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The Japanese auto major, Nissan Motor India Private Limited launched a diesel version of its Sunny. The mid-sized sedan was introduced into the market very recently and the company hopes to increase its sales by launching the diesel variant of the model.  About 3000 units of the petrol version of the car have already been sold in the market ever since its petrol version was launched in the market. The diesel version will be available in two variants: XL and XLV.

Kiminobu Tokuyama, the managing director and chief executive of Nissan Motor India said “We are delighted to introduce the diesel variant of the Sunny. At a time when the market is witnessing an increase in demand for diesel cars, Sunny diesel, with high fuel economy will be the right choice for our valued customers.”

The new version of Sunny is quite competitively priced between 7.98 lakh (base model) to 8.78 lakh (for the top end model). It is powered by 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder K9K engine that is similar to what is currently being used for Fluence and Micra. However, the main difference is that it can produce a maximum torque of 200Nm at 2000rpm and is capable of generating maximum power of 86PS at 3750rp.

Another notable feature of this sedan is that it is quite fuel efficient; it gives mileage of 21.64 kmpl (ARAI certified). In fact, it is one of the best fuel efficient diesel cars to be introduced in the market. The launch of the diesel variant is a very good strategy of the company and comes at a time when the prices of petrol are sky-rocketing.

A luring feature of Sunny is that it has is elegantly styled and has the same spacious interiors as its petrol version. The company aims to tap the youth of the country. It is also expected to target the growing market for diesel cars in the country. This car is currently manufactured in the plant in Chennai, where its international alliance partner Renault also manufactures its cars. The customers can book this super cool car in any one of the 47 dealerships across India.

It is the second model by the auto major after Micra that consists of the unsurpassed ‘V’ platform. The company has used advanced engineering to manufacture this car; it has excellent interiors and exteriors, and a structure that is light weight but very sturdy and also offers a very comfortable drive to its riders on the road. The company has decided to sell the diesel variant at pan India prices. This means that the price of the car will not vary across the states. The only difference will be in terms of Octroi, VAT and other local taxes.

The Vice Chairman and MD of Hover Automotive India, Nissan’s Marketing & Sales partner, Mr. G M Singh, said that “Introduction of Sunny is another major milestone in Nissan’s efforts to grow fast in the Indian market which is growing at much faster pace compared to many other parts of the world now. The fact that we are able to clock over 3000 sales for the Petrol Sunny so far reinforces our belief that Indian customers prefer Nissan’s products which are filled with innovation and excitement.”