The New 2005 Nissan Tiida Is Now on Sale in Japan

What each previously mentioned model has in common with the next is a chassis featuring a 2,545 mm (100.2 in) wheelbase length,

CARWINGS live navigation telematics is a unique way for Nissan to help its clients get from A to B quicker, and safer. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

plus a strut suspension up front and a multi-link beam axle in rear. The Tiida will take the role as the first vehicle to spawn a new platform for the next-generation Almera and Sentra, which will debut in their respective markets in the near future.

To say that the Tiida spawns a new platform isn't necessarily correct, as Nissan chose to borrow rather than reinvent the wheel, so to speak. But from whom and what did they borrow? Nissan's parent company, Renault has supplied the award-winning Megane II chassis and suspension systems, renowned for strength, rigidity and refinement. The underpinnings of the Tiida are simple rather than complex, using the same no-nonsense strut and torsion beam layout that its French cousin utilizes. The 4,205 mm (165.5 inch) long five-door hatchback body matches the Megane in length, but at 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) tall, and 1,545 mm (60.4 inches) wide, it's narrower and taller than the French compact. The wheelbase of the Tiida is significantly longer than any current C-segment Nissan, by a whopping 65 mm (2.56 inches).

Going back in time for a minute to see where the Tiida may be heading. The 2003 Tokyo Motor Show featured the unveiling of

Nissan's Almera and Sentra will no doubt be restyled for their respective markets. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

Nissan's C-Note concept (see Nissan section within the concept car archives for Nov 2, 2003: 2003 Nissan C-Note Concept), a vehicle that the Japanese automaker claimed was merely an experiment. It seems that just over a year later the C-Note would become a full production vehicle with little change to its exterior. One can view it side-by-side to the Tiida and see that the production version mirrors the concept. All but some minor details, such as the black mesh grille, less complex projection beam headlamps and wheels, have been carried over. The roof-length skylight, now becoming a trademark of North American-market Nissans, will not be available. The Tiida also demonstrates superior aerodynamics. Despite its tall stature it achieves a wind-cheating drag coefficiency of 0.29, and features zero front lift.