Nissan Latio Sport

Come on. Let's face it.

If you just need a decent car to get from one place to another, this is one of the best ones around.

Stable, little noise, reliable, reasonable FC, can drive at fast speed with the button

Brought it on NS highway, struggling to reach 140km/h. 3300rpm for 140km/h.

Fuel consumption about 13km/litre.

Aircon quite cold.

My sister and her husband drives a white Nissan Latio Sport. Last week, I actually test drove the car and handling was superb. Interior is very comfortable and exterior is quite okay. FC wise, it is quite okay, but not best in its class.

If you are into a family sedan with lots of rear space, Latio Sports is probably the best choice in this category of affordable car. Its rear space to the front seats is incredibly spacious - with the seats being able to push backwards alot and recline back more than any other car models I have come across.

I was one of the first owners of the Latio Sports on the Singapore's road when it first debuted.

Fuel consumption of the Latio is never going to compare well (say to a slightly smaller Honda Jazz).

Picking up speed is usually good from a traffic light situation. Mine is always the first car to race off. But, the engine is noiser now (4 years old Latio) as compared to when it was 'younger'.

I have been driving my face-lifted Latio Sports for about 8 mths. I have been pleasantly surprised by its engine refinement at low engine rpms (below 3500rpm) partly also due to excellent noise insulation. In fact, even during a heavy downpour, water noise onto the roof of the car is kept to a minimum due to excellent roof insulation too!(good spongy materials are also used to pad the roof of the car as viewed fm the inside).

The suspension setup for the latio is excellent for cruising (not for performance though)This provides a magical " carpet ride big car feel" leaving driver & passengers feeling stress free.

The seats of the latio are also the best in its class. They are full of padding and are akin to sitting on a sofa. Dont let the size of the car deceive you. Through the car is not that wide, it has excellent rear leg room and headroom. The stock factory sound system is also commendable providing good bass and treble.

It is also an easy and zippy car to drive with little blind spots all round. Vibration insulation is also gd. Fuel economy is fairly adequate at 11.3km/L (75% City 25% Highwway).

I've driven till a mileage of about 9K still mechanically sound through I have only slight grouses. These include slight rattling sound coming from fitting below steering wheel. One of my aluminum inserts surrounding the aircon vent has gotten a hairline crack and needs to be replaced at next servicing.Workmanship of rikecool solar firms were not the best at car delivery. Turning of steering wheel produces a squeaking sound. Also, the brakes could have more biting power.

Apart from these, its value for money as it has a high OMV of about $17-$18K for its selling price and is made in Japan. In conclusion, taking into consideration I also do drive my family cars of MB E class, BMW 3 series, ford, the latio exceeded my expectations of what a car in its class has to offer- a pleasant, non hurried, comfortable ride with good rear leg room (3 series is worst in this department), and those comfortable leather seats. It is strictly not for revving, or hard driving. It is a car that de-stresses you after a hard day's work.