Nissan has recently been made to endure some stiff criticism about the lack of variety in its local passenger car line-up, though we expect this is all about to change with the addition of the pretty Tiida to its stable.
Nissan has recently been made to endure some stiff criticism about the lack of variety in its local passenger car line-up, though we expect this is all about to change with the addition of the pretty Tiida to its stable.
Over the past year, Nissan’s range of models has steadily grown, with the Pathfinder, Murano and Navara its most recent SUV and double-cab additions to the booming lifestyle market.
Nissan’s promising new star, the Tiida, is currently being shown at the Durban Motor Show. To slot between the diminutive and cheeky Micra and the feisty 350Z, the Almera saloon replacement will however only be available as a five-door hatchback model.
Nissan identifies hatchbacks as a vital section of the compact market. According to the manufacturer, prospective Tiida rivals, the Toyota RunX, Golf 5, Mazda3 Sport, Opel Astra, and cousin Renault Mégane, currently account for 47 per cent of the compact segment.
”Tiida is a car that will change the image of Nissan, like the Murano and the Pathfinder have done,” said Gerhard Fourie, Nissan’s general manager of marketing and planning.
A global model, the Tiida will be launched in over 130 countries and has already been chosen as China’s Car of the Year.
The car will be locally produced and launched mid-year with two derivatives – a five-speed manual 1,6-litre and a sporty six-speed 1,8-litre at the top of the range.
