Nissan Sunny Super Salon: what does the premium version of the popular sedan hide?

Nissan Sunny Super Salon is not just a modification of the legendary sedan, but a separate story for those who value comfort, style and Japanese quality. Unlike the standard version, Super Salon offers expanded equipment, improved finishing materials and additional options that make travel truly premium. However, not everyone knows exactly how this model differs from the basic one and whether it is worth overpaying for a “salon upgrade”.

In this article we will look at Nissan Sunny Super Salon in detail: from technical nuances to subjective impressions of control. You will find out what engines were installed on this version, how the interior differs from the usual one Sunny, and what to look for when buying a used copy. We’ll also reveal a few hidden "chips" of Super Salon, which are not even written about in official brochures.

How does the Nissan Sunny Super Salon differ from the standard version?

Main difference Nissan Sunny Super Salon from basic Sunny lies in the name - the word "Salon" is not accidental. This modification was aimed at markets where buyers are willing to pay for improved interior trim, additional comfort options and a more presentable appearance. Externally, the differences are minimal (except for some exterior details), but inside everything changes dramatically.

Here are the key differences:

• 🪑 Leather seats with improved lateral support (in the basic version - fabric or combined materials).
• 🎛️ Multifunction steering wheel with genuine leather upholstery and integrated audio control buttons.
• 🔊 Premium Audio System (in some markets - with support for CD-changer and amplifier).
• 🌡️ Automatic climate control (in the basic version there is air conditioning with manual adjustment).
• 🚗 Chromed exterior elements: door handles, moldings, radiator grille.

It is important to understand that Super Salon - this is not a sports version (like, for example, Nissan Sunny GTi-R), namely “premium”. Therefore, the changes affected primarily comfort, not dynamics. However, some engines for this modification were still offered with improved characteristics - we’ll talk about this later.

Technical characteristics: engines, transmissions, suspension

Nissan Sunny Super Salon was equipped with several types of engines depending on the market and year of manufacture. The most common options:

Engine	Volume	Power	Transmission	Notes
GA14DE	1.4 l	87–95 hp	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic transmission	Basic motor for most markets
GA16DE	1.6 l	100–110 hp	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic transmission	The optimal choice in terms of power and efficiency ratio
SR20DE	2.0 l	140–150 hp	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic transmission	Rarely found in Super Salon, more often in sports versions
CD20	2.0 l (diesel)	75–85 hp	5-speed manual	For European markets, economical but noisy

Suspension in Super Salon remained the same as in the basic version - independent front (MacPherson) and semi-independent rear (torsion beam). However, to improve comfort, engineers Nissan Softer shock absorbers and stronger anti-roll bars were often installed. This made the car smoother over bumps, but slightly worsened handling at high speeds.

The transmission was offered to choose from: 5-speed manual (reliable, but with long gears) or 4-speed automatic (comfortable, but less economical). The latter is often criticized for being “thoughtful” when switching, especially on engines GA14DE.

Interior: what to look for when viewing?

Main advantage Nissan Sunny Super Salon - this is a salon. Here, Japanese designers have done their best: high-quality materials, thoughtful ergonomics and pleasant little things that make the trip comfortable. However, even premium finishes wear out over time, so you need to know what to look for when buying a used one.

Top 5 interior problems Super Salon:

• 🛋️ Leather seats: Over time, the leather cracks, especially on the side supports. Check for cuts and signs of repair.
• 🎚️ Steering wheel: The covering may wear off or peel off (especially where it contacts the rings).
• 🔊 Audio system: The speakers (wheezing, sound distortion) or the head unit (backlight, buttons) often fail.
• 🌡️ Climate control: check the operation of the dampers and sensors - they often begin to “glitch” after 150–200 thousand km.
• 🚪 Power windows: the mechanisms in the rear doors often jam due to dirt.

Pay special attention door panels and center console. B Super Salon they are covered with soft plastic or leatherette, which over time can come off or become covered with microcracks. Also check the operation of all electrical options: heated seats, mirrors, LED lights (if equipped).

How to check the quality of leather in a salon?

Press your finger into the leather seat in several places. If after pressing there is a noticeable dent that takes a long time to recover, the leather is already worn out and will require replacement or restoration.

Exterior: details that make the Super Salon stand out

Outside Nissan Sunny Super Salon not much different from usual Sunny, but a few key details still give it away as a premium version:

• 🔳 Chrome radiator grille (in the basic version - black or gray).
• 🚗 Moldings on doors and bumpers with chrome trim.
• 💡 Fog lights (in some trim levels - with chrome frames).
• 🎨 Two-tone paint (e.g. black bottom + silver top) - optional for some markets.
• 🔄 Alloy wheels (14-15 inches, often with unique designs for Super Salon).

However, be careful: some owners of standard Sunny install chrome parts themselves, passing off the car as Super Salon. To avoid running into a fake, check:

1. Availability "Super Salon" nameplate on the rear of the body (usually on the right under the bumper).
2. VIN code — you can use it to determine the original equipment.
3. Interior - if the interior does not meet the premium level, this is a reason to doubt.

Pros and cons of the Nissan Sunny Super Salon: an honest review

Like any car, Nissan Sunny Super Salon has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them objectively, without embellishment.

Pros:

• ✅ Comfortable salon with quality materials and good sound insulation.
• ✅ Reliable engines (especially GA16DE), which, with proper maintenance, run 300+ thousand km.
• ✅ Easy to repair — spare parts are available, and the design is not overloaded with electronics.
• ✅ Moderate fuel consumption (6–9 l/100 km depending on the engine).

Cons:

• ❌ Weak corrosion resistance — Rust often appears on arches, sills and the bottom.
• ❌ Outdated automatic transmission (4 stages) with a low resource during aggressive driving.
• ❌ Soft suspension, which over time begins to knock (especially the stabilizer links).
• ❌ Low residual value - on the secondary market Super Salon valued not much higher than standard Sunny.

If you need a reliable and comfortable sedan for the city, Super Salon - an excellent choice. But if you expect sporty dynamics or impeccable reliability after 200 thousand km, it is worth considering other options (for example, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic same generation).

How much does Nissan Sunny Super Salon cost today?

Price for Nissan Sunny Super Salon on the secondary market depends on the year of manufacture, mileage, condition and region. The average range is:

Year of manufacture	Mileage, thousand km	Condition	Price, rub.
1995–1998	100–150	good	250 000 – 350 000
1998–2002	150–200	Average	180 000 – 250 000
2002–2006	50–100	Excellent	350 000 – 500 000
1990–1994	200+	Needs renovation	up to 150,000

It is important to understand that Super Salon Rarely found in perfect condition - most copies already have a significant mileage. Therefore, when purchasing, it is better to focus not on price, but on body and engine condition. For example, a car for 200,000 rubles. with a mileage of 180 thousand km, but with a solid body and a fresh timing belt, it may turn out to be more profitable than a “restored” copy for 350,000 rubles. with rust under putty.

It is also worth considering that spare parts for Sunny cheap but original parts for Super Salon (for example, leather panels or chrome moldings) can cost 2-3 times more than standard ones. If authenticity is important to you, be prepared to spend extra.

Tuning and modernization: what can be improved in Super Salon?

Despite the premium finish, Nissan Sunny Super Salon leaves room for tuning. Here are a few areas to consider:

1. External tuning:

• 🔥 Installation sports body kit (for example, from Sunny GTi-R), but this will radically change the style of the car.
• 🎨 Vintage painting in a two-color scheme (for example, burgundy bottom + beige top).
• 💡 Replacing standard headlights with LED or xenon (but this requires electrical modifications).

2. Interior tuning:

• 🪑 Seat reupholstery different skin color (eg red or blue).
• 🎛️ Installation modern radio with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.
• 🔊 Modernization of the audio system (replacing speakers, installing a subwoofer).

3. Technical tuning:

• 🚀 Chip tuning engine (especially relevant for GA16DE — you can increase the power to 120–130 hp).
• 🔧 Replacing the standard suspension with sports shock absorbers (For example, KYB or Bilstein).
• ⚙️ Installation short-stroke rocker on a manual transmission for clearer gear shifting.

The main rule when tuning Super Salon - don't overdo it. This car was originally designed for comfort, not racing. Therefore, it is better to focus on improving the interior and reliability rather than chasing power.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Sunny Super Salon

❓ Which engine is the most reliable for Super Salon?

The undisputed leader in reliability - GA16DE (1.6 l). This motor is known for its service life (400+ thousand km with proper maintenance) and maintainability. Diesel CD20 economical, but capricious in cold weather, and SR20DE more powerful, but rare and requires higher quality fuel.

❓ Is it worth buying a Super Salon with automatic transmission?

If the car is in good condition and the automatic transmission oil has been changed every 60 thousand km, yes. However, be prepared for the fact that the 4-speed automatic transmission is not smooth and can be “dull” when overtaking. For dynamic driving, it is better to choose mechanics.

❓ What is the difference between Super Salon and Sunny B14?

Sunny B14 is the generation of the model (1994–1998), and Super Salon - premium equipment, which could be produced in different generations (including B14 And B15). That is Super Salon - this is a "luxury" version of the standard Sunny, regardless of generation.

❓ How to deal with rust on Super Salon?

The main problem areas are arches, sills and underbody. Recommended:

1. Treat annually with anticorrosive agent (for example, Dinitrol or Tectyl).
2. Check the drainage holes in the doors and bumpers - they often become clogged with dirt.
3. At the first signs of corrosion, clean the metal and apply epoxy primer.

❓ Is it possible to install a GTi-R engine on the Super Salon?

Technically yes, but it is a very expensive and complex project. Sunny GTi-R equipped with a turbocharged SR20DET (205 hp), which will require replacement of the transmission, suspension, brakes and electronics. It is much easier and cheaper to buy ready-made GTi-R, if you want the sport version.