2014 Nissan Tiida launched in UAE

Sentra-based Tiida spearheads five new models for Nissan
By Imthishan Giado

2014 Nissan Tiida

[UPDATE – Read our review and verdict here]

Has it really been eight years since Nissan launched the Tiida hatchback? Doesn’t seem that long ago to us, but nevertheless it’s time for a second generation version of Nissan’s ubiquitous hatch, which the Japanese firm launched at a private event yesterday for the press. Tiida is one of the key players in the C-segment, accounting for 36% of sales and with the second generation car Nissan Middle East aims to see a dramatic rise in growth to 60%, besting rivals like the Corolla, Civic and Focus.

To accomplish this, the new Tiida swaps its odd geometric styling to become a hatchback version of the Sentra sedan we’ve tested before. Nissan calls this styling ‘dynamic, sophisticated and sporty’; I call it ‘blobby, confused and reminiscent of the ’90s’. But hey, what do we know? We didn’t much like the Sentra but that’s apparently selling like gangbusters to customers who want the most features for the smallest price.

And that’s exactly the strategy Nissan intends to employ for this not-so-little hatch. As in the Sentra, two engines will be available: a 130bhp 1.8-litre unit and 115bhp 1.6, both mated to a drone-tastic CVT gearbox which will deliver reasonable fuel economy and little else. The range starts with the 1.6 S packing (if that’s the correct use of the word) ABS, power windows with one touch control for the driver’s side, tilt/telescopic steering, body-coloured mirrors, keyless entry and 15″ steelies with hubcaps. Yes, that’s an actual feature.

2014 Nissan Tiida

Move to the SV – which I implore you to do – and the Tiida now features steering wheel mounted controls, an MP3 capable CD player with four speakers and 16″ alloys.  Optionally available on the SV is Vehicle Dynamic Control, Bluetooth with AUX and USB connectivity, navigation and a rear view camera. I suspect quite a few will plump for some of the options – there’s no driving experience to speak of so might as well have the toys right?

The 1.8 comes in three variants. The base SV has all the kit of the 1.6SV plus front fog lamps, rear parking sensors and 17″ alloys. Move up to the SL and get electric folding mirrors with turn lamps, cruise control and an engine starter button. Go all the way to SL Plus and – be still my beating heart – you get a full complement of dual, side and curtain airbags along with leather seats and a sunroof.

Lots of kit but for how much money? Prices for the Thai-built Tiida start at AED57,000 for the 1.6 rising to AED77,000 for the 1.8-litre SL Plus. And if you think you’ve seen the car on the streets…the Tiida was actually launched during Ramadan, so customers have been able to place orders for some time now.

The Tiida hatchback is the first of five nameplate launches for this year – the others being the Nissan Note, Qashqai, Terrano and the all-new Infiniti Q50.

 

7 responses to “2014 Nissan Tiida launched in UAE”

  1. Mohannad says:

    It’s a decent car but frankly it always looked boring and now it’s even more boring. When it comes to car design styling I guess the Koreans are doing a much better job than the Japs. The new designs of Kia and Hyundai are cooler and more trendy.

    • Harsh says:

      ‘Japs’ is considered a racial slur. I’d expect you to be a little more considerate than that. Unless you’re a kid, in which case I’d beat some sense into you.

  2. Mohsin says:

    I don’t know what to say about the look ! Guess i’ll have to keep gazing at it for a few more hours before I can make up my mind 😐

  3. […] Nissan Tiida launched in UAE 2014 Nissan Tiida launched in UAE | Motoring Middle East: Car news, Reviews and Buying guides What do you guys say about this model / looks? Is this the same as the […]

  4. Jay says:

    The Nissan Versa Note in the US is its cousin in the North American market; most importantly with Stability and Traction Control. I seriously don’t get it why manufacturers are skipping on these two features for the Gulf market…perhaps its just because of the dry road conditions. Are there any economy hatchbacks in the Gulf market with ESP and TRC???

  5. zetallico says:

    But hey, what do we know?

    Clearly you don’t know much if it wasn’t paid article for Toyota

  6. JOSEPH says:

    LOOKING NISAN TIDA HATCH BACK

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