2011 Nissan Latio Sport Review
Price
RM95,301
Installment
RM909/mth
2011 Nissan Latio Sport at a glance
The 2011 Nissan Latio Sport may not be sporty to drive, but it sure looks better than the Nissan Latio sedan. The hatchback inherits all the positives—masses of interior room and boot space, along with a comfortable, well-made cabin.
2011 Nissan Latio Sport quick specs
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Nissan Latio Sport ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
While the four-door Nissan Latio sedan looks rather awkward, the addition of one door gives the five-door Nissan Latio Sport hatchback significantly better looks. The front end of the two models looks similar, but the 2011 Nissan Latio Sport's coherent side and rear profiles represent a world of improvement over the Latio sedan's.
Handling
The handling is safe and predictable, but expectedly not sporty. Grip levels are reasonable, while body roll is not present in excessive amounts. The light, accurate steering feels too detached for driving fun, though. The 2011 Nissan Latio Sport may look sportier, but handling-wise, it is identical to the Latio sedan.
Comfort
Nissan expects its ripple control shock absorber and rebound spring to improve ride comfort. While smooth, the ride is firm, which is surprising considering the 2011 Nissan Latio Sport's comfort-bias. 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 offer much comfort for long trips, while the cabin uses black, instead of beige found in the Latio sedan, for a sportier feel.
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 Sport to be mechanically reliable in the longer term.
Performance
The 1.6-litre, with 108 bhp and 153 Nm, is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox, which can be too keen to downshift, but is otherwise smooth. Despite the 2011 Nissan Latio Sport's sportier positioning, there is no option for the manual gearbox available on the Latio sedan, nor a 1.8-litre previously offered with the sedan. The latter is fine as we found the 1.8-litre to barely outperform the 1.6-litre, which revs freely and performs strongly in the mid rev-range.
Roominess
With the same 2600 mm wheelbase and tall body, the 2011 Nissan Latio Sport is as spacious as the Latio sedan, providing generous head- and leg-room for front and rear occupants. Rear seats can recline, and slide 240 mm forward for more boot space. And for additional practicality, 60:40 split-fold rear seats are available for use.
Running Costs
Equipped with the same 1.6-litre engine as the Latio sedan means fuel economy should be good. 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 Sport to fetch fairly competitive resale prices, even if, in Malaysia, hatchbacks usually underperform sedans in holding value.
Value for Money
The 2011 Nissan Latio Sport is essentially the same comfortable, well-made and spacious car as the Latio sedan. But in hatchback form, the Nissan Latio Sport is better-looking and more practical. Up against capable rivals like the Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris, the 2011 Nissan Latio Sport holds its own in terms of abilities and a competitive price tag.
Equipment
The 2011 Nissan Latio Sport comes in ST-L trim which includes keyless entry and ignition, fog lights, leather steering wheel, power windows, power door locks, air-conditioning, cabron and fabric seat/door trim material, silver trim, 2-DIN AM/FM radio, CD player, four door speakers and two tweeters. Safety equipments 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”. Being equipped with the same 1.6-litre engine found in the Latio sedan means that the 2011 Nissan Latio Sport performs rather well in both areas.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Better-looking than the Latio sedan
Comfortable, well-made cabin
Masses of interior room and boot space
Not sporty to drive
Firm ride
Lacks engine, gearbox and trim choices
See Another Model
Top Competitors
Price : from RM100,948
Price : from RM108,320
Price : from RM106,809
Price : from RM97,131
Price : from RM69,888
