A FUNKY new version of Nissan’s top-selling Tiida compact has hit Middle East showrooms, giving its predominantly youthful market the option of a more powerful engine and a stylish sunroof.
The small car with the lavish specifications has become an instant best-seller in both sedan and hatchback versions since being launched late last year, and has a base of fans beyond its owners, hooked to associate to its style and character.
Now, both models come with the sporty 1.8 litre MR18DE engine that combines added performance with spectacular fuel economy.
And the sunroof option will score highly with the young and trendy motorists in the Gulf who have taken Tiida to their hearts as an icon of ‘cool’.
"Tiida became the fastest-moving new entrant in the history of Nissan Middle East and the arrival of 1.8 litre with sunroof will give fresh impetus to already soaring sales,” said Nibal Slim, marketing manager at Nissan Middle East.
“Tiida is young, fun, and inspiring – a perfect match for its target market who have been quick to appreciate the value, the enjoyment, and the image that the brand embodies.”
Tiida has brought unprecedented style and comfort to a traditionally price-driven market segment where the bare essentials have been the dominant characteristics.
First impressions are created by advanced exterior design and styling, set off by an exceptional mirror-like finish provided by Nissan’s ‘Image Clarity Steel Sheet’ - a process that uses no fewer than four different coats and was previously applied only to luxury sedans.
Inside, the cabin provides 18 per cent more knee room and seven per cent more interior length than Tiida’s nearest class competitor. Cargo capacity (467 litres) is also the biggest in the small car segment.
Premium quality upholstery and trim combine synthetic leather and top-grade fabric, setting off the spacious seating that is normally exclusive to mid-size and full-size vehicles.
Under the hood, the newly-developed 1.8-litre engine creates weight savings, power increase, and noise reduction. Tiida is also the one and only in its segment that comes with a 1.8L manual version offering Six-speed M/T.
Many technological advances enhance intake/exhaust efficiency, thermal efficiency and torque, while reducing noise and friction and delivering class-leading fuel economy.
Electronic power steering is another technological ‘first’ for Nissan and Tiida, replacing conventional hydraulics with an independent motor-powered system.
Small cars are now the fastest-growing sector of the GCC market, topping 130,000 unit sales last year - 40 per cent of total passenger car sales. But hatchbacks account for only eight percent of the small car segment, so Nissan sees a great market opportunity for the Tiida five-door version, especially now that the 1.8 litre engine and sunroof options are available.
Tiida is the first Japanese contender in the hatchback market, although Japanese models account for 70 per cent of the total vehicle market in the UAE alone.
“Tiida is transforming the small car segment, where growth has been limited by the restricted choice and the absence of any Japanese offerings," said Slim.
“Backed by the Nissan brand and the Nissan reputation, Tiida brings unprecedented zest, inspiration, and stimulus to a market that is virtually untouched. The potential here is clearly enormous and our goal is for Tiida to be number one in the small car segment by the end of 2006.”
