Nissan Almera
Nissan Almera Black Series
Introduction
The Nissan Almera is the manufacturer’s mainstay car in most countries. While here in Malaysia, its called the Almera, in other regions it’s also called the Sunny. It is based on the Micra/March hatchback. This 2018 Nissan Almera has had few changes from the outgoing car vis-a-vis the new face, more chrome parts, and a spruced-up interior. There are four trims on offer - the Almera E MT, Almera E AT, Almera VL AT and the Almera Nismo. Competition includes the ever dependable Honda City, Kio Rio sedan, Toyota Vios, Proton Persona as well as the Volkswagen Vento.
Exterior of the Almera
The new Nissan Almera is still based on the versatile V platform. The Nissan Almera is 4,432mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,500mm tall. The ground clearance is 160mm. Salient design elements that are different from the outgoing model include the new chrome grille, LED DRLs, the new alloys and the slightly altered tail section. Speaking of alloys, Nissan retains the 185 section 15-inch wheels with all the trims except for the Nismo. For this performance-oriented trim, Nissan has given glossy 16-inch alloys with slightly fatter section rubber. In fact for the Nismo trim, one can opt for a dual tone colour, louder exhaust, fancy body kit and more.
Performance of the Almera
The Almera is powered by the 1.5-litre HR15DE inline-four engine. Power output is rated at 102 PS at 6,000 rpm and 139 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The entry-level model is fitted with a five-speed manual transmission, while the other three variants gets a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Almera’s Driveability
The Almera’s four-speed automatic is quick enough for most overtaking situations in terms of day to day driving. Thanks to an engine that spins pretty freely, the Nissan Almera reaches its 4,000 rpm power band fast. Gear changes are leisurely at best, but for the most part smooth and imperceptible. Steering feel weights up nicely with speed, too, and grip and body control levels are acceptable.
The brakes, although a seemingly outdated front-disc, rear-drum affair, provide more than enough stopping power for a one-tonne car such as this. There is no sudden bite; instead pedal action is predictable and progressively linear, making gradual application and release easier.
At the further end of the speedometer, the Nissan Almera is moderately refined. Wind noise is present, but the car does not fidget excessively and not a lot of steering effort is required to keep it on track. You wouldn’t want to do such speeds for a sustained time, though.
Interior of the Almera
Interior of the Almera
The centre console of the Nissan Almera is done in a piano black finish. Front and rear power windows are standard across the range and so is the 4-speaker music system that supports AUX and USB inputs.
There are multiple cubby holes around the cabin and while we believe beige colour would have amplified the amount of space this 5-seater has, it is sadly not offered.
Nissan also doesn’t offer rear AC vents on the Almera, something which is available in the models sold outside Malaysia. This is a big miss in our books since the back seat comfort of the Almera rivals that of cars above its segment. The automatic climate control offered in the VL AT trim cools the cabin real quick. We liked the high-quality cabin of the Nissan Almera. Everything out there seems well put together and durable too.
Boot Space of the Almera
The boot space is good enough for three airport suitcases. Its volume is 490-litre and the rear seats don't fold. On the top-spec VL AT, Nissan offers keyless entry, push-button start and steering mounted audio controls.
Summary of the Almera
The Nissan Almera has been a strong seller particularly in the US, Thailand and China, and more than half a million have found homes worldwide. With the new car, ETCM hopes to revive its position as leader in the non-national affordable vehicle segment, and carry on the legacy shared by models such as the Sunny and Sentra.
The centre console of the Nissan Almera is done in a piano black finish. Front and rear power windows are standard across the range and so is the 4-speaker music system that supports AUX and USB inputs.
There are multiple cubby holes around the cabin and while we believe beige colour would have amplified the amount of space this 5-seater has, it is sadly not offered.
Nissan also doesn’t offer rear AC vents on the Almera, something which is available in the models sold outside Malaysia. This is a big miss in our books since the back seat comfort of the Almera rivals that of cars above its segment. The automatic climate control offered in the VL AT trim cools the cabin real quick. We liked the high-quality cabin of the Nissan Almera. Everything out there seems well put together and durable too.
Boot Space of the Almera
The boot space is good enough for three airport suitcases. Its volume is 490-litre and the rear seats don't fold. On the top-spec VL AT, Nissan offers keyless entry, push-button start and steering mounted audio controls.
Summary of the Almera
The Nissan Almera has been a strong seller particularly in the US, Thailand and China, and more than half a million have found homes worldwide. With the new car, ETCM hopes to revive its position as leader in the non-national affordable vehicle segment, and carry on the legacy shared by models such as the Sunny and Sentra.
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