Nissan ALMERA TINO RANGE
Though It Was Nissans Parent Company
Renault Who Invented The
Mini-MPV Concept With Their Scenic, Its
Nissan Themselves Who Reckon To Have Perfected It. Jonathan Crouch Checks Out The Almera Tino
Every major maker needs a mini-MPV People Carrier in its line-up these days. The success of Renaults Scenic has seen to that, the French car spawning a host of imitators. Entering such a crowded market without a unique selling point is asking for trouble which is one of the reasons why Nissans Almera Tino is a comparative latecomer to this particular party.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
|
| Depreciation |
 |
| Economy |
|
| Equipment |
|
| Handling |
|
| Insurance |
|
| Performance |
|
| Styling |
|
| Value |
 |
Nevertheless, priced competitively from £12,995 to £17,350, it deserves its share of the limelight as even a shortish test drive should confirm. This car will build its UK reputation on driving dynamics, a compact family People Carrier you can buy and still enjoy when circumstances allow. Its appeal has been boosted by a pair of well-sorted common rail diesel engines and a rethink of the Tino range that sees better equipment levels and a simpler set of trim levels. 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 a crucial one.
"
Nissan has concentrated on getting better use of the space available, rather than just filling it with seats"
People simply dont buy mini-MPVs to throw them around beautiful back roads. Versatility is the key and this Nissan had better be up to the task in hand. At first glance, you might wonder. After all, there are only five seats in a market where other rivals offer six or even seven.
Like
Renault, Nissan believe that most buyers dont want or need that many chairs (but have covered their bets by secretly developing a seven-
seat version just in case). Instead, theyve concentrated on getting better use out of the space available, rather than filling it with pews: its an approach that actually makes a lot of sense. 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. The entry-level S version gets a 6-inch screen, the SE adds a rear parking camera to the equation whilst the range topping SE versions monitor grows to seven inches and offers DVD satellite navigation.
Equipment levels have been given a welcome boost across the Tino range with even the entry-level car now getting electronic climate control, a trip computer and a CD-based stereo in return for a price increase of £95. Not bad business by anybodys standards. As well as the rear view camera, the SE adds plusher seat trim, rear electric windows, an electric tilt and slide sunroof and 15" alloy wheels. The SVE version adds the DVD navigation system, 16" alloys, a leather rimmed steering wheel, front fog lamps and wipe clean leather and Alcantara seats. An Electronic Stability Program is also fitted as standard. 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 engine choice has been rationalised down to just three. Theres a 115bhp 1.8-litre petrol unit or two Renault-sourced dCi common rail diesels, developing either 112 or 136bhp. The diesels are a vast improvement on the old 2.
2TD engine the Tino used to campaign with, the six-speed 136bhp version in particular giving it real outside lane urge. A few minor tweaks to the exteriors have included one-piece projector lamps, different wheel designs on SE and SVE models and modified badging. Prices start at £12,995 in 1.8-litre petrol guise, rising to £17,350 for the for an SVE version fitted with the 136bhp 2.
2-litre dCi engine. The relatively small number of Tinos that Nissan is producing from its Spanish factory will limit this Almeras impact here but nevertheless, this is a car that deserves to do well. Flexible families should try one.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Nissan Almera Tino range
PRICE: £12,995-£17,350 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-8
CO2 EMISSIONS: 175-183g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.2dCi 136] 0-60mph 10.3s / Max Speed 116mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8] (urban) 27.4mpg/ (extra-urban) 44.8mpg/ (combined) 36.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: length/width/heightmm 4264/1758/1608mm
<< Back to Nissan car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Nissan Cars For Sale UK
