Truimphant Tiida takes a Motor Show bow in Dubai

Nissan'S all-conquering Tiida compact makes a triumphant appearance at this week's Dubai International Motor Show, having re-written the record books since being launched in the Middle East less than three months ago.

The small car with the luxury specifications has become an instant best-seller in both sedan and hatchback versions.

"We were confident that Tiida would be a very popular brand because of its unique combination of luxury and quality at an affordable price tag, but the response has been way beyond our wildest expectations,"

said Takeshi Nakajima, deputy managing director of Nissan Middle East.

"This is the fastest-moving new entrant in the history of Nissan Middle East and there is every indication that it will be established as the best seller in its segment once a full sales period has elapsed and comparative figures are available.

"Forward orders accounted for the entire first shipments and we are now moving new stock as quickly as we can get it to the showrooms."

The Middle East experience matches market response in Japan where the Tiida sedan and hatchback became instant best-sellers when introduced in their homeland last year, proving that automotive rules can be broken by creating a small car that has the spaciousness, the features and the quality of a full-size luxury sedan.

In the Gulf, the brand 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 the Tiida's 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, newly-developed engines create weight savings, power increase, and noise reduction. Owners can choose from two in-line four-cylinder engines - the 1.8-litre MR18 or the 1.6-litre HR16 - coupled to five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Both engines feature many technological advances to 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 30,000 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.

It 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 Nakajima.

"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."