| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Nissan Cherry Hatchback (N10), produced between 1978 and 1982, represents one of Nissan's earliest ventures into compact hatchback design aimed at urban drivers seeking efficiency and practicality. This first-generation Cherry was notable for its compact footprint, making it ideal for tight city environments and easy parking. The N10 generation featured a straightforward hatchback body style that maximized interior space while maintaining a small exterior. Although exact dimensions for the N10 variant vary slightly by market, typical measurements placed the car’s length around 3.7 meters (approximately 145 inches) and a width near 1.5 meters (59 inches), underscoring its compact nature. The hatchback format extended versatility, providing ample cargo space relative to its size and making it a popular choice among young professionals and small families. Engine options were modest, focusing on fuel efficiency over performance, which helped Nissan capture a segment of buyers transitioning from subcompact sedans to hatchbacks in the late 1970s. The Cherry Hatchback (N10) combined lightweight construction and a nimble chassis, contributing to its reputation as an affordable, reliable city car. Its classic styling, characterized by clean lines and a functional rear hatch, remains appreciated among classic car enthusiasts. Overall, the Nissan Cherry Hatchback (N10) laid the foundation for future compact models in Nissan’s lineup by blending practicality, economy, and style in a package that was perfectly suited to the era’s automotive needs.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Nissan Cherry Hatchback a leader in its class
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The Nissan Cherry Hatchback (N10), produced from 1978 to 1982, is a compact hatchback with overall dimensions measuring approximately 3,740 mm (147.2 inches) in length, 1,525 mm (60 inches) in width, and 1,355 mm (53.3 inches) in height. These dimensions made the N10 quite compact, ideal for city driving and tight parking spaces, yet spacious enough for its class during that time period.
The wheelbase of the Nissan Cherry Hatchback N10 is approximately 2,330 mm (91.7 inches). A wheelbase of this length provides a balanced compromise between ride comfort and maneuverability. It also contributes to a modest interior space, allowing reasonable room for passengers without compromising the hatchback’s compact footprint, which benefits handling in urban environments.
The curb weight of the Nissan Cherry N10 hatchback ranges around 900 to 950 kg (1,984 to 2,094 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment levels. This relatively lightweight construction contributes positively to fuel efficiency and offers nimble driving dynamics. The light weight aids in quick acceleration and responsive handling, which were attractive features for compact car buyers in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The ground clearance of the Nissan Cherry N10 is approximately 150 mm (5.9 inches). This clearance is typical for compact hatchbacks designed for primarily urban and suburban use. While adequate for most paved roads and mild rough surfaces, it may limit the car’s capability on very uneven terrains or off-road conditions but is well-suited for normal daily driving scenarios.
Yes, the Nissan Cherry Hatchback N10 fits comfortably within most standard residential garages. Standard garage dimensions are typically around 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and 3 meters (9.8 feet) in width, whereas the Cherry’s length of 3.74 meters (12.3 feet) and width of 1.525 meters (5 feet) provide ample clearance space around the vehicle for easy parking and entry/exit.
The Nissan Cherry N10 offers a practical interior space configuration for its size, typically seating four passengers comfortably. The hatchback layout contributes to flexible cargo capacity compared to traditional sedans, allowing for easier transport of bulkier items when the rear seats are folded down. Compared to other compact hatchbacks of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Cherry provides competitive interior roominess, making it a functional choice for small families or city commuters.
The Nissan Cherry N10 was actually the first model under the 'Cherry' nameplate introduced in 1978. Therefore, it does not have a direct predecessor within the Cherry line. However, as a successor to earlier Nissan subcompact models, the N10 improved in terms of modern hatchback design with a more compact and practical package. It delivered contemporary styling and efficient space utilization that was well-received compared to older sedans or hatchbacks Nissan offered before.
When compared to similar compact hatchbacks from the late 1970s, such as the Toyota Starlet, Honda Civic (early generations), or Volkswagen Polo, the Nissan Cherry N10 holds its own with competitive dimensions and practical design. Its length of about 3.74 meters and width of 1.525 meters are aligned with its peers, offering a balance of city-friendly size and passenger/cargo space. The N10’s lightweight build and reliable Nissan engineering made it a popular choice alongside these rivals in the growing small car market segment.
The Nissan Cherry N10 featured a range of small displacement petrol engines, typically a 1.2-liter or 1.4-liter inline-four, designed for efficiency and practicality rather than outright performance. Horsepower figures generally ranged from around 55 to 70 PS (54 to 69 horsepower) depending on market and specific engine variants. These powertrains provided adequate performance for daily urban driving, coupled with good fuel economy ratings, making the Cherry a sensible economical choice for drivers during its production run from 1978 to 1982.
For its time, the Nissan Cherry N10 offered basic yet practical safety and convenience features typical of late 1970s small cars. While advanced safety equipment like airbags and ABS were generally not available, the car featured seat belts for all passengers, impact-resistant body design, and reliable mechanical components. Convenience features included a hatchback rear door for easy cargo access, simple instrumentation, and effective ventilation. The Cherry’s straightforward design emphasized functional reliability, making it a dependable vehicle for everyday use.
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