Replacing the Nissan Almera has been a lengthy process for the company, which this week launched the third car in a very much expanded line-up. Instead of a straightforward replacement for the Almera, Nissan has followed current industry trends to offer more lifestyle-oriented cars, and now has three models for buyers to choose from in this segment.
And if the Note is the funky option and the Quashkai the trendy one, then the new Tiida is most definitely the "seniors" option.
Described as an "everyday product" the Tiida looks a lot better as a hatchback than it does as a saloon, in which guise it is tediously dull. However, Nissan predicts that the saloon will outsell the hatchback by a ratio of two to one. This is in direct contrast to Nissan's other markets where the reverse happens.
This car is definitely aimed at the over-45s who prefer space and comfort to performance or style. It has to be said that interior space is where the car leaves many competitors in the shade. A six-foot adult can still sit comfortably behind a six-foot driver, without either compromising on head or leg room.
It comes in two levels of specifications, with a choice of either a 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel. Standard equipment includes four airbags, air conditioning, Bluetooth phone integration, Isofix child seat anchorage points, electric windows, front active headrests, 15" wheels, keyless entry and an immobliser.
The hatchback has a sliding rear seat. This standard version, the SE, costs €20,995. This will put it some €2,000 less than a comparable Renault Megane, and at almost exactly the same price as a comparable Toyota Corolla or Ford Focus.
The diesel option will not be available until July, but the standard SE version will cost €23,845.
The SVE version also has automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, automatic climate control, on-board computer, a leather steering wheel, armrests, a six-speaker stereo system and curtain airbags. It costs €22,495, cutting competitors by a small margin.
Nissan does not see the fact that the 1.6-litre engine is the only petrol option (as distinct from the 1.4-litre option offered by competitors) as a barrier to sales, arguing that improved fuel consumption and emissions' levels mean people just get better performance without any disadvantages.
Ireland is the only western European country getting the Tiida (meaning "ever changing tide" in a Japanese dialect) but it is expected to come just behind Russia in terms of sales.
The Tiida is a very comfortable car to drive, and has plenty of practicality about it. Apart from its mysterious appeal in saloon guise, however, its biggest selling point is likely to be the way it is packaged. Having extras such as air conditioning, four airbags and Bluetooth connection as standard gives it a significant edge over the competition when it comes to value for money and comparing like with like.
Expect to see a lot of Tiidas on your next mid-week hotel break or wherever else a lot of "seniors" gather.