Miguel Sánchez
Possibly the eighties are the last when it comes to models as vibrant as they are not very sensible. A period in which the automobile industry turned to sports saloons, the most radical rally cars or compact ones with nerve. As regards the latter, there are acronyms that perfectly synthesize the concept: GTI. Thought out like wolves in sheep's clothing, the GTIs put sportiness within the reach of the masses, drawing an unexpected claw from models born with a vocation for everyday utility.
Commanded by the Golf GTI, these models were replicated by almost all the major brands of the time. In fact, even today rivers of ink continue to flow to settle the advantages and benefits of some over others. Thus, from the Opel Kadett GSI to the 205 GTI, all these models make up one of the most interesting and valued segments of recent classics. Hovering around the range from 110 to 130CV, these utility vehicles with easy nerve are gaining presence within the fans, even more so when they begin to pass three decades.
However, beyond the common models there are few others known but quite interesting. So after honoring the R5 GT Turbo last week, today we want to rescue one of the lesser-known GTIs: the Nissan Sunny GTI. Overshadowed by its broad competition and the weight of the GTI R powered version, this Japanese man with a vocation to seduce the European public is now entering the world of classics thanks to his three recent decades. An interesting option for any devotee of a good weight / power ratio.
NISSAN SUNNY GTI. EQUIPPED WITH SR20DE ENGINE
Still thought of in Japan, the Nissan Sunny was made with the vocation to conquer the western market. In fact, both its approach and appearance make it very European in style, seeking to confront the Volkswagen Golf in the markets. However, the truth is that Japanese cars have always had an uncertain luck in Europe. Although on the one hand they have a loyal legion of followers ... On the other They have a difficult time displacing the continental brands on their own playing field. However, the Nissan Sunny added reasons for this based on a good combination of engine and dynamic behavior.
Regarding the engine, the Nissan Sunny GTI already mounted the SR20DE engine. A mythical name for fans of the brand, especially if we take into account the variety of sports derivatives assembled around it. With four cylinders, 143CV and a joy to go happily revolutionized Its naturally aspirated engine was the perfect heart for this GTI at just 1100 kilos. Tight weight well handled by a chassis that handles twisty roads well. Precisely those where this sports for all audiences gives more play.
Of course, according to the tests never with an unpredictable or dangerous character. In sum, The Nissan Sunny GTI can be defined as an agile and dynamic sports car, but easy to drive and quite practical. Thus, the most normal thing is that this Japanese had experienced a huge sales success. Something that had quite a long way since, after all, perhaps certain advertising springs failed to pave the way for the model against the well-established European brands and their interesting GTIs. Anyway, the truth is that our protagonist also came from the competition from his own bench.
NISSAN SUNNY GTI R. DIRECT FROM GROUP A
Finding information on certain cars is a good indicator of what their success was with the fans. For example, while it is difficult to find accurate data on the Nissan Sunny GTI… It is much more accessible to do so on its older brother: the GT R. Designed as a racing car ready to use on a daily basis, the Sunny GTI R comes from the need to build at least 5000 units for homologation within Group A of Rallies. Category that was in force within the World Rally Championship from 1987 to 1996, thanks to which we were able to enjoy the Lancia Delta HF 4WD or Toyota Celica ST162.
Thanks to its Garrett T28 turbo, its power rose to 225CV in the version for the European market, reaching 230 km / h and 100 km / h in just over five seconds. Performance very similar to a Porsche 911 from the same period. In addition, his weight was set at 1240 kilos. About 120 more than those of the GTI, but really few if we take into account that the GTI R had all-wheel drive ATTESA system. Characteristics that make it a rally track eater, unfortunately unlucky in competition due to a mix of bad luck and cooling failures.
Today, finding one of these street racing cars in more or less original condition is quite a feat. Reason why its value is on the rise, especially among fans of drifting or rallying. However, beyond this radicalized version The Nissan Sunny GTI celebrates three decades as a more than interesting option for fans of the classics. Mainly because it is a more rare GTI than the most famous in the category, offering, apart from an agile and fun driving, a touch of differentiation to its owners.
Photographs: Nissan-Datsun
