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By EWAN KENNEDY
22 March 2010
Nissan Tiida has been one of our favourite small cars since
its launch in 2006. In particular, the Japanese machine’s
combination of interior space and smooth ride really impressed us.
Though we had to say its tall-and-chunky looks weren’t to our
tastes. It seems the public also disliked the style, because sales
were nowhere near as strong as those of the Pulsar that the Tiida
superseded.
Part of the plunge in sales was due to that – since very much
regretted by Nissan – name change, but that's another story.
Nissan Australia countered this drop in sales by dropping the
price – one of the oldest tricks in the marketing book, though
not one that does any favours to the accountants’ bottom line.
But still Tiida struggled in the sales race despite the
astonishingly good value it provided for an imported Japanese car.
Now the designers have been called into the act and asked to give
Nissan Tiida a new look for 2010. They have done so by extending
and reshaping the nose to give what they consider to be a sportier
look. A new radiator grille adds to this look, and the topline Ti
model now has its side skirts done in the same colour as the rest
of the body to visually take some of the height out of the car.
It's an improvement to our eyes but, as always, beauty is in the
eye of the beholder. And if the beholder is still in any doubt,
Nissan Australia has again trimmed the Tiida's price.
The price reductions are substantial; ranging from $1000 off the
recommended price of the Tiida ST manual hatch (down to $17,990),
to $3000 down on the topline Tiida Ti automatic sedan (now
$23,420).
These new prices are typically about $2000 to $4000 under those of
competing Japanese cars.
Government and Nissan dealer delivery charges need to be added to
the prices listed above.
As well as trimming prices Nissan Australia has also increased the
level of standard equipment on the 2010 Tiida. The ST now has the
added safety of side-curtain airbags; the Tiida Ti hatchback has a
sunroof; and Ti in sedan format has the luxury of climate control
and leather trim. Leather wrap is used on the steering wheel.
Inside, the complete 2010 Nissan Tiida range has received a mild
restyle and some different choices of fabrics.
Out if sight, but even more important, are the changes to the
1.8-litre engine which now meets European Stage 4 emission
controls.
Incidentally, when we recently spoke to Nissan Australia CEO, Dan
Thompson, he told us the Tiida name would not be used in the new
full generation change of this model. But he stopped short of
assuring us that the name Pulsar, so much loved by Aussie buyers,
would be revived. Let's wait and see.
The complete 2010 Tiida range, with prices (excluding dealer and
government charges) is:
ST: $17,990 (manual), $20,240 (automatic) - $1000 less than the
previous ST model
Ti: $21,990 (manual), $24,240 (automatic) - $2000 less than the
now deleted Q model
ST: $17,990 (manual), $20,240 (automatic) - $1000 less than the
previous ST model
Ti: $23,240 (automatic) - $3000 less than the previous Ti model
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Marque Publishing Company
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