Friday, October 13, 2023

My FH5 Log: Sunny with a Chance

If memory serves me right, it appears that the "most requested car" in Forza Horizon 5 is none other than the ancient Nissan Sunny B13. Why?


You can request whatever car you want to see in the Forza game via the official forums but of all the cars that deserve to be featured in the game, why the B13 Sunny? It's not as fast and as loud as the best cars offered in the game but there's a fairly good reason. But first, some little introduction.


The Nissan Sunny B13 made its debut in 1990, making it the first Nissan Sunny of the Heisei era. While retaining the styling from its B12 predecessor, the B13 features a more rounded look to keep it clean and simple. All petrol engines are equipped with the DOHC with the introduction of the 1.6L VVT engine and the first for the Sunny, a 1.8L petrol engine. Although production ended in 1994, it managed to live longer in Mexico, where it was sold as the Nissan Tsuru, which is in fact, the best-selling car in its class until it was discontinued in 2017.


The reason why the Mexican-spec Nissan Sunny B13 is the best-seller in Mexico in its class is because of its size and cheaper maintenance cost. It also became a popular car of choice for taxi drivers across Mexico because of its reliability and low maintenance costs. It's no wonder why this car became the most requested car with over 4000 votes garnered in the forums.


Driving the B13 Nissan Sunny in Forza Horizon 5 kinda reminded me of the one my brother-in-law drove in the real world. Driving from our relative's home in Quezon City to Resorts World Manila (now Newport World Resorts), that B13 Sunny showcased the charm point only 90s kids truly understand and I'm starting to get sentimental now.



No time to get sentimental, it's time to give Forza Horizon 5's most requested car a leisurely drive in the woods in the middle of nightfall, the kind of experience that my brother-in-law has done a long time ago when he, my big sister, and their kids are going home from the mall. Roll the tape.


Are we there yet? Is this Soldiers Hills? Whatever, but the important thing is, we're home.


Although out-of-context in this game chock full of fast and loud cars, the Nissan Sunny B13 is all about stirring nostalgia to anyone who experienced it. For Mexicans who are enjoying this game, it's a dream come true to experience the car that became a staple in Mexican motoring culture.

Welcome home.

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