Next-gen Nissan Almera - What do we know so far?

Ever since its introduction in Malaysia over half a decade ago, the Nissan Almera has been a less-than-stellar offering. The B-segment sedan was launched with much fanfare and boasted of generous rear legroom and a spacious boot. However, over the years, competition within this segment in Malaysia meant that the Almera wasn’t able to keep its neck above the water too well. However, all that will change when the Japanese auto giant brings home the latest iteration of the Almera along with three more models.

Nissan recently dropped the curtain off the all-new 2020 Almera (dubbed ‘Versa’ in the United States). As can be expected, this next-gen model will be rebadged and head our way as the next-gen Almera. And as you can tell, compared to the outgoing model, this fourth-generation avatar of the Almera looks radically different and is also better in every way. The 2020 Nissan Versa will go on sale in the US in the third quarter of 2019. Post that, it’ll only be a matter of time before it heads to our shores. So, without wasting any more time, let’s list out everything that we know so far.

Exterior

Compared to the awkward styling of the outgoing car, the 2020 Nissan Almera looks completely transformed. Nissan has gone on to change almost every body panel, and as a result, the next-gen Almera comes across as a modern, upmarket, and well-designed sedan. Sat atop a revised version of the Nissan V platform, this one is now longer, wider, and sits slightly lower to the ground than its predecessor. Much of its styling is inspired by the likes of the flagship Maxima and the new Altima, and it’s better because of it.

The front features the brand’s new V-motion grille with a deep chin, stylish boomerang-shaped headlamps and LED daytime running lights, a heavily-revised bumper with recessed fog lamps, and a short but heavily-creased bonnet. Nissan has also pushed out the wheels, which now get newly-designed alloys. The poised stance is further accentuated by the strong character lines and arched fenders along the sides. There are also the kick-up C-pillars and a ‘floating roof’ design - all of which elevate the Almera’s score on the posh-o-metre. The back looks sporty with its boomerang-shaped taillights, boot with a lip spoiler effect, and a protruding rear bumper which also incorporates an air diffuser.

Cabin interior and technology

Nissan has completely revamped the interior of the 2020 Almera, and it easily thrashes the old car - both in terms of its design and quality. The entire dashboard is dominated by what the carmaker refers to as the “Gliding Wing” layout. Then there’s the flat-bottom steering wheel, new instrument cluster, reworked centre stack with a new touch-infotainment system and HVAC controls, plus circular side aircon vents.

Though there are some plasticky pieces of trim, for the most part, this interior feels smartly laid out and well screwed together. Build quality is undeniably better than before, and Nissan has also worked on improving NVH in the cabin. The North American 2020 Versa comes packing keyless-entry with push-button start, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, part-LCD driver’s display, automatic climate control, Intelligent cruise control, LED headlights with auto high beam, plus Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

On the safety front, it gets Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 - so there’s Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Driver Alertness. It also features a full complement of airbags, ABS with EBD and many other electronic nannies. It remains to be seen how much of these would make it to the Malaysian market. Thankfully, the spacious cabin will surely make it to us.

Engine and gearbox

1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-popper power the North American-spec 2020 Almera. It produces 122 hp and 154 Nm of torque and comes mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT or a regular 5-speed manual transmission. In Malaysia, the outgoing Nissan Almera houses a 1.5-litre naturally-breathing four-cylinder mill which makes 100 hp and 139 Nm of maximum torque. Transmission options are similar to the 2020 Versa sold in the States - you can choose either the CVT or a 5-speed stick shift.

With the official international launch is still a few months away, some details about the next-gen Nissan Almera aren’t out yet. However, what we do know for sure is that the 2020 Almera will irrefutably a better car and shouldn’t face too many hurdles once it arrives in Malaysia. Its interesting exterior and interior styling along with the roomy cabin, good build quality, and newer features will all play a big role in luring customers.