Nissan Almera: All you need to know

Nissan has just launched the fourth-generation Almera in Thailand priced from 499,000 baht (RM 68,603), and the model was also a part of Nissan's exhibit at the 2019 Thai Motor Show that concluded just last week. Speaking of changes, the all-new Nissan Almera looks sharper on the outside and packs new features inside the cabin for enhanced comfort.

Under the skin, it features a new three-cylinder, DOHC unit with power sent to the front wheels through a CVT. As for the Malay market, it still gets the pre-update version available with a single DOHC unit,

paired with an auto box. In its segment, the current-gen Almera competes primarily with the Proton Persona, Honda City and Toyota Vios. While there is still some time before Nissan rolls out updated Almera here, we bring you everything that you need to know about the existing model.  

Nissan Almera Price 

What is the Nissan Almera price break-up?

The Nissan Almera is available in four variants with a single 1.5L unit linked to an automatic gearbox. Aside from the regular variants, customers also get a choice of Black Series variants that come with a special package. Given below is the Nissan Almera 2019 price list:

The entry-level E and top-spec VL variants are priced just RM 10,000 apart. Interestingly, there is no difference in cost between the standard variants and their Black Series versions that get an additional package worth RM 8,500. 

Nissan Almera Engine & Specifications 

As mentioned earlier, the sedan is available with a single-engine and a single automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. The table below shows power and torque figures for the four-pot engine. 

How fuel-efficient is the DOHC engine?

The 1.5L DOHC unit on the Nissan Almera is claimed to return 14.9 kmpl in ideal conditions. However, the mileage figures may vary in real-time driving conditions. Going by the small sedan standard, the Nissan Almera offers great value when it comes to mileage, hence reducing the running cost. 

Nissan Almera Exterior

Length	4,425 mm
Width	1,695 mm
Height	1,500 mm
Wheelbase	2,600 mm
Ground Clearance	160 mm

The Nissan Almera, sold under the ‘Sunny’ moniker in several markets, is built on the company's versatile V platform. At the face, there is a bold triple-slat grille finished in chrome, upswept headlamps and chrome enclosed fog lamps.

The chrome package also includes chrome-accented door handles at the side, while the door pillar garnish features black finishing that is missing in the base trim. Some of the other key exterior features are listed below: 

• Integrated LED daytime running lights 
• Variable intermittent wipers 
• Remote trunk release 
• 185/65 R15 tyres
• 15-inch alloy wheels 

Nissan Almera Interior 

On the inside, it is enveloped in the black colour scheme. The door panels, door armrest, and door handles are finished in black, however, the top-spec variant features fabric interior trims, silver finish on the door armrest and chrome door handles.

Also, the entry-level variant makes do with remote keyless entry and manual air-conditioning. While steering wheel audio control and fine vision meter are reserved for the range-topping variant. In addition to these, the below listed features are also included in the Nissan Almera specs sheet:

• Wide 2DIN audio system 
• AM/FM Tuner 
• CD Player, MP3 
• AUX In and USB 
• Four speakers
• Trunk illumination 
• Multi information display 
• Armrest 

Nissan Almera Safety Features

The sedan misses out on several active safety tech that come with some of the rivals in the segment such as the co-passenger airbag which is available only with the top-spec grade. Save for this difference, both variants get the same safety kit. 

• Anti-lock-braking system
• Electronic brakeforce distribution 
• Brake assist 
• Three-point front seatbelts 
• Three-point rear seatbelts 
• ISOFIX 
• Anti-theft alarm & immobilizer system 

Nissan Almera Competitors

The B segment sedan primarily rivals Honda City, Toyota Vios, Mazda 2 and Proton Persona in its space. However, affordable pricing and appealing aesthetics give it an edge over most of the rivals. 

Which model is better equipped, Honda City or Nissan Almera?

Out of the two models, Honda City is better equipped. It boasts Honda connect telematics system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic climate control, cruise control, hill start assist, side airbags, curtain airbags, rearview camera, etc. over Nissan Almera. 

Verdict

Overall, Nissan Almera is an affordable option in the B-segment sedan, however, it misses out on some features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other comforts as well as connectivity bits. The new-gen Almera which is expected to launch sometime next year is expected to get new features and styling tweaks. 

Also read: 2020 Nissan Almera: First look