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Nissan Almera Tino 2.2 dCi SVE - Nissan Almera Car Review

Review

Added: 14 Oct 2005
Last update: 24 Dec 2009

TWENTY-FOUR is the number of seat combinations in the Almera Tino and it was the number of hours I spent behind its wheel.

I did not have a handy stop watch to record this interesting fact, it popped up on the in-car computer system.

Most of the 24 hours was spent driving to and from a wedding at the other end of the country with three adults, a six-month-old baby and no directions.

But, we were not just moving people on this hellish trip; we were lugging pushchairs, hair straighteners, hairdryers, 14 pairs of shoes - just in case - and 11 different outfits.

Luckily Nissan had sent the Tino for this tiresome task - a midi multi-purpose vehicle based on the familiar and popular hatchback.

The Tino is bigger, more comfortable and far more adaptable than its little brother. From the side and from behind the Tino is a good looking car - the only thing that lets it down is the face.

The front has a very similar look to the hatch, and that is half the problem. This is a very different car and surely it deserves a very different look.

The inside has been given an identity, which feels and looks sophisticated. A baby seat and two adults comfortably slotted into the back row and everybody benefited from acres of head and legroom.

Both back passengers have drop down tables and there is a host of storage space for bottles, dummies and nappy sacks.

The boot is not huge, but there is adequate space and if you don't have a car full of people you can move, twist or completely remove seats from the back to 24 different configurations.

The driving controls and central console are well designed and very easy to use. The audio, climate and car computer system is effectively controlled by the one 'N-Form control' switch on the dash.

The test model had the life-saving satellite navigation system which got us to the hotel, church and reception without breaking a sweat. The same screen doubled up with a surprising but useful rear reversing camera, audio screen and vital journey information.

The sat nav is a worthy addition on the SVE model because this one, unusually, actually worked well.

The Tino is available with three engines, a 1.8-litre petrol and two 2.2-litre diesels with 112bhp and 136bhp. I drove the 112bhp diesel and even when the car was filled to the rafters it performed well around town and on the motorway.

The gear stick felt like it belonged to a mini bus, but the Tino cornered and handled more like a small car. It performed well on the motorway inclines, but wind and tyre noise did creep into the cabin at the higher speeds.

Safety kit includes anti-lock brakes, side and front airbags, active head rests, ISOFIX mountings and engine immobiliser. The reverse camera is also a good safety feature and the huge amounts of glass offers plenty of vision for the difficult manoeuvres.

The Tino comes in three trim levels, which start at the base S and move up through the SE and up to the top-end SVE test car. All models come with the impressive driver computer, air conditioning, full electrics and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The SE model adds the rear view colour camera, rear electric windows and alloy wheels. The SVE adds part-leather seats, satellite navigation and the Electronic Stability Programme.

The Tino is, according to its makers, supposed to provide "Space and versatility with smart, innovative styling."

It is certainly practical, affordable and very well equipped. The only thing that may hold it back is the long list of competitors - some of which are better looking.

FAST FACTS

Nissan Almera Tino 2.2 dCi SVE

Price: £17,500

Mechanical: 112bhp, 2,184cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 12.2 secs

Combined mpg: 44.1

Insurance group: 7

CO2 emissions: 170g/km

BiK rating: 24%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust

Words: Bill McCarthy

Keywords: nissan, almera


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