Nissan ALMERA TINO 1.8 SE LPG
Choosing to run a car on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) requires a very definite mindset, implying an ability to second guess the Chancellor of the Exchequer and a certain handiness with a calculator. Many manufacturers are offering LPG-powered versions of their wares but if youre going to be pragmatic, why not go the whole hog and invest in a pragmatic example of one of the most practical genres around the rapidly growing mini-MPV class. Nissans Almera Tino SE model is now available with an LPG-powered variant, so we got our sensible shoes on and did the maths to see if it made the grade.
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The sharper amongst you will appreciate that a good deal of this will be instantly recouped when the time comes to sell as long as the Chancellor doesnt decide that maybe LPG is getting a little too popular for its own good and cranks up the duty on it. Nissan can claim a distinct advantage over Vauxhalls system too insofar as the spare wheel is retained in the event of an emergency. The tank is concealed in the boot very professionally and only a very inconspicuous button and light on the dashboard and a modified fuel filler cap gives any indication that the Tino is running on anything but regular unleaded. The only possible grumbles are that the indicator light is often hidden by the gearlever and that the fuel gauge takes a long time to switch over when registering the contents of the LPG/petrol tanks.
Nows the time to do some serious maths.
"Think of it as getting the power and responsiveness of a petrol engine but with diesel-sized fuel bills"
Run your Tino for 15,000 miles per year for three years on petrol alone and your fuel bill will be £4,523. Do the equivalent mileage running the Nissan on LPG and the figure will be £2,931, easily swallowing the additional upfront cost. Run your Tino half the time on petrol and half the time on LPG and the benefits become marginal unless, that is, you habitually enter Central London. The Tino plays an ace card here, its LPG powerplant meaning its 100% exempt from Kens congestion charge.
Youll notice that the fuel needle moves a little quicker when the cars running on gas, the Tino returning 26.8mpg in this mode as opposed to 34.6mpg when running on normal unleaded but given that LPG is half as much at the pumps as unleaded, the sums still run in your favour. Think of it as getting the power and responsiveness of a petrol engine but with diesel-sized fuel bills.
Whichever fuel mode you choose to run it in, the Tino offers one of the better mini-MPV driving experiences. You only need to drive an ordinary Almera hatchback (which shares virtually all of its mechanicals with the Tino) to realise that theres a difference with this car. The whys and wherefores dont really matter (low centre of gravity, very stiff body, highly regarded QT multi-link beam axle suspension). Whats important is the Tinos road manners, a definite selling point but not amongst family buyers, a crucial one.
Recently, the interior has been thoroughly updated in line with the Almera hatch. Like its smaller sibling, the Tino adopts a version of the Primeras N-FORM dashboard, with many of the minor controls being marshalled by a 16 big buttons and an LCD screen. This SE version gets an in-dash LCD screen, a rear parking camera, electronic climate control, a trip computer, a CD-based stereo, rear electric windows, an electric tilt and slide sunroof and 15" alloy wheels. Side airbags and active front headrests have also been fitted, and seat back tables and a rear storage drawer under the front passenger seat add more versatility. Not that the Tino was in any way lacking in this regard. As with other rivals, there are three individual rear seats, each with its own triple-point seatbelt (though only the outer two have Isofix child seat mounts).
These seats are infinitely flexible, with no fewer than 24 different positioning configurations. They can of course be removed and/or folded forward, which in the case of the middle seat means you instantly create a picnic/activity table, with two cupholders and a ribbed section to hold pencils and crayons. Alternatively, you can slide them backwards and forwards on runners that allow 90mm of travel with the centre seat in place and 200mm without. With kids in the back, you can push them right forwards to create a huge luggage area: with adults however, you might wish to slide them right back for extra legroom and that mini-Limo feel. With only two rear passengers, that feeling could be further enhanced by taking the middle seat out completely and moving the two outer chairs inwards by six inches. For valuables, theres a covered compartment under the boot floor big enough for a handbag. Nissans attention to detail even extends to optional sick buckets that fit into the rear floor storage compartments for kids who dont travel very well.
The Almera Tino SE is an outstandingly practical vehicle no matter which fuel you choose to pump down its neck. The addition of this LPG variant only makes a sensible car even more so. It may not be overly exciting but if you appreciate a touch of quality and a modicum of fun behind the wheel while needing a mini-MPV that wont break the bank, this Tino should definitely appear on your shortlist.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Nissan Almera Tino 1.8 SE LPG
PRICE: £16,226 (excluding Powershift rebate) - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 8
CO2 EMISSIONS: 187g/km (petrol) 168g/km (LPG)
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 13.1s / Max Speed 115mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (petrol average) 34.6mpg (LPG average) 26.8mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: length/width/heightmm 4264/1758/1608mm
