Exploring Subcompact Excellence: Honda City vs. Nissan Almera

The Honda City and Nissan Almera are two popular compact sedans that have gained significant attention among Filipino car buyers. Just recently, the refreshed versions of these two sedans were launched by their respective brands, both featuring stylish designs, comfortable interiors, and reliable performance.

Let’s compare and contrast the Honda City and Nissan Almera across various aspects such as pricing, performance, design, features, and more.

Variants and pricing

When it comes to pricing and trim options, the Honda City and the Nissan Almera offer a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. Both models come in multiple variants, allowing buyers to find the right balance between features and price. Whether you're looking for a basic and affordable option or a fully-loaded model with all the bells and whistles, there's likely a trim level that fits the bill.

The Honda City comes in four variants, with prices ranging from P973,000 to P1.128 million.

On the other hand, the Nissan Almera is available in three variants, with prices ranging from P839,000 to P1.149 million.

Performance

The Honda City is powered by a 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine across its lineup. On the other hand, the Nissan Almera is equipped with a 1.0-liter turbo HRAO engine. Both vehicles deliver decent performance.

In terms of power output, the Honda City generally offers more horsepower and torque compared to the Nissan Almera. This translates to a more spirited and responsive driving experience, especially for those who enjoy a bit of excitement behind the wheel. However, the Nissan Almera still provides sufficient power for everyday driving needs.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, both the Honda City and Nissan Almera fare well. Both cars offer respectable fuel efficiency figures, ensuring you won't break the bank at the pump.

Also read: The perfect balance of performance and practicality: Meet the new Nissan Almera

Design and exterior features

In terms of exterior design, the Honda City portrays a sportier and more aggressive look, with sleek lines and bold character. The Nissan Almera, on the other hand, exhibits a more refined and elegant design, emphasizing a sense of sophistication. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic appeal.

Both the Honda City and Nissan Almera come equipped with stylish headlights and distinct grilles that add to their respective overall appeal. Additionally, both cars come with body features that enhance aerodynamics and overall aesthetics.

Interior comfort and features

Both the Honda City and Nissan Almera provide spacious interiors, offering ample legroom and headroom for passengers. However, the Honda City may have a slight edge in terms of overall comfort and premium feel, thanks to its well-designed cabin layout and high-quality materials. Nevertheless, the Nissan Almera still offers a comfortable and cozy environment for occupants.

In terms of infotainment and connectivity features, both vehicles come equipped with modern amenities such as touch-screen displays, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, and USB ports. The Honda City may have a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, but the Nissan Almera still offers all the essential features you need to stay connected on the go.

Also read: The complete package: Exploring the key features of the new Honda City

Safety features

When it comes to safety, both the Honda City and Nissan Almera prioritize passenger protection. They are equipped with safety features such as anti-lock braking systems and multiple airbags.

Both vehicles are also equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. The Honda City comes standard with Honda Sensing that includes features such as lead car departure notification system, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and auto-high beam.

Also read: 5 ways Honda Sensing makes every journey safe

The Nissan Almera, on the other hand, comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility that includes features such as blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, around view monitor, forward emergency braking, and hill start assist.

Technology

The Nissan Almera comes standard with NissanConnect that syncs up the car with your smartphone, providing you access to a variety of smart features such as remote engine start/stop, door lock/unlock, Automatic Collision Notification, SOS emergency call button, My Car Finder, and Theft Alert, among others.

The Nissan Almera also has push-button start and keyless entry, allowing you to easily operate your vehicle, making every drive convenient.

Although the Honda City does not have a feature as innovative as NissanConnect, it is still packed with technologies that guarantee convenient driving such as walk-away auto door lock, speed-sensing door locks, remote engine start, and one push start system.

Driving and handling

When it comes to suspension and ride quality, the Honda City and the Nissan Almera offer comfortable and smooth rides. Both models have well-tuned suspensions that absorb road imperfections, making them suitable for daily commuting and longer journeys. Whether you're navigating through city streets or cruising on the highway, both cars provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Both models also have good braking capabilities, providing reliable stopping power in emergency situations. However, it is worth noting that the Honda City offers additional safety features such as stability control, which can further enhance safety on the road.

In terms of maneuverability and handling, the Honda City and the Nissan Almera are nimble and easy to drive. Both models have responsive steering and good agility, allowing you to navigate tight city streets and parking spaces with ease.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Honda City and the Nissan Almera ultimately comes down to individual preferences and priorities.

After a thorough comparison of the Honda City and Nissan Almera, it is clear that both cars have their unique strengths and qualities. The Honda City stands out with its refined performance, spacious interior, and advanced safety features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded compact sedan. On the other hand, the Nissan Almera impresses with its fuel efficiency, competitive pricing, and comfortable ride quality, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

Ultimately, the better choice between these two vehicles will depend on individual preferences and priorities. It is advisable for car buyers to consider their specific needs, test drive both models, and weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.

Photos by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc., Roy Robles, and Nissan Philippines, Inc.