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We have quickly become accustomed to the high levels of comfort that the new Nissan Tiida offers. Its quiet, stress-free and rewarding driving environment coupled to high standard specification levels makes it a firm favorite among testers.
The Tiida is built in Nissan SA's plant in Rosslyn near Pretoria, with two new engines and three levels of trim. The 1.6 Acenta runs on alloy rims shod with 185/65 radials, and its 1598cc HR16DE four-cylinder unit is quoted at 80kW at 6000rpm and 153NM at 4000rpm.
Nissan claims it to be the longest cabin in its class, measured from the firewall to the rear-seat hip point. This quickly becomes apparent when you enter the cabin as  Tiida offers the kind of space normally associated with larger cars. The doors are generously proportioned, and open wide for easy access to the seats. It has the ability to comfortably carry 5 adults on a long journey, and this might be the only car in this segment to get full marks in that regard. The padded arm-rests also ensure that the whole driving experience is made as comfortable as possible. The car's ergonomics are excellent, and the car feels well built and is extremely practical.
 On the road one quickly appreciates the low levels of noise getting into the cabin, but at higher revs the driver is awarded by a nice sporty growl from the exhaust. The Tiida stays composed over most road conditions, and the electric power steering remains precise irrespective of speed.
As a complete package, it is a small car that could have a big role to play for Nissan in the South African fleet market.
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