Nissan Tiida 2009: Ugly Duckling or Budget Hero? A 2025 Look Back
A Surprise Spin in an Unlikely Ride
It’s 2025, and we’re rewinding to 2009 when I borrowed a Nissan Tiida—Rod’s courtesy car while his Auris was in the shop. First glance? Yikes, it’s no beauty queen. But after a few kilometers behind the wheel, this boxy hatch started winning me over. Ugly duckling or budget hero? Let’s dive into what made this R90k family hauler tick—and whether it still holds up in South Africa’s wild car market.
Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
The Tiida wasn’t here to flex—it delivered the basics and then some. Safety? Check—ABS and airbags were standard. Comfort? Full house—aircon, power steering, electric windows, and mirrors. Under the hood, a 1.6L engine churned out 80 kW and 153 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual. It’s no corner-carver—those skinny 14-inch tyres felt wobbly on bends—but for straight-line cruising or township runs, it had decent pep. Nissan kept it simple, and it worked.
Space That Punches Above Its Class
Step inside, and the Tiida’s a sleeper hit. The seats? Flat and basic—no semi-buckets like today’s hatches—but comfy enough for a family trek. Roominess was the star—legroom aplenty up front and back, plus a boot that swallowed a pram and luggage without breaking a sweat (332L, expanding to 1,225L folded). In 2009, this was a budget-friendly Tardis—perfect for new parents or small crews on a shoestring.
Power Meets Practicality
That 1.6L wasn’t a rocket—0-100 km/h in 11.1 seconds—but it felt punchy enough for daily grinds. Fuel economy hovered around 6.8L/100km, solid for its era when petrol was R8/L (versus R20.50/L in 2025). Compared to 2025’s hybrids like the BYD Shark 6, it’s thirsty, but back then? A frugal family friend. Just don’t push it hard through corners—those 185/65 R14 tyres begged for mercy.
Price Tag & Legacy: Still a Steal?
In 2010, a three-year-old Tiida with decent mileage went for R90k—about R175k in 2025 cash, adjusted for inflation. Today, you’ll spot clean ones on AutoTrader SA for R50k-R70k, a bargain for a reliable runabout. It’s no collector’s gem—styling’s still a hard pass—but for a budget family car with all the trimmings, it was a win. Nissan phased it out by 2018 for flashier rides like the Qashqai, but the Tiida’s practicality lingers in memory.
2025 Verdict: A Forgotten Champ
Looking back from 2025, the 2009 Nissan Tiida was a diamond in the rough. Ugly? Sure. But it nailed the brief—safe, spacious, and cheap to run—for South Africans who didn’t need flair. At R90k back then, it was a no-brainer for cash-strapped families. Still got one kicking around? You’re sitting on a relic of sensible motoring. Share your Tiida tales below—we’re listening.
