Publication: Motor Fan
Format: “Bubble Index” Road Test
Date: March 1970
Author: Atsuro Sasaki, Kazuhiko Sanbon, Yasuhei Oguchi, Masahide Sano, Atsuhiko Okubo

The Sunny Coupe–long popular among younger drivers as a light, lively coupe–has now been reborn. Its 1171cc engine has been strengthened to produce 68ps, and the front styling carries a hint of Mustang influence. For the MF Comprehensive Road Test, we have chosen to examine the top-of-the-line model, the “GL…”

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Test
Date: April 1970
Author: “C/G Test Group” (uncredited)

Summary: Better than the previous Sunny 1000 Coupe in every respect. Five-bearing engine, extremely light and smooth response across the entire range, good gearing with taller ratios, 125km/h possible in third gear, disc brakes for the first time, much improved ride on rough roads, light tail slides easily but is easy to control, spacious interior, improved finish.

Publication: Motor Fan
Format: Road Test
Date: July 1970
Authors (Roundtable): Hiroshi Takahashi, Osamu Hirao, Hiroshi Okazaki, Zenzo Sonoda, Kenji Higuchi, Motoo Harada, Akio Miyamoto, Kunitaka Furutani, Yasuhei Oguchi, Taizo Tateishi, Masahide Sano, Kenzaburo Ishikawa, Zo Doi, Kenichi Otani, Minoru Onda

Aiming a Little Higher

Magazine: We’ve introduced the new Sunny 1200 series previously in these pages. This road test focuses on the GL coupe, but first, could you tell us about the aims of development for the series as a whole?

Publication: Motor Fan
Format: “Bubble Index” Road Test
Date: June 1971
Authors: Osamu Mochizuki, Katsuzo Kageyama, Shigeki Asaoka, Yasuhei Oguchi, Reiko Ikuuchi, Kensuke Ishizu

The Tough-Running Hybrid

Steering feel that inspires confidence, and an engine that spins freely. Built by making extensive use of components from existing models, this “hybrid” nonetheless carries the unmistakable bloodline of the Sunny…

The newly announced Sunny Excellent series represents the third generation of the Sunny line. The original model debuted in March 1966 to considerable fanfare as a one-liter people’s car. Only a few months later it was joined by the Corolla, and the two quickly found themselves locked in fierce competition for market share in what was then still an undeveloped segment of the mass-market car field.

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Impression
Date: July 1971
Author: Shotaro Kobayashi

Road testing the Nissan Sunny Excellent Coupe 1400GX

Our honest opinion, after testing the 1400GX, is that we find it hard to understand why the big, heavy engine from the Bluebird 1400 had to be installed in the Sunny. Certainly, straight-line performance has improved slightly, but it must also be said that the Sunny’s greatest virtues, its excellent handling and well-judged balance, have been considerably spoiled.

Publication: Motor Fan
Format: Road Test
Date: August 1971
Authors (Roundtable): Zenzo Sonoda, Kenichi Otani, Kenji Higuchi, Osamu Hirao, Isao Sano, Minoru Tanaka, Yasuyori Tomizuka, Kunitaka Furutani, Takehisa Sakagami, Yasuhei Oguchi, Hiroshi Okazaki, Minoru Onda, Kenzaburo Ishikawa, Toshihide Hirata, Motor Fan Editorial Staff (uncredited)

The Subtlety of Combination

Magazine: We’d like to begin with the objectives behind the Excellent.

Sonoda: Last year marked the Sunny’s full model change into the 1200 series. The Excellent was conceived as the top-grade series within that Sunny family. In other words, it was planned for those customers who may feel that the 1200 does not fully satisfy their needs, taking into account the recent trend toward more upmarket preferences. Accordingly, the core of the Excellent series consists of the GL and GX.