The <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/motoring/the-zippy-nissan-sunny-2020-has-landed-in-the-uae-here-s-what-the-new-design-looks-like-1.1015287" target="_blank">Nissan Sunny</a>, the Middle East’s most esteemed modest motor, has just had a full upgrade and worldwide relaunch for 2024. This compact sedan sits hot on the wheels of its stablemate, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/motoring/2023/01/11/nissan-patrol-2023-blasts-into-middle-east-with-new-looks-and-tech/" target="_blank">the Patrol</a>, as being the brand’s most popular offering in the region and, in a lot of markets, farther afield. The two vehicles evidently have a rather different customer base, so Nissan has few doubling-up problems in that department. The Sunny’s upgrade is particularly pertinent as the car is nearing its 60th anniversary – the first models, then going under the Datsun umbrella, hit the grit in Japan in 1966. The 2024 version has had a range of both visual and technological refinements. The bonnet fascia has been redesigned with an updated version of Nissan’s V-motion grille and rear spoiler, giving the tiny tyke a much more assertive look. The new model also has a refreshed Sunny logo, 17-inch alloy wheels and improved boot capacity. Power comes from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that provides 118 horsepower and 149Nm of torque, which should be plenty in a vehicle of this size. Inside, there is still just about room for five (breathe in), but Nissan asserts the new model has class-leading legroom and headroom. Leather upholstery adorns the seats and steering wheel, and the door trims now have expanded storage pockets. Tech comes in the shape of a seven-inch infotainment display, and you also get Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility features, including emergency braking, collision warning, moving object detection and blind spot warning. A rear-view camera is also available in some models. There are five grades to choose from: S, SV, SV+, SL and SL+. The new Sunnys are available now, with prices starting at Dh61,500.