Titivated Tino

Where there used to be six differently designated Almera Tino trim levels, now Nissan offers a simpler range of just three: S, SE and SVE. The price jumps required to step around the range have also been rounded off. Most affordable is the 1.8 S priced at £12,995; automatic transmission or the 2.2 dCi 112 engine would both add £1000 to this. Prices rise by £95 over the outgoing versions but as well as all the mechanical and design upgrades described above, the S also gets more equipment. Electronic climate control, a trip computer and a CD player to be precise. Not a bad stash for £95.

Safety has always ranked high on the Almera Tino’s benefits list – the last time N-CAP tested crash tested compact MPVs, it came top with four stars. Versatility has also been designed in with three individual rear seats that move or lift out into 24 different positions and enough storage areas for even the most spoilt child (or parent). The SE version adds more of both.

Side airbags and active front headrests join the safety list while seat back tables and a storage drawer under the front passenger seat add more versatility. Rather more enticing, though, are the SE’s rear parking camera, plusher seat fabric, rear electric windows, an electric tilt/slide sunroof and 15" alloy wheels. All this for an extra £1000 over the S. And for an extra £350 over the price of the 2.2 dCi 112 SE, the more powerful 136PS dCi engine is available.

But for the ultimate in compact MPV luxury, consider the Almera Tino SVE. Available in 1.8-litre manual or automatic and both versions of the 2.2 dCi, it’s priced at £2000 more than the equivalent SE. In return, Nissan adds DVD satellite navigation, 16" alloy wheels, leather rimmed steering wheel, front fog lamps, Electronic Stability Programme and leather/Alcantara seat trim which, being wipe-cleanable, is more family friendly than you might think.

All these revisions and not a mention yet of exterior styling changes. That’s because you’d have to be very intimately acquainted with the Almera Tino to spot them. The S and SVE wheel designs are new, the badges are Nissan’s latest style, the colour range has been borrowed from the revised Almera, and the headlamp lenses have gone one-piece projector. And that’s it. After all, as far as these changes are concerned, it’s what’s inside that counts… Note, optional (sick) buckets that fit into the rear floor storage compartments are a dealer fit accessory.

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