Funny how a so-called boring old car like the Nissan Almera would take such replacing. Not by one, or two, but three different models.

In fairness, I suppose, it reflects the splintering of tastes as much as anything else. With the Qashqai established as the prime innovative part-successor, the attention this week turned to the more conservative Tiida (hatch and saloon) to spread the options across more conservative territory. Nissan say the new saloon will do much better than the hatch even though it is most straightforward.

There's a lot of interior space and a 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel.

Standard equipment includes air con, Isofix child seat anchorage points, front active headrests, electric windows, Bluetooth phone integration, 15ins wheels and keyless entry.

Hatchback prices start at EUR20,995 for the entry level SE (no diesel until July).

Add cruise control, automatic climate control, and leather steering wheel, as well as a six speaker stereo system and you get the SVE which costs EUR22,495.

Nissan, incidentally, claim the new cars have a distinct price advantage over key rivals.

By the way the word 'Tiida' means 'ever changing tide' in a Japanese dialect.