Nissan AD II (Y10) photos

Launched in October 1990 and produced through 1999, the second-generation Nissan AD (chassis code Y10) represented a substantial evolution in refinement, styling, and engineering over the utilitarian VB11 series. Based on the B13 Nissan Sunny platform, the Y10 shed the sharp, boxy lines of the 1980s in favor of smoother, rounded aerodynamics, flush glass, and a significantly modernized dashboard shared with passenger-oriented Sunny models. The lineup branched into distinct roles: the work-focused five-door AD Van (which stayed in production until 1999) featuring a heavy-duty leaf-sprung rear axle on front-wheel-drive models, and the passenger-oriented AD Wagon and AD Resort, which featured more comfortable suspension tuning and upscale interior trim before transitioning into the Wingroad nameplate in 1996. Select international markets also received three-door panel van derivatives. Under the hood, the older E-series engines were replaced by Nissan's twin-cam, multi-valve GA-series inline-four gasoline engines in 1.3-liter (GA13), 1.5-liter (GA15), and 1.6-liter (GA16) displacements, alongside a 1.8-liter SR18 unit for higher-spec variants. Diesel buyers were initially offered the 1.7-liter CD17 engine, later upgraded to the larger 2.0-liter CD20 diesel for improved torque. A key advancement for the Y10 generation was the availability of full-time all-wheel drive (ATTESA) paired with an independent rear suspension, making it highly capable in snowy regions. Transmissions consisted of a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic, replacing the three-speed automatics of the previous era. Across facelifts in the mid-1990s, electronic fuel injection replaced carburetors across the gasoline range, exterior grilles and bumpers were refreshed, and safety features such as driver airbags and ABS were introduced. Sold primarily in Japan—where it was also badge-engineered as the Mazda Familia Van/Wagon and Subaru Leone Van—the Y10 was exported to Europe as the Nissan Sunny Traveller/Van and became a staple used import across Russia and Asia.