The Nissan Sunny III Hatch (N14) represents the third generation of the popular Nissan Sunny hatchback series, a compact vehicle primarily marketed in Europe and Asia. Produced between 1990 and 1995, the N14 generation continued Nissan’s tradition of offering reliable and economical transportation in the fiercely competitive compact car segment. This particular variant, the 3-door 1.4 16V with 75 horsepower, was a common sight on European roads, prized for its balance of practicality, fuel efficiency, and a sprightly, multi-valve engine that was relatively advanced for its class at the time. While the Nissan Sentra served as the North American counterpart, the Sunny N14 hatchback carved out its own niche in international markets, offering a versatile and accessible option for families and individual commuters alike.
Nissan Sunny III Hatch (N14): An Overview
The Nissan Sunny III Hatch (N14) occupied a crucial position in Nissan’s global lineup during the early 1990s. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical, affordable, and reliable compact car. The N14 generation built upon the success of its predecessors, offering improvements in engine technology, fuel efficiency, and overall refinement. The 3-door hatchback body style, specifically the 1.4 16V model, became a popular choice for those prioritizing maneuverability and a slightly sportier aesthetic compared to the traditional sedan body style. Its success was largely due to its ability to deliver a well-rounded package without compromising on essential features or affordability.
Engine & Performance
The Nissan Sunny III Hatch (N14) 1.4 16V is powered by the GA14DE engine, a 1392 cubic centimeter (1.4 liter) naturally aspirated, inline four-cylinder powerplant. This engine’s key feature was its Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve configuration, a significant advancement over older 8-valve designs, allowing for improved airflow and combustion efficiency. A multi-port fuel injection system further enhanced its performance and fuel economy. The engine produced 75 horsepower at 6000 rpm, achieving a power-to-liter ratio of 53.9 HP/l. Torque output was 85.56 lb-ft (116 Nm) at 4000 rpm, providing sufficient power for everyday driving conditions. Paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, the Sunny III Hatch achieved a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 106.25 mph (171 km/h). Notably, the N14 Sunny excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 36.2 US miles per gallon (6.5 liters per 100 km), making it an economical choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Design & Features
The Nissan Sunny III Hatch (N14) 3-door variant showcased a clean and functional design typical of early 1990s Japanese automotive aesthetics. The hatchback body style combined practicality with a touch of sportiness, appealing to a broad range of buyers. Its compact dimensions – 156.5 inches in length, 66.54 inches in width, and 54.92 inches in height, with a 95.67-inch wheelbase – made it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The interior offered seating for five passengers and a versatile cargo area. Minimum trunk space was 9.89 cubic feet (280 liters), expanding to a generous 34.96 cubic feet (990 liters) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 2226.67 pounds (1010 kg) contributed to its nimble handling. The chassis featured a wishbone front suspension and a spring strut rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. An optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) enhanced braking stability, particularly on slippery surfaces. Hydraulic rack and pinion steering provided responsive and precise control.
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Sunny |
| Generation | Sunny III Hatch (N14) 3 doors |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 16V (75 Hp) |
| Start of Production | 1990 year |
| End of Production | 1995 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 106.25 mph (171 km/h) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.5 kg/Hp (74.3 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.7 kg/Nm (114.9 Nm/tonne) |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per liter | 53.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 85.56 lb-ft (116 Nm) @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | GA14DE |
| Engine displacement | 1392 cm3 (84.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 2.9 in (73.6 mm) |
| Piston Stroke | 3.22 in (81.8 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.38 US qt (3.2 l) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.02 US qt (5.7 l) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Kerb Weight | 2226.67 lbs (1010 kg) |
| Max. weight | 3406.14 lbs (1545 kg) |
| Max load | 1179.47 lbs (535 kg) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 9.89 cu. ft (280 l) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 34.96 cu. ft (990 l) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.21 US gal (50 l) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 156.5 in (3975 mm) |
| Width | 66.54 in (1690 mm) |
| Height | 54.92 in (1395 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 95.67 in (2430 mm) |
| Front track | 56.5 in (1435 mm) |
| Rear (Back) track | 55.91 in (1420 mm) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension Specs | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front-wheel drive, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
Legacy & Market Impact
The Nissan Sunny III Hatch (N14), particularly the 1.4 16V variant, was a significant model in Nissan’s global strategy during the early to mid-1990s. While not offered in the US market as a hatchback, the N14 was a cornerstone of Nissan’s presence in Europe, Asia, and other international markets. It competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Opel Astra, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla. The N14 Sunny’s legacy rests on its reliability, practicality, and affordability. Nissan’s engineering during this period produced durable vehicles, and the Sunny N14 was a prime example. Its GA14DE engine, with its 16-valve DOHC design, offered a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The 3-door hatchback configuration was popular with younger drivers and small families, valuing its compact size and versatile cargo space. The Sunny N14 reinforced Nissan’s image as a producer of dependable, value-for-money vehicles, securing its place in the compact car segment.
