Nissan Dayz Highway Star: why this kei car became a cult in Japan and how to adapt it for Russia

Nissan Dayz Highway Star is not just a kei car, but a real legend of the Japanese car market, combining compactness with amazing functionality. Model created as part of a joint project Nissan And Mitsubishi (where her twin is named eK Space), stands out among competitors with its aggressive design, advanced equipment and unique system ProPILOT, adapted specifically for urban conditions. In Japan, this car has long become a favorite among young people and married couples, but in Russia it still remains exotic - and that is why it deserves special attention.

In this article we will look at Dayz Highway Star in detail: from technical characteristics to the nuances of import and legalization. You will find out why this car is so popular in the land of the rising sun, what pitfalls await Russian owners, and how to approach tuning correctly so as not to lose the warranty. And let’s compare Highway Star with basic version Dayz and we will reveal secrets that even official dealers are silent about.

Specifications of Nissan Dayz Highway Star 2023: what's under the hood?

Heart Highway Star - this is time-tested turbocharged engine 3B20 volume 0.66 l, which develops 64 hp at 6000 rpm. Despite the modest numbers, the engine copes well with urban tasks thanks to turbocharger and system Dual Injector, which optimizes fuel injection. Gearbox - stepless variator CVT with manual mode, adapted for economical driving.

The suspension deserves special attention: front - MacPherson strut, behind - torsion beam, which ensures a smooth ride even in the pits. At the same time, the clearance in 150 mm allows you not to be afraid of curbs. But system S-VMC (Super Vehicle Motion Control) - this is a trick Highway Star, which adjusts the braking force on each wheel when cornering, making steering predictable.

• 🔥 Engine: 0.66 l, 3 cylinders, turbo (3B20), 64 hp
• ⚡ Transmission: variator CVT with manual mode
• 🛣️ Drive: front or full 4WD (optional)
• 💨 Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 13.2 seconds (for a kei car - an excellent indicator!)
• ⛽ Fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km (Japanese cycle JC08)

Interesting fact: in Japan Dayz Highway Star certified as KEI-car, which gives owners tax and insurance benefits. But in Russia these advantages are lost - the car falls into the category of “passenger cars” with full duties. We'll talk more about this in the import section.

Differences between Highway Star and the basic version of Nissan Dayz

Many people mistakenly think that Highway Star - this is just a “charged” version Dayz with stickers. In fact, the difference is much deeper. Firstly, this unique body: front bumper with LED running lights, widened wheel arches (+20 mm in width), rear spoiler and dual exhaust tips (even if there is actually only one exhaust!). Secondly - sports suspension with stiff springs and shock absorbers Bilstein (optional).

But the main thing is the equipment. In the table below we compare the key options:

Parameter	Nissan Dayz (base)	Nissan Dayz Highway Star
Driver assistance system	Basic Intelligent Drive Assist	ProPILOT 2.0 with function Navi-link
Multimedia	5 inch screen, Apple CarPlay	9-inch touch display, Wireless CarPlay, premium audio Bose
Suspension	Standard	Sports (optional) Bilstein)
Exterior	Classic design	Aggressive body kit, LED optics, spoiler
Price (Japan, 2023)	From ¥1,380,000	From ¥1,890,000

Another key difference is salon. B Highway Star sports seats with improved lateral support, a perforated steering wheel with red stitching, and aluminum pedals are used. At the same time, the space remains just as spacious: despite the compact external dimensions (3395 × 1475 × 1640 mm), 4 adults fit inside thanks to sliding rear seats.

The import process to Russia: duties, customs clearance and legalization

Import Nissan Dayz Highway Star to Russia is not an easy task. The main problem is certification. In Japan, the car belongs to the class kei-car, but in Russia it will have to be registered as an ordinary passenger car. This means:

• 📋 Customs duties: 48% of the cost (if the car is under 3 years old) or 3.5 € per 1 cm³ of engine volume (if over 3 years old). For Dayz with a 0.66 liter engine it is ~2310 €.
• 🔧 Technical changes: mandatory replacement of headlights (Japanese light does not comply with GOST), installation DRL and adaptation of the speedometer to km/h.
• 📑 Documents: needed Export Certificate from Japan, purchase and sale contract, translation of PTS and certificate of conformity (cost ~150-200 thousand rubles).

Average cost of customs clearance and legalization Dayz Highway Star 2020-2023 release years - from 800 thousand to 1.2 million rubles, depending on the year and configuration. At the same time, the car itself in Japan costs ~1.5-1.8 million rubles (¥2.5-3 million). That is, the final price in Russia can reach 2.5-3 million rubles - which is comparable to the cost of a new one Kia Rio or Hyundai Solaris.

⚠️ Attention: When importing through “gray” schemes (for example, transit through Kazakhstan), you risk having problems with registration with the traffic police. In 2023, checks on VIN- vehicle numbers and history. If a car is reported stolen in Japan, it will be confiscated even after customs clearance.

An alternative option is to purchase a copy that has already cleared customs from Russian dealers. For example, companies JDM Cars or Kei-Car Russia offer Dayz Highway Star "turnkey" with a 1 year warranty. Prices start from 2.1 million rubles, but it is important to check here:

• 🔍 Availability OTTS (vehicle type approval).
• 🔧 Warranty for gearbox and turbine (variators CVT afraid of overheating!).
• 📄 Mileage history (in Japan, odometers are often “twisted” before export).

How to check the history of a Japanese car?

Use services CarVertical or JDM Check by VIN code. Pay attention to accident records (even minor scratches are recorded in Japan) and mileage. If there is a record in history "Export Only" — the car was sold at auction as “not running” or after major repairs.

Tuning and modifications: what can you do with Dayz Highway Star?

In Japan Dayz Highway Star is already considered a “hot” car, but in Russia its potential is revealed even more - thanks to the absence of strict power restrictions. Here are the main directions for tuning:

1. Increased power

Standard 64 hp can be brought to 85-90 hp using:

• 🔧 Chip tuning (reflashing the ECU for E85 or 98 gasoline).
• 💨 Intercooler settings (reduces heating of the intake air).
• 🔥 Exhaust replacements on straight-pipe (but be prepared for noise!).

Important: after chip tuning necessarily change oil every 5 thousand km - turbine 3B20 sensitive to the quality of the lubricant.

2. Suspension and brakes

To improve handling, owners install:

• 🚗 Coilovers (Tein or KW) - allow you to adjust the ground clearance.
• 🛑 Brake discs increased diameter (from 256 mm to 280 mm).
• 🔄 Reinforced wheel bearings (standard ones often fail during aggressive driving).

3. Exterior and light

Popular modifications:

• 💡 LED optics (replacing standard halogen headlights with Morimoto or Osram).
• 🎨 Vinyl wrap (matte black or carbon is a classic for Highway Star).
• 🔥 Tail lights from Mitsubishi eK Space (complete interchangeability!).

⚠️ Attention: When replacing headlights with LEDs, be sure to adjust the light beam! Incorrect adjustment leads to blinding of oncoming drivers and fines (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code, 500 rubles). Ask at the service center adjustment according to GOST R 51709-2001.

Make sure spare parts are available (CVT variators for Dayz are rare in Russia)

Check compatibility of parts (for example, brakes from a Nissan Note will not fit)

Carry out turbine diagnostics (lifetime ~150 thousand km)

Coordinate changes with the traffic police (if modifications affect the vehicle title) -->

Operation in Russia: winter mode, refueling and maintenance

The main question for Russian owners: how Dayz Highway Star behaves in winter? The answer is ambiguous. On the one hand, all-wheel drive 4WD (optional) and system S-VMC help in the snow. On the other hand - ground clearance 150 mm and a short wheelbase make the car vulnerable in deep snowdrifts.

Recommendations for winter use:

• ❄️ Tires: only Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Bridgestone Blizzak in size 155/60 R15.
• ⛽ Fuel: fill in in winter only 98 gasoline - it is less susceptible to evaporation in the cold.
• 🔋 Battery: standard 40 Ah change to 55 Ah (Panasonic or GS Yuasa).
• 🚗 Warm up: at least 5 minutes at −20°C (variator CVT afraid of a cold start!).

As for service, there are nuances:

• 🛢️ Engine oil: only 0W-20 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP or Idemitsu Zepro Eco).
• ⚙️ CVT: oil change every 60 thousand km (in Japan they recommend 90 thousand, but in Russia the conditions are stricter).
• 🔧 Turbine: check for leaks every 30 thousand km (a sign of a problem is blue smoke from the exhaust).

💡

If you plan to drive off-road, install crankcase protection (for example, from Cusco). The standard plastic tray does not withstand impacts.

Comparison with competitors: Suzuki Hustler, Honda N-Box and Toyota Roomy

Nissan Dayz Highway Star — not the only “hot” kei car on the market. Let's compare it with its main competitors:

Parameter	Nissan Dayz Highway Star	Suzuki Hustler	Honda N-Box	Toyota Roomy
Power, hp	64 (turbo)	66 (turbo)	64 (turbo)	66 (turbo)
All-wheel drive system	Option (4WD)	Option (ALLGRIP)	Option (Real Time 4WD)	Option (E-Four)
Ground clearance, mm	150	160	145	150
Features	ProPILOT 2.0, sports suspension	Design in style SUV, high salon	System Honda Sensing, spacious trunk	Hybrid version, reliability Toyota
Price in Japan, ¥	1,890,000	1,980,000	1,750,000	1,690,000

What makes it stand out? Dayz Highway Star?

• 🎯 Better handling thanks S-VMC and sports suspension.
• 💻 The most advanced electronics (ProPILOT 2.0 with function Navi-link).
• 🔥 Aggressive design, which stands out even among kei cars.

But there are also disadvantages: Honda N-Box more spacious, Toyota Roomy more reliable, and Suzuki Hustler Off-road is better. The choice depends on priorities!

Where to buy spare parts and accessories for Nissan Dayz in Russia?

The main problem of the owners Dayz Highway Star in Russia - shortage of original spare parts. Official dealers Nissan There is no option for kei cars, so you have to look for alternatives:

• 🌍 Japanese online stores:
  • RHDJapan (delivery ~3-4 weeks, prices are 20-30% lower than in Russia).
  • Buyee (intermediary for purchases on Yahoo Auctions Japan).
• 🏬 Russian suppliers:
  • JDM-Parts (Moscow, they specialize in kei cars).
  • Kei-Car Shop (St. Petersburg, there are warehouses in Japan).
• 🔧 Universal analogues:
  • Filters: Mann or Framm (suitable from Mitsubishi eK).
  • Brake pads: Brembo for Nissan Note (article P85044N).

Average prices for popular spare parts (2023):

• 🛢️ Oil filter: 800-1200 rub. (original 15208-9M50A).
• 🔥 Turbine: 45-60 thousand rubles. (it’s better to take a new one IHI).
• ⚙️ CVT CVT: 120-150 thousand rubles. (repairs cost 50-80 thousand).
• 💡 Headlight: 15-20 thousand rubles. for the original (LED analogues from Morimoto - 25 thousand).

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing used parts from Japanese auctions, check part number! For example, a pendant from Dayz The 2019 model will not fit the 2021 model due to changes to the mounts.

For tuning we recommend:

• 🏁 Exhaust system: HKS Hi-Power (article 32022-AN001).
• 🚀 Intercooler: GReddy (increases power by 5-7 hp).
• 🎵 Audio system: Pioneer TS-A6990F (6x9 inches, stands up without modifications).

💡

Before purchasing spare parts, always check the VIN code with the catalog Nissan Parts Catalog (available on the website nicoclub.com). Even small parts (like windshield wipers) can vary from year to year!

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Dayz Highway Star

❓ Is it possible to install an engine from a Nissan Note (1.2 l) in the Dayz Highway Star?

Technically yes, but this will require:

1. Replacing the sub-engine frame (the fastenings are different).
2. Reflashing the ECU for a new engine.
3. Registration of changes in the traffic police (difficult, since the vehicle category changes).

The cost of such a swap is from 300 thousand rubles., and the power increase will be ~20-25 hp. It's more profitable to buy Nissan Note from the factory.

❓ What is the resource of the CVT variator in Dayz?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 60 thousand km, use NS-3 or CVT Fluid FE) the variator runs 180-200 thousand km. Main enemies:

• Overheating (avoid towing and aggressive acceleration in hot weather).
• Dirty oil (variator filter is disposable, change along with the fluid!).
• Abrupt starts (the CVT doesn’t like “pedal to the floor” from a standstill).

❓ Is it legal to drive a Dayz Highway Star with Japanese headlights?

No. According to GOST R 51709-2001, the light beam should illuminate the right side of the road. Japanese headlights (with asymmetrical light for left-hand traffic) do not meet this requirement. Fine - 500 rub. (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code), but the main problem is blinding oncoming drivers.

Solution: installation bi-xenon with auto-corrector (for example, Morimoto XB LED) or ordering headlights with European certification (E-mark).

❓ What oil to pour into a 3B20 turbocharged engine?

Only synthetics with approval ILSAC GF-5 and viscosity 0W-20. Best options:

• Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist (original for Nissan).
• Mobil 1 ESP 0W-20 (suitable for turbo engines).
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 6200 (improves turbine protection).

Replacement interval - every 5 thousand km when operating in the city or 7.5 thousand km in highway mode.

❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on Dayz Highway Star?

Possible, but not recommended. Problems:

• Turbo engine 3B20 not adapted for gas - risk detonation (detonation).
• Power loss up to 10-15%.
• Difficulties with registration with the traffic police (expertise required).

If you really need it, install only 4th generation HBO with lambda probe emulator and customization EcuTek.