In the world of MPV’s the Nissan Almera Tino is David Coulthard. Put either of them into a different era and they would dominate their sector, but unfortunately for them, at the moment the competition is just too hot.  

 

Based on Nissan Almera hatchback the Tino was Nissan’s first foray into the MPV market. The car was initially offered with 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines, the larger only being available with a 4 speed CVT automatic gearbox.  The obligatory diesel power came from a torquey 2.2 litre unit that put 114bhp down through the front tyres.

 

Equipment levels are reasonable on all but the base model ‘S’ which is lacking the air conditioning, side air bags and seat back tables that are so essential in cars of this type. It’s well worth paying the extra £250 for a used SE that include these items as standard.

 

On the road the low dash board and elevated driving position guarantee good visibility. The floor mounted gear change is light but a little notchy, and drivers tempted by the automatic CVT unit will find it both noisier and slower than perhaps hoped.

 

Interior space is good although rear leg room is marginal for adults and the three individual rear seats are more suited to children than prop forward. But there is no shortage of storage space, with cup holders and cubby holes all over the cabin, including a couple of very large under floor storage bins that are particularly useful.

 

The dash board lay out is clear, if a little conservative, the mix of hard grey plastics proving popular with owners who regularly face the perils of the school run bun fight.

 

Boot space is good, it’s deep and wide with good height although the rear wheel arches intrude more than in some competitors. The car also scores well for occupant safety achieving an impressive 4 star Euro NCAP rating when tested. Rear passengers are kept safe with all models offering three proper rear belts and many also have side air bags on the front seat.

 

Performance across the range is adequate, the 1.8 petrol with the manual gear box will return mid 30 mpg’s with ease and the diesel will top that by another 10mpg, only the 2  litre petrol with the auto box struggles to better 30mpg. 

 

In June 2003 Nissan made some major revisions to the range, dropping the 2.0 litre and making the 1.8 available with both manual and auto transmissions. Changes to the centre of the dash board introduced a colour ‘N-Form’ monitor that provides control for a number of functions including the audio and climate control which also became standard across all models.

   

Nissan also made the existing 2.2 litre diesel unit ‘common rail ‘ and offered a high performance 136 bhp diesel with revised engine management systems, surely a desirable used car when it starts to appear on the market in any numbers.

 

With reliability a Nissan virtue, three years in to the cars life, owners have reported few faults with the Tino. All new cars come with a 3 year 60,000 mile warranty, so most used examples are still within this warranty period. Buying a used Tino from one of the 220 strong Nissan dealer network will also assure the buyer of a minimum of 12 months warranty with an option to extend it.

 

Servicing is due every 12 months or 12,000 miles and is unlikely to provide any nasty surprises. Be sure to check the service history on anything you buy, with a car this practical and durable it’s an ideal mini cab work horse, and you don’t want to end up being sold one of them.

     

 

Check the following

 

• Sat Nav – DVD driven system has become an option since June 2003 
• Brakes – ABS and discs front and rear
• Insurance – 1.8 only group 5, the 2.2 diesel is group 6
• Safety – Euro NCAP 4 star when launched in 2000
• Gear box – 6 speed manual on SVE models since June 2002
• Wheels – alloys only standard on top spec models
• Servicing – 12months or 12,000 miles
• Rear Seat – 3 separate seats, can be removed individually
• Boot – folding luggage cover can be fiddly, check for damage
• Security – Remote central locking and immobilizer standard
• Driving position – both the seat and steering wheel are height adjustable

 

The one to buy 

 

• Nissan Almera Tino 2.2 Di SE

• 5 speed manual gearbox and full Nissan service history

• 2000 ‘W’ with 30,000 miles

• Pay £7,825 at dealer   £7,000 privately