1978 Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) ranges from approximately 900 to 1,000 kilograms (about 1,984 to 2,204 pounds), depending on specific trims and equipment levels. This relatively light weight for a station wagon of its era contributed positively to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling characteristics. The light curb weight helped improve acceleration and braking response, especially when paired with the smaller displacement engines typical of the time. Additionally, the vehicle's weight meant less stress on the drivetrain and suspension components, enhancing reliability and lowering maintenance needs. Overall, the Cherry Traveller's manageable weight was a key factor in making it an economical daily driver in both urban and suburban settings.

The Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) station wagon was designed for practicality and versatility, featuring a spacious cargo area relative to its compact size. Although exact cargo volume figures vary somewhat depending on the rear seat configuration, the wagon generally offers ample space for luggage, groceries, or equipment, making it an ideal vehicle for small families or tradespeople. With the rear seats in place, the cargo capacity typically accommodates medium-sized loads comfortably, while folding down the rear seats expands usable space significantly. This flexibility enhances the vehicle's practicality for trips, shopping, and light cargo transport, maintaining the Cherry Traveller's reputation as a functional and adaptable car during its production era.

Yes, the Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With an overall length of approximately 4,175 mm (164.4 inches), a width of about 1,615 mm (63.6 inches), and a height near 1,365 mm (53.7 inches), it is smaller than many modern cars that garages are typically designed to accommodate. Standard garages, which generally measure around 6,000 mm (236 inches) deep and 3,000 mm (118 inches) wide, provide more than enough clearance for the Cherry Traveller. However, owners should consider the space needed for safely opening doors and storage shelving. Parking aids or floor markings may enhance ease of use, especially if the garage is shared or contains other stored items.

The front and rear track widths of the Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) are both approximately 1,360 millimeters (53.5 inches). This relatively narrow track width, common among compact cars of the late 1970s and early 1980s, facilitates agile handling, especially in tighter urban environments where maneuverability is key. While a wider track typically improves cornering stability, the VN10’s track widths are well balanced for its size and weight, providing predictable and comfortable driving dynamics. The stable platform combined with the vehicle's light weight allows the Cherry Traveller to handle everyday driving conditions effectively, without excessive body roll or instability in moderate-speed cornering.

The Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10), introduced in 1978, marked an evolution from earlier Cherry models in both design and size. Compared to the earlier Nissan Cherry 1200 and 100A models, the VN10 offered a more spacious station wagon layout, with increased length and cargo capacity tailored to meet the growing market demand for family-oriented vehicles. While previous models had a more hatchback or sedan profile, the Cherry Traveller’s station wagon body style was larger, offering more practical utility. Dimensionally, the VN10 was slightly longer and taller, aiding in interior volume, but retained a compact footprint for urban usability. This evolution reflected Nissan's response to changing customer needs and competition in the compact wagon segment during the late 1970s.

In the late 1970s, the Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) competed with other compact station wagons such as the Toyota Corolla Wagon, Honda Civic Wagon, and European models like the Volkswagen Golf Variant. Dimensionally, the VN10 was roughly on par with these rivals in length and width, offering competitive cargo space and passenger comfort. Compared to Japanese competitors, the Cherry Traveller's narrow width (approximately 1,615 mm or 63.6 inches) and manageable length (around 4,175 mm or 164.4 inches) gave it an advantage in tight urban environments. Its practical interior space and light curb weight combined for good fuel economy, a significant selling point during the post-oil crisis market. Whereas European station wagons often favored slightly more luxurious interiors and sometimes larger dimensions, the VN10 was praised for its blend of economy, reliability, and functional design.

The Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) features a wheelbase of approximately 2,365 millimeters (93.1 inches). This wheelbase length provides a solid foundation for both ride comfort and interior packaging. A longer wheelbase typically enhances ride smoothness by reducing pitch and yaw motions over uneven road surfaces, and the VN10’s 2.365-meter span helped ensure a comfortable driving experience for occupants, even on less-than-perfect roads. Additionally, the generous wheelbase contributed to interior spaciousness, offering comfortable legroom for both front and rear passengers. For a compact station wagon of its era, the Cherry Traveller’s wheelbase struck an effective balance between minimizing overall vehicle size for easy maneuvering and maximizing passenger comfort and cabin utility.

The Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) has an approximate height of 1,365 millimeters (53.7 inches) in its standard form. Some higher trim or purpose-specific variants could be equipped with roof rails, which typically add around 30 to 50 millimeters (1.2 to 2 inches) to the overall height, making the total height close to 1,395–1,415 mm (55–56 inches). While this increased height remains modest compared to many taller vehicles such as SUVs or vans, it is a factor to consider when parking in garages with low clearance. Most residential garages provide sufficient vertical clearance to accommodate the Cherry Traveller with roof rails, but very low garages or covered parking with obstructions might require extra caution to avoid scraping or damage.

The Nissan Cherry Traveller (VN10) measures around 4,175 mm (164.4 inches) in length and 1,615 mm (63.6 inches) in width, dimensions that make it smaller and narrower than many modern compact station wagons. For comparison, contemporary compact wagons often measure between 4,300 to 4,600 millimeters (169 to 181 inches) long and around 1,750 to 1,850 millimeters (69 to 73 inches) wide. The smaller footprint of the VN10 makes it particularly adept at city driving and parking in tight urban environments, allowing it to fit easily into smaller parking spaces and navigate narrow streets with greater ease. Drivers used to modern, bulkier vehicles might find the Cherry Traveller notably more maneuverable in congested areas, while still delivering enough interior and cargo space for practical use.