| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1990 |
| Production Years: | 1990 - 2000 discontinued in 2000 |
The Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) is a compact pickup truck introduced in 1990 and produced until 2000, primarily targeting urban users needing practical cargo space with easy maneuverability. This generation is based on the Sunny platform but adapted into a versatile pickup configuration, making it a utilitarian vehicle ideal for small deliveries, light commercial use, and personal transport with added cargo capability. The vehicle exhibits typical compact truck dimensions, suitable for navigating tight city streets while providing adequate cargo volume. It features a modest footprint optimized for efficiency rather than heavy-duty hauling, emphasizing Nissan’s focus on economy and reliability for light transport tasks during the 1990s. While specific dimensional data like exact length, width, and height details may vary by market and configuration, the Sunny Kasten (Y10) generally measured in the compact segment range, balancing space and maneuverability. The model is recognized for its durable build quality, practical design, and longevity, maintaining utility throughout its decade-long production run from 1990 to 2000. The Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) remains a notable example of compact pickup trucks in Japan and select global markets, appealing to users who needed a small yet dependable cargo vehicle comparable in size to other lightweight pickups of the era.
Discover the standout features that make the 1990 Nissan Sunny Kasten a leader in its class
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The Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10), produced from 1990 to 2000, is a compact pickup truck designed for urban and light-duty use. Its overall length is approximately 4,100 mm (161.4 inches), the width is around 1,645 mm (64.8 inches), and the height is roughly 1,445 mm (56.9 inches). These dimensions make it a maneuverable vehicle in city environments, providing a good balance between cargo space and drivability. The compact footprint is especially suited for tight parking spaces while still offering a practical loading bed.
Compared to its predecessor, the Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) introduced in 1990 offers modest changes in size, focusing on maximizing interior and cargo space within a compact footprint. The earlier generation was slightly smaller in length and height, making the Y10 a bit more spacious and practical for everyday utility needs. The Y10 brought updated styling and improved ergonomics while maintaining the compact dimensions important for urban settings. This generation also generally exhibits better utilization of cargo volume and a more comfortable cabin overall.
Yes, the Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With dimensions of around 4,100 mm (161.4 inches) in length, 1,645 mm (64.8 inches) in width, and 1,445 mm (56.9 inches) in height, it is smaller than many modern pickup trucks and SUVs. Most typical garages which measure roughly 6,000 mm (236 inches) deep and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) wide will accommodate this vehicle with room to spare for opening doors and some storage. Its compact size makes it especially suitable for homeowners with limited garage space.
The Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) features a compact cargo bed designed to suit light commercial needs and urban deliveries. The loading bed length typically measures around 1,750 mm (68.9 inches), with a width close to 1,470 mm (57.9 inches). Its payload capacity is approximately 500 to 600 kilograms (1,102 to 1,323 pounds), depending on the variant and configuration. This capacity makes it practical for transporting moderate amounts of goods, tools, or equipment while maintaining a nimble driving experience.
The curb weight of the Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) pickup generally ranges between 1,000 and 1,100 kilograms (2,205 to 2,425 pounds). This relatively light weight contributes to nimble handling and efficient fuel consumption, especially compared to larger pickups. The lower weight helps with ease of maneuvering in tight spaces and reduces wear on brakes and tires. While it provides sufficient robustness for urban commercial use, the light weight also means the vehicle offers a comfortable ride and responsive steering, suitable for both city driving and light off-road conditions.
The Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) offers an estimated ground clearance of approximately 160 mm (6.3 inches), which is typical for compact pickup trucks of its era. This ground clearance is adequate for well-maintained rural roads, uneven urban surfaces, and mild off-road conditions. However, it is not designed for heavy off-road activities or very rough terrain. Its suspension setup is biased more towards comfort and load-bearing stability, making it suitable for light-duty transport and occasional travel on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
In comparison to other compact pickups from the 1990s, the Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) stands out for its compact dimensions and urban-centric design. While competitors like the Suzuki Carry or Toyota LiteAce also targeted small payloads and easy maneuverability, the Sunny Kasten offered a slightly larger loading bed and a more refined cabin space. Its balance of size and payload capacity was well-suited to light commercial users needing a reliable and economical transport solution. Typically, its weight and dimensions mirrored or slightly outpaced its key rivals, with a focus on practical everyday use rather than heavy-duty performance.
The exterior width of the Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) is about 1,645 mm (64.8 inches), and its height is approximately 1,445 mm (56.9 inches). This relatively narrow width allows the vehicle to navigate through congested urban streets and fit into narrow parking spots where larger trucks cannot. Its moderate height ensures it can pass under low clearance barriers such as garages or parking structures without issues. These dimensions combined provide excellent maneuverability and ease of parking, making it ideal for cities with limited space or crowded commercial districts.
The cargo volume of the Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) pickup bed is considerably larger than the trunk capacity of typical passenger cars, offering around 1.2 to 1.5 cubic meters (approximately 42 to 53 cubic feet) of open cargo space depending on configuration. Compared to other small pickup variants of its time, it provides a practical balance of payload area and compact size. This makes it suitable for transporting goods that cannot fit in enclosed passenger car trunks, such as tools, equipment, or bulkier items, while still being easy to handle on city roads.
The Nissan Sunny Kasten (Y10) introduced several design and utility improvements over its production run. Its styling shifted towards a more modern and aerodynamic look compared to previous models, with cleaner lines and a more compact form factor. Utility-wise, the Kasten focused on maximizing cargo space and ergonomics within a small footprint, bringing enhanced load capacity and easier access to the truck bed. Technological updates included upgraded suspension systems for better ride comfort, improved engine options emphasizing fuel economy, and enhanced safety features for its segment. These adjustments helped the Y10 remain a versatile and efficient light-duty pickup through the 1990s.
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