Nissan AD

The Nissan AD is a compact van and station wagon built by the automakers Nissan and Nissan Shatai since 1982. The AD is sold as a different name when manufactured as a passenger car, called the Nissan Wingroad. It is an alternative to the Honda Partner commercial delivery van in Japan.

VB11 series

AD Van VB11
Overview
Production October 1982 – 1990
Assembly Japan: Zama Plant, Zama, Kanagawa
Body and chassis
Body style 3/5-door van/wagon
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Related Nissan Sunny (B11)
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1270 cc E13S I4 (VB11)
  • 1487 cc E15S I4 (VHB11)
  • 1680 cc CD17 diesel I4 (VSB11)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length 4,085–4,110 mm (160.8–161.8 in)
Width 1,620 mm (63.8 in)
Height 1,465 mm (57.7 in)
Chronology
Predecessor Nissan Sunny Van
Nissan Pulsar Van (Australia)
Nissan Auster/Violet Van

In October 1982, the AD Van supplemented (and also gradually replaced) the commercial delivery vans based on Nissan's other vehicles. In 1983, the Nissan Cedric van was discontinued, as was the Nissan Gloria van. It originally came with four front doors and a liftback hatch in back. In July 1983 a two-door version was introduced, meaning that the earlier B310 Sunny Van could finally be retired. The AD range was based on the B11 series Nissan Sunny wagon but has a more square-rigged and utilitarian appearance.

1985 Nissan AD Van 1.5 DX (VHB11)
Nissan Pulsar (VB11) 1.3 DX

This wagon was sold in Japan as the Sunny AD Van at Nissan Satio Store and as the Pulsar AD Van at Nissan Cherry Store. It was also sold as the "Nissan Datsun AD Van", to tie it together with the Nissan Datsun, which was the name used for the Nissan Pickup in the Japanese Domestic Market.[1]

It came with three engines; the 1.3 and 1.5-litre carburetted E13S and E15S and the 1.7-litre CD17 diesel engine. The transmissions were either a four- or five-speed manual transmission, with the availability of a three-speed automatic for the bigger of the gasoline options. Power outputs for 1984 models in Japan are 75 PS (55 kW), 85 PS (63 kW), and 61 PS (45 kW) respectively.[1]

The rear suspension was designed for commercial usage, so it used a simple leaf spring setup and wasn't intended for ride quality. Low cost, light weight, and a flat, low loading floor were the main consideration. The AD van was designed for very basic duties, and the options list was kept small to enhance economical use and running costs. The AD van used a front wheel drive engine configuration shared with the Sunny. The AD Van was marketed as the Nissan Sunny in some European markets such as Belgium (glazed five-door), beginning with the 1984 model year.[2] In the Netherlands this version was sold as a "Stationwagen" as well as a van, both with the 1.3-liter engine.[3] The United Kingdom received three three-door panel van version with the 1.3-litre E13 engine and 60 hp (45 kW). Payload is 505 kg (1,113 lb).[4]

The AD van remained basically unchanged, except for minor cosmetic changes until the second generation was introduced in 1990 with the Y10 series. The three-door van was also available as a strict two-seater.

Nissan Australia sold the VB11 three-door panel van as part of the Nissan Pulsar range between September 1983 and December 1985,[5] replacing the Sunny (B310) panel van that had been discontinued earlier in 1983. The Pulsar panel van was fitted with the 1.3-liter E13 engine and a four-speed manual transmission. The Pulsar van weighed 840 kilograms (1,850 lb) and had a payload rating of 540 kilograms (1,190 lb).[6]

Y10/N14 series

Nissan AD Y10
Overview
Also called Nissan Sunny Wagon N14 (Europe)
Nissan Sentra Wagon N14 (New Zealand)
Nissan AD Resort Y10 (Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia)
Nissan Wingroad (Japan)
Nissan Tsubame (Mexico)
Nissan NRV (Taiwan)
Nissan NV Pick-up (Thailand)
Assembly Japan: Oppama Plant, Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Body and chassis
Body style 5-door wagon
2-door pick-up
Related Nissan Pulsar N14
Nissan Rasheen
Powertrain
Engine 1.5 L GA15DS I4
1.5 L GA15DE I4
1.6 L GA16DE I4
1.8 L SR18DE I4
2.0 L SR20DE I4
2.0 L CD20 I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length 4,175 mm (164.4 in)
Width 1,665 mm (65.6 in)
Height 1,520 mm (59.8 in)
Chronology
Predecessor Nissan Sunny California

The second-generation AD Van (sold as the Y10/N14 Wagon in Europe), introduced in October 1990, replaced the Nissan Sunny B13 series wagon, but with a different rear end compared to exported standard Sunny wagons. The vehicle continued as the AD Van, and as a private use (non-commercial) it was marketed as the Nissan Sunny California wagon (N14/Y10). The engines used were the 1.5 L and 1.3 L GA15DS & GA13DS with DOHC and the 1.7 L CD17 diesel continued. The Wingroad/AD Van were also accompanied by a larger retail/commercial station wagon/delivery van called the Nissan Avenir/Expert that replaced the Nissan Bluebird U12 wagon/delivery van.

In 1996 Nissan added the Nissan Wingroad to the lineup. The Wingroad was offered with the SR20DE instead of the GA13DS, as well as the SR18DE and GA15DE. Trying to cash in on Japan's RV ("recreational vehicle", usually feel versions of existing vans and wagons combining a slight off-road vibe with sportier equipment) craze of the late 1990s. The Wingroad followed this recipe closely, being a winged and bespoilered version of the AD Van, usually with more powerful engines. Four-wheel drive was optional. Unusually, the Wingroad also received a redesigned, larger rear end with a longer rear overhang. The Wingroad name came from a trim grade on the Nissan Bluebird U11 series wagon.

Nissan AD Max

April 1992 saw the introduction of the AD Max with an unusual raised cargo bay, called fourgonette style, with two French doors in back and two doors for front passengers. The wheelbase was extended 70 mm to 4,270 mm, with the height of the cargo area measured to be 1,810 mm. Two rear wipers were installed on each of the French doors. Suzuki also tried this approach with the Suzuki Alto Hustle. The AD Max was available with regular rectangular side windows or a more unusual triangular arrangement (pictured), as well as a panelled version of the latter.

August 1993 saw minor changes, with the 1.3 L automatic transmission upgraded to a four-speed. The Wingroad transmission selections were either the four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.

The Wingroad JS trim level shares an appearance with the larger Nissan Avenir Blastar, and both also use a two-tone paint scheme.

September 1993 saw the AD van introduced to Thailand, Taiwan and Malaysia as the Nissan AD Resort. A "Wingroad" version was also available in Thailand, but unlike the Japanese market Wingroad this is a Y10-based pickup truck. The AD Wagon was sold in Mexico, called the Nissan Tsubame (which, with the T removed, means "get me on top" in Spanish, and "swallow" – the bird – in Japanese).

Mazda Familia Y10

August 1994, the AD van was sold as the Subaru Leone sold as a light commercial vehicle until model year 2001 Y11 series for Subaru. The Subaru version was added as a result of the Leone platform having been replaced by the Subaru Impreza which had a reduced size cargo area on the wagon/five-door hatchback. The Mazda Familia was introduced at the same time and is still in production using the current Y12 series.

April 1996 saw a driver-side airbag added as an extra-cost option.

Nissan NV in Thailand, this is an extended cab with a bed cap.

May 1997 saw minor cosmetic changes. The 1.3 L & 1.5 L GA13DE & GA15DE engines replaced the GA13DS and GA15DS for better emissions performance. the 2.0 L CD20 diesel engine was introduced with the ATTESA 4WD system, and ventilated front disc-brakes were introduced on all trim levels. The front windshield wipers were offered with a de-icer option.

The Y10 was also built under license in Thailand as the Nissan NV. This was built in a bewildering array of bodystyles to suit the Thai buyers' penchant for pickup trucks, including a double-cab ute. There was also a wagon version based on the pickup, essentially going full circle from the original AD Wagon.

Y11 series

The facelift model Nissan Wingroad Rider (Y11, Japan).

The second series (Y11) began May 31, 1999, once again available only with a station wagon body, sold in the Japanese, New Zealand (badged as Pulsar) and Caribbean markets. It is mechanically related to the Nissan Sunny B15 series but has a different exterior design. The interior design is shared with the Japanese market Nissan Sunny B15 as well. The second generation Wingroad received a facelift in 2001, with a sleeker front end and a new interior.

The Wingroad version slotted in Nissan's product range between the Nissan Bluebird and the Primera, available with the 1.5 L QG15DE, the 1.8 L QG18DE and the 2.0 L SR20VE engines. The 1.8 L exists only as a 4WD version.

Nissan Wingroad Aero (Y11, Japan)

The Wingroad shares a MacPherson strut front suspension with the other Nissan C-Segment cars of the era, such as the B15 Sunny/Sentra and the N16 Almera/Pulsar. In most models, the rear suspension consisted of a beam axle with coil springs and panhard rod. The four-wheel drive versions and the ZV-S FWD variant used a multi-link rear suspension. All variants were fitted with ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear; the exception being the ZV-S which was fitted with non-ventilated disc brakes in the rear.

October 24, 2000, the Wingroad was offered as a trim level called "G Extra" that included an optional TV screen that folded down from the ceiling for rear passengers.

March 2001, manufacturing operations were moved from the Nissan Shatai factory in Kyoto to the facility in Shonan. The 2.0 L SR20VE engine is replaced with the 2.0 L QR20DE. Various trim level packages were introduced on the Wingroad approximately every six months, including aero packages and limited offering names, such as "Aero Sport Limited".

Mazda Familia Van (Y11, Japan)

The commercial AD van version continued to be also sold as the Mazda Familia wagon. It is unrelated to the Familia passenger car range, and kept the Familia name after the car range was replaced by the Mazda3. Engines available for the AD van were the 2.2 L YD22 diesel, 1.3 L QG13DE, the 1.5 L QG15DE, and the 1.8 L QG18DE (with dedicated 4WD) that was upgraded to the QG18DEN designed to run on CNG for emissions reduction on January 14, 2000. The CNG option achieved 1000 sales by July 24, 2002, however, CNG vehicles were no longer offered by December 3, 2008. The diesel engine was discontinued in 2001 as Japan actively discouraged the use of diesel vehicles within its cities.

A driver-side airbag is now standard on both the AD van and the Wingroad, with a passenger-side airbag optional.

The AD van Max was no longer offered.

Y12 series

Nissan Wingroad / AD van Y12
Overview
Manufacturer Nissan
Nissan Shatai
Also called Mazda Familia van
Mitsubishi Lancer Cargo
Production 2006–present (Y12 series)
Assembly Samut Prakarn, Thailand[7]
Kanda, Japan (Nissan Shatai)
Body and chassis
Class compact
Body style 5-door wagon
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform Nissan MS platform
Related Nissan Tiida
Nissan Livina
Nissan Note
Powertrain
Engine 1.2 L CR12DE l4
1.5 L HR15DE l4
1.6 L HR16DE I4
1.8 L MR18DE I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,600 mm (100 in)
Length 4,395 mm (173.0 in)
Width 1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height 1,500 mm (59 in)

An all-new AD van (Y12) debuted December 20, 2006, now using the Renault-Nissan B-platform. AD/Wingroad Y12 is almost the same car as European/Japanese 2005-2013 Nissan Note E11 hatchback and Nissan Livina station wagon (Asia). Models fully share body (except E11's short back), engines, transmission, suspension, etc., and just slightly differ in design. Parts are compatible depending on initial market.

The Wingroad debuted November 14, 2005, with a preview at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show in October. Like the Tiida/Versa, it has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, and the new HR15DE and MR18DE engines along with the CR12DE. While the Wingroad was available with 4WD from the beginning, the AD Vans originally only came with front-wheel drive. The transmission for the AD van and the Wingroad is a four-speed automatic or the optional CVT. From 2007 there is also a new Familia Cargo, based on the Y12 shape AD van. The Y12 was introduced in late December 2008 as the (Japanese: Mitsubishi Lancer Cargo).

Mazda Familia Van

The Wingroad received limited edition trim level packages, called "Rider α II", "Sport Acapello", "V Selection" to name a few. When the Nissan Stagea was discontinued June 2007, the Wingroad/AD van was the only station wagon still built by Nissan, with Nissan instead introducing a number of new MPV's, such as the Nissan Lafesta, the Nissan Presage, and the Nissan Elgrand. In December 2008, the AD Van is now available with the HR16DE engine and the e4WD all wheel drive system. In the same month, the last of the preceding Y11 series were finally taken out of production; CNG and 4WD versions of the Y11 had been built in parallel for a few years after the Y12 was introduced.

Intelligent Key was added to the Wingroad September 11, 2006, and the Wingroad can be equipped with a GPS navigation package using HDD technology. The AD Van had been sold without passenger side airbag, but from May 2009 this became standard across the range.

Gallery

References

  1. 1 2 Nissan Datsun AD Van (catalog) (in Japanese), Nissan Motor Company, September 1984, p. 16, 40912AKG
  2. ↑ Nissan Gamma [Nissan range] (brochure) (in Flemish), Aartselaar, Belgium: N.V. Nissan Belgium S.A., 1984, pp. 1–2
  3. ↑ de Jong, Nico, ed. (1983-12-24). "Autokrant" [Car Gazette]. Autovisie (in Dutch) (Hilversum, Netherlands: Folio Groep B.V.) 28 (26): 15.
  4. ↑ Nissan Commercial Vehicle Range 1984 (brochure), Worthing, UK: Nissan UK Limited, July 1984, p. 4, S24.25m.F923.7.84
  5. ↑ "Nissan Pulsar – Used Car Research". GoAuto. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  6. ↑ "Nissan Pulsar (VB II Panel Van)". GoAuto. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  7. ↑ "Nissan. Nissan in Thailand". Car-cat.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-25.

External links

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