔹 Dual exhaust and rear diffuser.

Another rarity - Nissan Accent Electric (2012), a prototype electric vehicle based on B17. In the photo, it is distinguished by the absence of a radiator grille (replaced with a plastic panel) and unique wheels with low air resistance.

How to determine the year of manufacture of a Nissan Accent from a photo?

Determine the year of manufacture Nissan Accent From the photo you can see several key details. We have collected them in a table for each generation:

Generation	Year	Distinctive features in the photo
B13	1995–1997	Rectangular headlights without lenses, black bumpers.
B13	1998–1999	Chrome door handles, passenger airbag.
B14	2000–2002	Red taillights, plastic wheel caps.
B14	2003–2006	Transparent sections in the rear lights, blue backlighting of the instruments.
B15	2007–2009	Headlights without LED, black radiator grille.
B15	2010–2011	V-shaped chrome insert on the grille, LED taillights.
B17	2012–2014	Halogen headlights, 15-inch wheels.
B17	2015–2019	LED running lights, 16-inch wheels, rear view camera.

Additionally, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Logo shape Nissan: before 2002 it was elongated, after which it became more compact.
• 🔹 Wheel cover design: In the 2000s they were plastic with a logo, in the 2010s they were metal.
• 🔹 Shape of side mirrors: in B13 they are square B17 — teardrop-shaped with repeaters.

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The most reliable way to determine the year is to check the VIN using a photo (usually visible on the windshield or a plate in the doorway) through services like vinfreecheck.com.

Where can I find high-quality photos of a Nissan Accent for comparison?

When searching for a photo Nissan Accent To compare or buy a car, we recommend the following sources:

• 🔹 Official catalogs Nissan:
  • Website Nissan Global (archive of models).
  • Dealer Brochures (available at eBay in the "Manuals" section).
• 🔹 Photobanks:
  • Shutterstock (search for "Nissan Accent B17 interior").
  • Getty Images (there are photos of rare versions).
• 🔹 Forums and communities:
  • NissanClub.com (section "Accent").
  • Groups in VKontakte ("Nissan Accent Russia").
• 🔹 Car selection services:
  • AutoTrader (filter by year and configuration).
  • Cars.com (there are 3D photos of the salons).

When studying the photo, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Angles: Look for side shots (to evaluate the body) and photos of the interior with the doors open (to check the condition of the sills).
• 🔹 Details: Enlarge the photo to see the chips on the windshield, the condition of the rubber seals, and traces of corrosion on the arches.
• 🔹 Tags: in photos from auctions (for example, Copart) signs with accident history are often visible.

⚠️ Attention: In the photo from Arab auctions (Emirates Auction, Dubizzle) Nissan Accent often has tint 5% And sports stickers. This doesn't mean tuning - just local standards. Check the originality of parts by VIN!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about photos and choosing a Nissan Accent

🔍 How to distinguish a Nissan Accent from a Renault Samsung SM3 from a photo?

Nissan Accent And Renault Samsung SM3 They look very similar, but there are key differences:

• 🔹U Accent The radiator grille is wider and has 3 horizontal slats, SM3 — 2 strips with chrome edging.
• 🔹 Tail lights Accent go onto the trunk lid, SM3 they are located only on the body.
• 🔹 Logo on the steering wheel: u Accent — Nissan, y SM3 — Renault Samsung.

Also SM3 often has two-tone body paint (black roof), which is not typical for Accent.

📸 Where can I find photos of a Nissan Accent interior with different trim levels?

High-quality photos of salons Nissan Accent in different configurations you can find:

• 🔹 On the website Edmunds (section "Interior Photos").
• 🔹B YouTube-reviews (request "Nissan Accent B17 interior walkaround").
• 🔹 In the magazine archive Motor1 (test drives 2012–2019).

Pay attention to details:

• 🔹B Base the interior is lined with fabric, in SL — fabric + leatherette.
• 🔹B SR (sports version) - red stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

🚗 How to determine from a photo which engine is in a Nissan Accent?

Define engine Nissan Accent From the photo you can use the following characteristics:

• 🔹 1.3 l (GA13DS): The marking " is visible on the engine coverGA13", the air intake is small.
• 🔹 1.6 l (GA16DE or HR16DE):
  • GA16DE (before 2011): cover with the inscription "Nissan"and a black plastic casing.
  • HR16DE (after 2012): aluminum block, inscription "HR16DE"on the valve cover.
• 🔹 1.4 l (HR14DE): inscription "HR14DE", smaller size compared to 1.6.

Also pay attention to:

• 🔹 Exhaust manifold: y HR-series it is stainless, GA - cast iron.
• 🔹 Sensors: in HR16DE The oil pressure sensor is located on the right, in GA16DE - left.

🔧 Which parts of the Nissan Accent body rust most often? What photos show this?

U Nissan Accent most vulnerable to corrosion:

• 🔹 Rear arches (especially in B13 And B14). In the photo, look for blistering paint or traces of putty.
• 🔹 Thresholds: Check the photos with the doors open - rust starts from the inside.
• 🔹 trunk lid (in B15): chips in the paint lead to through corrosion.
• 🔹 Bottom: the photo below shows the condition of the side members (in B17 they are galvanized, in earlier generations they were not).

Tip: ask for a photo:

• 🔹 Wheel arch liners (mounts often rust).
• 🔹 Places under the spare wheel (moisture accumulates there).
• 🔹 Door seals (if they are cracked, water gets into the interior).

💰 Is it worth buying a Nissan Accent based on a photo without inspection?

Buy Nissan Accent only from photo not recommended, but if there is no other option, follow the checklist:

- Ask for photo VIN (check history via carfax.com or autocheck.com).

- Enlarge the photo of the body (look for traces of paint or putty).

- Check the photo of the interior for stains on the ceiling (a sign of a leak).

- Request a video of a cold engine start