Nissan Almera

The interior cabin and the exterior of the current-generation Almera are not as modern-looking as its competitors, not to mention the lack of modern conveniences and technological features, which is understandable given how old it is. However, the automaker did an excellent job providing comfort to all passengers, including those sitting at the back. Some other features include adjustable rear headrests, rear armrest, rear reading lamps, and an upper glove pocket with AUX and USB port for passengers to charge their gadgets.

Light and beige tones surround the interior, which is also accented by black and grey trimmings. For a premium impression, the center console has a piano-black theme with silver touches on the sides.

The air conditioning system is one of the interior cabin’s highlights. From the center console, the automatic climate control may be adjusted. The Almera features double cooling vents along with a speed control dial that optimizes air circulation in the car. Curvy and circular vents can also be seen in the sedan. In addition, the drive computer is positioned in the instrument control seen between the gauges. This displays key information such as fuel efficiency, fuel tank status, and exterior temperature.

The Almera can be had in leather or fabric upholstery, depending on the variant. Specifically, the 1.2 MT, 1.5 E MT, and 1.5 E AT variants are upholstered with fabric, whereas the top-spec 1.5 VL AT is cladded with leather seats. For added comfort, the range-topper is also given a seat height adjustment for the driver. The Almera also boasts a spacious cabin and ample cargo space. To boot, there is plenty of legroom space thanks to the 2,600 mm wheelbase.

Comfort & Entertainment

Unlike the old third-generation, the fourth-generation Almera, specifically the 1.5 E MT, boasts a 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is great. Unfortunately, the Almera we have right now falls short of all the new tech-savvy functionalities with no touchscreen infotainment system, which is a major disappointment. Instead, the sedan is decked with standard features such as four speakers, 2DIN, AM/FM, CD, MP3, and AUX connectivity. The automaker, however, made sure to compensate for the lack of advancement. Compared to other car manufacturers that sometimes overlook what to do with the rear seats, passengers at the back are ensured to have a comfortable and quality drive-feel, thanks to Nissan.

Similar sentiments can be shared concerning the exterior design of the Almera. However old and badly in need of an update, the sedan could still be acceptable to some. But for those demanding a revamped model, the fourth generation can be had with a little more patience.

Although the automaker may have toned down the design far too much, the Almera was given an aerodynamic structure for better fuel efficiency and performance. Engine noise and vibration are also kept to a minimum, thanks to this. The range-topper features a chrome grille flanked by signature boomerang-shaped headlamps. The front bumper also has a distinct design, with heavy chrome finishes that replaces the side skirts, rear skirt, lip-type rear spoiler, N-Sport badging, and N-Sport 150-inch alloy wheels. The remaining variations are finished in matte black with little bits of chrome accents on the narrow grille and fine bumper. The rear, on the other hand, features wrap-around boomerang-shaped taillights similar to the front headlamps. Smooth curves and lines accentuate the sedan, all in all giving a modern flair.

The one we have here in the Philippines measures 4,425 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, and 1,505 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm and ground clearance of 150 mm. The Almera is up for grabs in seven colors: Alpine White, Bluish Black, Lunar Metallic Gray, Sapphire Blue Metallic, Titanium Grey, and Iridium Metallic Brown.

Passenger & Bootspace

The Nissan Almera can seat up to five passengers, including the driver. In addition, it offers sufficient headroom and legroom for a comfortable ride. This subcompact vehicle offers a boot space of roughly 490-liters, which isn't much when compared to its competitors. It can, nevertheless, do the task and transport a small amount of luggage. This completes the task and transports suitcases ideal for a family weekend getaway or, even better, a bulk of groceries.

In terms of suspension, the sedan makes use of MacPherson struts with Coil Springs and Stabilizers at the front, and for the rear, it uses a Torsion Beam Axle. Thanks to its soft yet reliable suspension setup, the Almera subcompact sedan provides a pleasant driving experience. Apart from that, there are no issues with Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) in any of the variants.

Some reviews say that the clutch feels a tad bit harder on the 1.5-liter model than the 1.2-liter variant. However, no official review says accurate for all models. For stopping power, it makes use of ventilated discs on the front and drum brakes for the rear. When we talk about the handling, the Almera obviously is not up to par but is decent enough to get through on a daily basis.

Also, the sedan’s size and a turning radius of 5.3-meter allow you to weave between traffic and tight roads, which is ideal for newly licensed drivers who may find it difficult to maneuver the country’s bustling streets. Finally, thanks to characteristics that make the ride pleasing for both the driver and the occupants, the Almera subcompact sedan not only gives a comfortable driving experience, but passengers in the back will appreciate the lack of body roll.

The third-gen Nissan Almera is available in two engine options in the Philippines — a 1.2-liter and 1.5-liter mill. The HR12DE 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder DOHC 12 valve engine can churn a maximums power of 78 PS at 6,000 rpm and 106 Nm of peak torque at 4,400 revs. In contrast, the HR15DE 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC 16 valve motor can generate a maximum power of 99 PS at 6,000 rpm and 134 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 revs. The former is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while the latter can be had with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The subcompact sedan is available in six variants: 1.2 MT, 1.5 N-Sport MT, 1.5 E MT, 1.5 E AT, 1.5 N-Sport AT, and 1.5 VL AT. The base model houses a 1.2-liter engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while models with the 1.5-liter mill, such as the 1.5 E MT and 1.5 E AT, are coupled with five-speed manual and four-speed automatic gearbox options. The top-of-the-line 1.5 VL AT comes with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission option.

Fuel Consumption

The HR12DE 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder DOHC 12 valve engine produces a maximum output of 78 PS at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 106 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The HR15DE 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC 16 valve motor, on the other hand, has a maximum power output of 99 PS at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque output of 134 Nm at 4,000 RPM. On the highway, the Almera consumes 19.13 kmpl, but this varies depending on the variant.

The sedan makes use of the automaker’s Nissan Safety Shield. Among the six components of the said shield, this includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, front collision warning with pedestrian identification and automatic emergency braking, automatic rear braking, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Standard safety features are given to the Almera. Some of these include dual front SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA), speed-sensing door locks, engine immobilizer, three-point seat belts with height adjustment, and rear parking sensors.

Is Nissan Almera a good car?

Filipinos are practical shoppers, and the ability of a vehicle to provide and deliver is usually what draws them in to purchase whichever vehicle they believe will best fit their needs. Because this vehicle is primarily intended for daily use, consumers considering owning it places a higher value on what it can offer to the table. However old, the third-generation is still a pretty good barter. The Almera has a price range of PHP 657,000 to PHP 933,000.

Final Words

With a wide selection of choices at a competitive price, this subcompact car is an excellent choice for those looking for a cost-effective vehicle to haul a small family or for everyday commuting. Although it may not have the most advanced features, it is still a reliable vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency and performance. In addition, because the Almera comes in so many different variations, you may find one that suits your needs.

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