Tiida's last hurrah

With its replacement edging closer Nissan has launched an updated Tiida range that packs more value into both hatch and sedan models. New names, new prices and added equipment are the highlights for what should be the final update for the car.

Known as Series 3 by the company, the 2010 model year Tiida sees an update to the car's looks thanks to re-designed bumpers and front grille for both the hatch and sedan. The hatch also gets a new look rear, courtesy of revised taillights. Those new bumpers add 45mm in length to the hatch and 30mm to the sedan.

Another notable change brings the Tiida's range in line with the rest of the Nissan portfolio by dropping the 'Q' name from the range-topping hatch model in favour of 'Ti'. Both models (ST and Ti) are still powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but it has been upgraded to meet Euro 4 emissions standards.

The range still starts with the ST model, but it is now fitted with curtain airbags, cruise control, power windows, steering wheel mounted audio controls, CD player with MP3/iPod input and a new-look instrument cluster. For the re-named Tiida Ti, Nissan has specified leather interior and trim as standard, plus air-conditioning, six-disc CD stacker with MP3/iPod input as well as metallic-look trim on the dash and the new instrument cluster.

But despite all the added equipment, Nissan has also lowered the price by at least $1000 across the range. The Tiida line-up now starts at $17,990 for the manual ST hatch and sedan.

"Now, despite the increase in standard equipment, pricing is at least $1000 less than the previous model, further enhancing the outstanding value proposition with Japanese design and engineering in this very competitive market," says Dan Thompson, Nissan Australia CEO.

First launched in 2006, the Tiida has failed to live up to the precedent set by the popular Pulsar. The company is on the record that a replacement, based on the new V-platform that also underpins the new Micra, will arrive sometime in 2011.

Significantly, Nissan Australia representatives have only ever referred to the new car as the 'Tiida replacement', leaving the option of a return to the Pulsar branding.

Tiida Series 3 pricing (all prices manufacturer list price, excluding government and dealer charges)
Hatch
Tiida ST -$17,990 ($1000 less than previous ST)
Tiida ST auto -$20,240 ($1000 less than previous ST)
Tiida Ti - $21,990 ($2000 less than Q)
Tiida Ti auto - $24,240 ($2000 less than Q)

Sedan
Tiida ST - $17,990 ($1000 less than previous ST)
Tiida ST auto - $20,240 ($1000 less than the previous ST)
Tiida Ti auto - $23,240 ($3000 less than the previous Ti model)

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