Used Nissan Tiida review: 2006-2009

The Nissan Pulsar was one of Australia's most popular and respected small cars, so the oddly named Tiida had a tough act to follow when it launched in 2006. Its job was made somewhat easier when currency changes had forced Nissan to push the Pulsar's price higher and it lost its competitive edge in its last years.

Nissan was determined to use the Tiida to win back some of the ground given up in the latter period of the Pulsar's life.

MODEL WATCH

It was a surprise when Nissan dropped the popular Pulsar nameplate in favour of the Tiida, but the company justified the move by saying the Tiida was an all-new car and a fresh start. One look at the Tiida was all that was needed to see that it was indeed a fresh start for the Nissan small car.

Whereas the Pulsar's looks were rather staid, the Tiida's were stylish and modern and could only have come from Europe. The looks came from Nissan's move in joining forces with Renault, which resulted in the Tiida sharing its underpinnings with the Renault Megane.

Compared to the Pulsar the Tiida was bigger, more refined, and more comfortable; it was also well finished, and drove well.

The Tiida range was made up of ST sedan and hatch at the entry point, the mid-range ST-L sedan and hatch, and the Ti sedan and Q hatch. An all-aluminium 1.8-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing provided the motivation, and when working at its peak it delivered a modest 93 kW at 5200 revs and 174 Nm at 4800 revs.

It was sufficient to comfortably keep up with the traffic without ever exciting the driving senses.

All models but the Ti had a six-speed manual gearbox standard, with an option of a four-speed auto 'box. The Ti had the auto standard.

The Tiida was comfortable and roomy inside with good head, leg and elbowroom. Soft-feel materials were used on dash padding, door trims and headliner, topped off with polished metallic finishes that gave it a quality look and feel. The boot was a good size with a flat floor, under which was stowed a full-sized spare.

All models were well equipped. Even the ST entry models had air-conditioning, remote central locking, CD with four-speaker sound, and power mirrors. The ST-L had extra safety features, plus 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows and Tricot seat trim. Atop the range the Ti sedan and Q hatch had leather-trimmed steering wheels, a blend of leather and cloth trim, an overhead console, and six speaker sound systems.

IN THE SHOP

Complaints to Cars Guide about the Tiida have been few and far between, and have generally been of a minor nature, which suggests it has no serious flaws. Good build quality, combined with a reliable package of engine, gearbox, driveline and suspension means little goes wrong.

While all appears to be sound make the usual checks for evidence of a crash, and poor repairs, and check for evidence of regular servicing.

IN A CRASH

All models have dual front airbags and seat belt pretensioners, while all except the ST also have curtain airbags for better all round protection. All models also boast an impressive array of active safety features, including ABS anti-lock brakes, optimum brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

AT THE PUMP

The Tiida won't stretch the budget too far with fuel economy in the region of 7.6 L/100 km for the manual models and 7.8 L/100 km for the autos.

LOOK FOR

• Fresh looks
• Spacious cabin
• Full-size spare
• Fuel miser
• Modest performance
• Well-finished.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Well-built, well-equipped, economical small car with roomy interior.