The Nissan Tino (V10), produced between 1999 and 2002, was a compact minivan primarily aimed at the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, it represents Nissan’s effort to compete in the increasingly popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. The Tino offered a practical and relatively affordable option for families seeking a versatile vehicle with a focus on interior space and usability. It served as a competitor to models like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Xsara Picasso, offering a blend of functionality and Nissan’s established engineering. The 1.8 i 16V variant, equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-four engine producing 120 horsepower, was a common configuration.
Nissan Tino (V10) 1.8 i 16V: An Overview
The V10 generation of the Nissan Tino was a five-door minivan designed to accommodate five passengers. It distinguished itself with a relatively compact footprint for its class, making it easier to maneuver in urban environments compared to larger MPVs. The Tino’s design prioritized practicality, with a focus on maximizing interior space and offering flexible seating arrangements. It was positioned as a sensible and economical choice for families and individuals needing a versatile vehicle for daily use. The 1.8-liter engine provided adequate performance for typical driving conditions, while the automatic transmission offered convenience.
Engine & Performance
The Nissan Tino 1.8 i 16V is powered by a 1.8-liter (1769 cm3 or 107.95 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 120 horsepower (Hp) at 5600 rpm and 161 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, equivalent to 118.75 lb.-ft., at 4400 rpm. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration contributes to a reasonable power output for its displacement, achieving 67.8 Hp per liter. The engine’s power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio is 11.6 kg/Hp (86.3 Hp/tonne), and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8.6 kg/Nm (115.8 Nm/tonne). Fuel economy is rated at 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, or 22.2 km/l) in extra-urban driving conditions.
Design & Features
The Nissan Tino V10 boasts a conventional minivan silhouette, characterized by a tall roofline and a relatively short hood. Its five-door configuration provides easy access to the interior, while the spacious cabin is designed to comfortably accommodate five adults. The interior design is functional and straightforward, prioritizing practicality over luxury. Key features included comfortable seating, ample storage compartments, and a flexible seating arrangement. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The Tino’s trunk space is commendable for its size, offering a minimum of 440 liters (15.54 cu. ft.) and expanding to 1030 liters (36.37 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4270 mm (168.11 in.), width 1760 mm (69.29 in.), and height 1610 mm (63.39 in.). The wheelbase measures 2535 mm (99.8 in.), and the front and rear tracks are 1535 mm (60.43 in.) and 1510 mm (59.45 in.), respectively. The minimum turning circle is 9.8 meters (32.15 ft.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Tino |
| Generation | Tino (V10) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 i 16V (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 161 Nm @ 4400 rpm (118.75 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1769 cm3 (107.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1390 kg (3064.43 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1030 l (36.37 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4270 mm (168.11 in.) |
| Width | 1760 mm (69.29 in.) |
| Height | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2535 mm (99.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1535 mm (60.43 in.) |
| Rear track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
The Nissan Tino (V10) 1.8 i 16V, while not a vehicle widely recognized in the American market, represented a significant offering in the European MPV segment. Its blend of practicality, affordability, and reasonable performance made it a popular choice for families seeking a versatile and economical vehicle. Though production ceased in 2002, the Tino remains a testament to Nissan’s commitment to providing functional and well-engineered vehicles for a diverse range of consumers.
