Nissan turbocharges subcompact segment with all-new Almera

MANILA: Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) brings back the easy access point into its stable of vehicles with the all-new version of the Nissan Almera. The entry-level subcompact nameplate was first introduced in the country in 2013, then updated with the Nissan Almera MC in 2015.

In a release, NPI said that the Almera “retains the best-in-class interior space from previous generations and is now equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility, a segment-first, making it a smart and stylish sedan that Filipinos can trust.”

It could be remembered that one of the standout qualities of the past Almera was its generous legroom, plus a dedicated air vent for the rear passengers — a rarity for the segment then.

Nissan keeps this memorable characteristic, and actually builds on it through lower, wider, and longer exterior measurements — while boasting the brand’s so-called Emotional Geometry design language.

The Almera more keenly appears to belong in the Nissan stable as it adopts lines and executions familiar to the current lineup. These elements include the V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped headlamps and tail lamps, kick-up C-pillars, and a floating roof.

VE and VL variants get LED reflector-type headlights as well as LED daytime running lights. Front foglamps are exclusive to the VL Turbo N-Sport, along with a chrome version of the V-Motion grille. Across the line, the Almera gets LED taillamps.

The all-new Almera gets four variants similarly powered by Nissan’s all-new 1.0-liter turbocharged engine. The HR10DET puts out 100ps and 152Nm of torque from 2,400 to 4,000rpm — said to enable the vehicle to overtake more easily. The CVT (featured in the top two variants) provides “constant acceleration.” Nissan said that the shift will feel like a conventional automatic transmission, but with the “flexibility and smoothness of a CVT.” The company reports that the system results in “remarkable fuel efficiency.” More dynamic driving is realized through a Sport Mode.

Inside, the Almera is equipped with Nissan’s proprietary  Zero Gravity Seats for the driver and front passenger. The VL Turbo N-Sport’s seat is covered with black leather with contrast stitching.

To charge or power mobile devices, the VL Turbo N-Sport and VE variants get a 12V socket and three USB ports; the EL gets one of each. The vehicle is equipped with a map lamp, room lamp, and taillamp.  

Apple CarPlay connectivity (for VE and VL variants) comes with an infotainment system predicated on an eight-inch Advanced Touch Screen Display Audio. A seven-inch TFT meter with Drive Assist Display also appears on these higher trims.

NPI is quick to point out that the Almera is equipped with even more first-in-class accoutrements, courtesy of a slew of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features such as Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW), Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB), Blind Spot Warning (for VL Turbo N-Sport variant), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) (for VL Turbo N-Sport variant), and Hill Start Assist.

The VL Turbo N-Sport trim receives six SRS airbags, while the rest get two airbags. Equipped on Almeras are Vehicle Dynamic Control and an LED high-mount stop lamp.

The all-new Nissan Almera is priced as follows: 1.0 VL Turbo N-Sport CVT (P1.098 million), 1.0 VE Turbo CVT (P998,000), 1.0 VE Turbo MT (P938,000), and 1.0 EL Turbo MT (P728,000). It comes in the following colors (with some hues being variant-exclusive): Cayenne Red, Premium Corona Orange, Galaxy Black Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver, and Pearl White.

Photos by Roy Robles

Also read: Next stage of Nissan PH electrification strategy presented at 9th PEVS