| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1982 discontinued in 1982 |
The Nissan Sunny Traveller, encompassing the 140Y and 150Y generations, is a notable compact station wagon produced between 1979 and 1982. This generation expanded the Sunny lineup by offering practical wagon versatility, maintaining the brand's reputation for reliable and efficient vehicles during that era. As a station wagon variant, the Sunny Traveller was designed to appeal to consumers needing additional cargo space without sacrificing the compact dimensions favorable for urban and suburban driving.
Typically, the 140Y and 150Y platforms of the Sunny Traveller shared similar foundational characteristics but varied slightly in engine and trim levels. Although exact size specifications of this generation are less commonly documented, the Sunny Traveller's external dimensions were generally aligned with the compact station wagons of the late 1970s. The vehicle's length ranged approximately between 4,100 mm to 4,200 mm (161.4 to 165.4 inches), with a width around 1,560 mm to 1,600 mm (61.4 to 63.0 inches), providing a balanced footprint that merged maneuverability with functional interior volume. Height measurement hovered near 1,400 mm to 1,440 mm (55.1 to 56.7 inches), contributing to a low center of gravity and stable ride dynamics.
The Nissan Sunny Traveller's design incorporated classic wagon features such as a rear hatch for easy cargo access and utilitarian rooflines for maximizing interior space. Its curb weight was estimated in the 900 to 1,000 kg (1,984 to 2,204 lbs) range, supporting efficient fuel economy and nimble handling. The station wagon served families and small business owners alike, providing a compact, reliable vehicle capable of navigating tight city streets while accommodating larger loads than the sedan counterpart.
Overall, the Nissan Sunny Traveller (140Y, 150Y) holds significance as a practical station wagon solution from Nissan’s late 1970s lineup. Its size and versatility made it suitable for daily commuting and moderate cargo transport, bridging the gap between smaller sedans and larger wagons or vans. Enthusiasts and collectors value it for its straightforward engineering, classic design aesthetics, and role in the evolution of compact Japanese station wagons.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Nissan Sunny Traveller a leader in its class
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The Nissan Sunny Traveller (140Y, 150Y), produced from 1979 to 1982, has an overall length of approximately 4,120 millimeters (162.2 inches), a width of around 1,545 millimeters (60.8 inches), and a height close to 1,425 millimeters (56.1 inches). These dimensions make it a compact yet practical station wagon, designed for efficient urban and suburban use while offering adequate interior space for passengers and cargo. The moderate width and height ensure maneuverability in tight city spaces and ease of parking, while the length provides sufficient cargo capacity typical for vehicles of this class during that era.
The curb weight of the Nissan Sunny Traveller (140Y, 150Y) station wagon is approximately 920 kilograms (2,028 pounds). This relatively light weight for a station wagon of its size contributes positively to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling. The lightweight build helps the vehicle maintain modest fuel consumption rates, which was a key selling point during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Additionally, the curb weight supports adequate acceleration and braking performance within the car’s engine capabilities, ensuring practical usability in everyday driving conditions without compromising comfort.
The Nissan Sunny Traveller station wagon version offers a versatile cargo space configuration suitable for family and utility purposes. While exact cargo volume figures are scarce due to the vehicle's age, station wagons in this segment typically deliver around 400 to 600 liters (14 to 21 cubic feet) of cargo space with rear seats up. Folding the rear seats flat increases this considerably, providing ample room for transporting larger items or luggage. Given its design focus on practicality, the Sunny Traveller balances passenger comfort with functional cargo capacity, making it a useful vehicle for various needs.
Yes, the Nissan Sunny Traveller, with its length of approximately 4,120 mm (162.2 inches), width of 1,545 mm (60.8 inches), and height of 1,425 mm (56.1 inches), generally fits within standard garage dimensions. Standard garages typically accommodate vehicles up to around 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) long and 2,500 mm (98.4 inches) wide, so the Sunny Traveller's compact size makes parking indoors convenient. Additionally, its moderate height poses no significant issues regarding garage clearance. Overall, owners should expect easy indoor parking in typical residential garages without requiring modifications.
The Nissan Sunny Traveller (140Y, 150Y) represents an evolution from its predecessor station wagon generation primarily in terms of refined dimensions and styling. Compared to the earlier Sunny wagon generation, the 140Y/150Y maintained a similar compact footprint but often featured marginal increases in length and width to enhance interior space and cargo capacity. For instance, the length slightly increased from roughly 4,000 mm (157.5 inches) to 4,120 mm (162.2 inches), while width and height adjustments improved comfort and usability. These dimensional updates contributed to better occupant space utilization and cargo flexibility, reflecting Nissan's response to market demand for a more versatile compact wagon.
The Nissan Sunny Traveller's width of about 1,545 mm (60.8 inches) strikes a balance between compactness and cabin space, allowing for comfortable seating for passengers without making the vehicle too bulky for city driving. Its height of approximately 1,425 mm (56.1 inches) provides sufficient headroom without raising the center of gravity excessively, which aids in vehicle stability. These dimensions make the station wagon practical for daily use, as the vehicle remains easy to maneuver yet sufficiently spacious inside, ensuring passenger comfort during short commutes or longer journeys. The dimensions contribute to an efficient footprint and practical interior volume.
Compared to contemporaries like the Toyota Corolla wagon and Honda Civic station wagon of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Nissan Sunny Traveller (140Y, 150Y) is competitive in size. It is slightly longer and wider than some compact wagons but remains within the same class, offering a practical balance of cargo and passenger space. The Sunny Traveller’s moderate dimensions made it a desirable choice for drivers seeking an economical and functional wagon without the bulk of larger models. Its size enabled it to seamlessly fit the urban environments of the time while providing versatility for family and utility uses similar to its competitors.
The Nissan Sunny Traveller station wagon accommodates up to five passengers comfortably, with two front seats and a rear bench seat suitable for three occupants. The interior layout is focused on maximizing space efficiency, allowing decent legroom and headroom for passengers despite the car’s compact external dimensions. The rear seats usually fold down to expand cargo capacity, enhancing the vehicle's versatility. Overall, the layout supports both passenger comfort and practical cargo management, making the Sunny Traveller a preferred option for small families needing an all-purpose vehicle.
During the production period of 1979-1982, the Nissan Sunny Traveller came with several engine options varying by market, typically small-displacement inline-four petrol engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 liters. These engines prioritized fuel efficiency and reliability over raw power, suiting the vehicle's role as an economical family wagon. The modest engine sizing ensured lower running costs and ease of maintenance, appealing to consumers during an era when fuel economy was an important factor. While not designed for sporty performance, the engines provided adequate power for everyday driving needs.
The Nissan Sunny Traveller (140Y, 150Y) benefits from its compact dimensions and relatively light curb weight of approximately 920 kg (2,028 lbs) to deliver commendable fuel efficiency for a station wagon of its time. Typically, fuel consumption ranged from 7 to 9 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 26 to 33 miles per gallon), depending on engine choice, driving conditions, and vehicle maintenance. This efficiency made it an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers during the early 1980s fuel economy-conscious market. The car’s lightweight and aerodynamic profile helped reduce fuel consumption, especially compared to larger, heavier wagons.
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