Priced a bit on the high side, the diesel variant of the model Nissan Sunny becomes at par with that of the successful vehicle in the segment by Skoda, the Rapid. We shall have a look to see, if the addition of the diesel engine makes the price worth for the latest Nissan vehicle.Even if a big car with 2600mm wheelbase, the Sunny is said to be of 108kg lesser weight when compared to the Skoda Rapid. It also features 490 litre boot, a huge bumper and thin tyres.
In the meantime, the Skoda Rapid can boast of a big grille, a chrome strip and big headlights, thus giving the vehicle some personality. The car also has modified the bootlids, taillights as well as the bumper at the back.
Even when, it comes to the interiors of the vehicles, that of Nissan Sunny is almost the same for both the petrol and diesel variant, similar to that of the Nissan Micra, except for the music system and central air-con vents.
Loaded with a dashboard same as in Micra, the vehicle also has some buttons and interior plastics, even if not of good quality like that found in Rapid. It also supports beige colour headlights and user-friendly large controls to activate the AC. Having the driving position a little raised, it provides for good visibility. Grey colour dash is also featured.
Now, if we look at the interiors of a Skoda Rapid, it is same in design as that found inside the Volkswagen Vento. Superior to that of the Sunny, it provides a rich and luxurious experience. Other features offered include the low-rent surfaces for the trim on the door as well as the lower dash.
When it comes to the driving position, this Saloon offers comfortable steering, seating, pedals, gear levers and so on. The seat at the front also provides good support and firmness to the thigh. The seats at the back even if comfortable have an upright back rest.
Sunny also supports features such as controls mounted on the steering, climate control and automatic folding mirrors, which are not seen in a Rapid. However, the Rapid supports clever lever positioned behind the passenger seat, at the front, thus permitting the passenger in the back seat to adjust the front seat forward, if preferred.
The engine seen on the Sunny is the same as in Micra, the 1461cc common rail motor, however delivering better power at 84bhp and maximum 20.39kgm torque. The vehicle is expected to ride smoothly across highways, even if beyond 3800rpm, the engine may not perform that well.
It is expected to cross 100kph in 12.89 seconds. Skoda Rapid meanwhile is said to be faster by 1.4seconds. Skoda features a 1.6 litre diesel engine is big and gives better performance than that of Sunny.
Suspensions are the same in both the vehicles, which are the independent suspension at the front and non-independent for the back. When driving at low speed, the Sunny does not give smooth ride, even if it becomes better with speed. It also gives good and safe handling, thus becoming the stress free vehicle to ride through the busy roads.
Rapid, however has extended wheelbase and plaint suspension. It also provides a decent ride at less speed. The light steering it offers is said to be very clear-cut and direct. However, there is no fun in driving the vehicle and it offers very less torque steer.
Finally, we have come to a conclusion, driving these vehicles has its own unique experience. The Nissan Sunny is very easy to drive and also is loaded with standard features and a 1.5 litre engine.
The Rapid, nevertheless, thus not come equipped with the features and is of solid build, with generous seats and is very classy in appearance.
