Search Car Reviews



See all makes



Tone's Pitch Battle

It's Nissan's most exciting new model of the decade, it will be built in Britain and we're the first magazine in the world to drive it! Unveiled at last month's Paris Motor Show, the Tone is a bold attempt at bridging the gap between supermini and compact family hatch. It hopes to tempt buyers turned off by conventional MPVs. But is the car in tune with customers' needs - or does it strike the wrong chord?

By Chris Thorp

26th October 2004

Building on the favourable first impressions made on the show stand, the cutting-edge design looks instantly at home mixing it with the traffic. Despite a similar appearance to Renault's Modus, the Nissan is wider and longer than its French rival, but not as tall. The front end is characterised by the Japanese company's new grille, which will eventually appear across the entire range, with large Micra-style headlights.

Designers wanted to avoid the image attached to boxy MPV styling, so the Tone is lower and leaner than most of its family-class rivals. But it retains many people carrier styling cues, including a wide reverse-angle C-pillar and high-mounted tail-lights. Based on a stretched Micra platform, the Tone has plenty of room for five and seems light and spacious inside. The cabin's airy feel is largely down to the unique twin strip sunroofs, and engineers are currently working on a plan to make the large glass areas a production reality.

Rear passengers have ample headroom, while a sliding bench similar to the one in the Micra maximises legroom. Boot capacity varies from 270 litres with the seats pushed back to 370 litres with them pulled forward. This makes the Nissan nearly as practical as many full-sized compact hatches.
From the driver's seat, even this one-off show car is fitted with an ergonomically sound and stylish dash, many fea- tures of which will make it to the final version. The chairs are comfortable, and offer plenty of support when cornering.

The as-yet-unnamed production version of the Tone will be one of three new models set to replace the Almera. One is still top secret, while another will be a 4x4 based on the Qashqai concept unveiled at last March's Geneva Motor Show. But it's the hatch which will break cover first. Bosses say the new five-door will go into production late next year, with the first customers taking delivery in spring 2006.

Prices and specifications have yet to be finalised, but buyers are being told not to expect luxuries. While the Micra's Intelligent Key system will be carried over, equipment such as sat-nav will be available only as dealer-fit extras.

Under the bonnet, there will be the option of the 87bhp 1.4-litre petrol unit from the Micra, plus a new 108bhp 1.6. Two 1.5-litre diesels will also be offered, producing 64bhp or 85bhp. Engineers claim the showroom version of the Tone will have ride and handling to take on the best rivals, and our test model showed plenty of promise. Nissan is aiming for a sporty, driver-focused set-up, with firm suspension and a direct steering feel - and even this early we found the car entertaining from behind the wheel.

Entry-level prices are likely to start at less than ΂£10,000 - so the new hatch will have value for money on its side, too. If the final production version builds on the impressive concept, the Tone could well run rings round the competition.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -