2011 Nissan Latio Review
Price
from: RM82,339
to: RM90,380
Installment
from: RM785/mth
to: RM862/mth
2011 Nissan Latio at a glance
The 2011 Nissan Latio may not be exciting to drive or to look at. But it has masses of interior room and boot space that rival cars from larger segments. The cabin is comfortable, airy and well-made, too.
2011 Nissan Latio quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Nissan Latio ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Although a late entrant to this small sedan segment, the 2011 Nissan Latio does not have the looks to captivate and stand out, no thanks to its narrow, tall body. The unexciting styling extends to the interior, which together with the exterior convince us that the 2011 Nissan Latio is clearly about function than style.
Handling
The handling is safe and predictable, but expectedly not sporty. Grip levels are reasonable, while body roll is less than one would expect for the 2011 Nissan Latio's tall body. The light, accurate steering feels too detached for driving fun, though. Consider the 2011 Nissan Latio as safe, sensible family transport and you will not be disappointed.
Comfort
Nissan expects their ripple control shock absorber and rebound spring to improve ride comfort. While smooth, the ride is firm, which is surprising considering that the 2011 Nissan Latio is comfort-oriented. The cabin is well-insulated from engine, wind and road noise, providing a refined drive at cruising speeds. Driver gets height-adjustable seat but only tilt-adjustable steering column. The wide, supportive seats provide much comfort, while the beige interior lends an airy feel to the cabin.
Quality + Reliability
The dashboard is functionally designed and well-made. Controls are appropriately placed for good ergonomics. Build quality is high as expected of a Nissan, while materials are mostly soft and pleasing to the eye. Given Nissan's proven track record, we expect the 2011 Nissan Latio to be mechanically reliable in the longer term.
Performance
Two engines are available: 1.6-litre with 108 bhp and 153 Nm; and 1.8-litre with 124 bhp and 174 Nm. A four-speed automatic can be paired to either engine, while a five-speed manual can only be paired to the 1.6-litre. On the roads, the 1.8-litre feels strong in the low-and-mid rev-range, but gets loud at higher revs. But for most people, the lively 1.6-litre should prove adequate. The automatic can be too keen to downshift, but is otherwise smooth. The manual is also a fine choice with a short-travel clutch pedal and light gear-change.
Roominess
With a 2600 mm wheelbase and tall body, the 2011 Nissan Latio is easily the most spacious in the segment. Front and rear occupants enjoy generous head- and leg-room, to the extent that Nissan claims that the Latio has more rear legroom than the Teana, its flagship sedan. The boot space is also a class-leading 467 litres, beating that for the Toyota Altis and Honda Civic, let alone the Toyota Vios and Honda City. 60:40 split-fold rear seats are, however, only available on the ST-L and Ti.
Running Costs
Fuel economy should be good, and fuel-bill conscious folks can opt for the manual variant. Servicing and repair bills should be reasonable, too. The increasingly popular Nissan brand, while still not as strong as Honda or Toyota, will enable the Nissan Latio to fetch fairly competitive resale values.
Value for Money
Being so late to enter the small sedan segment means Nissan must give the Latio something special to truly stand out. Plain for all to see, the 2011 Nissan Latio's looks are not the most captivating. What stands out is the class-leading interior room and boot space. The rest of the 2011 Nissan Latio, from its comfort levels, refinement, cabin quality to on-road performance, puts up a strong case against key rivals, the Honda City and Toyota Vios.
Equipment
The ST gets power windows, power door locks, air-conditioning, plain tricot seat/door trim material, silver trim, 2-DIN AM/FM radio, CD player and four door speakers. The ST-L and Ti add fog lights, leather steering wheel, cabron and fabric seat/door trim material, wood trim, and two tweeters. The Ti further adds auto bi-xenon headlights and keyless entry and ignition. Safety equipments for all variants include dual front SRS airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist).
Environment
Fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are the two main criteria in deciding a car's “greenness”. And the 2011 Nissan Latio performs rather well in both areas. Once again, driving the manual version will lower the carbon dioxide emissions as well as achieve a better fuel economy.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Class-leading interior room and boot space
Comfortable, well-made cabin
Dropping of 1.8 Ti variant
Unexciting styling
Firm ride
1.6 ST-L variant lacks value for the price
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