Throughout the past year and a half, we’ve seen explosive launches from Nissan Philippines, Inc. Within that time frame, the world was introduced to the X-Trail, the Navara, the Urvan, and the Juke. Nissan’s efforts to revamp their whole lineup has earned them widespread praise, even best-in-class awards. To round out the whole package, Nissan has launched the new models of their subcompact sedan, the Nissan Almera. A refreshed take on the previous model, the new Nissan Almera offers an upgraded design and features, making it a vehicle for new beginnings.
Besides a revamped appearance, these new features and updates combine the best of fuel efficiency with generous cabin and trunk space that leads other cars in its class. The new Almera entices hardworking optimists looking for a subcompact sedan that maximizes value for its affordable price.
The Almera’s new look refreshes and adds to Nissan’s tried-and-tested design philosophy present in the previous model. You’ll have to look hard to spot the differences between the old and the new, but those that you do find will leave you wanting. Elegant lines and premium finishes on the exterior create an eye-catching presence on the road. A redesigned front bumper with boomerang-inspired headlamps, a bigger and bolder front grille, and front chromed accents all present a striking appearance. At the back, a remodeled rear bumper is complemented with black diffuser cladding and chromed trunk garnish. A large lip spoiler and newly-designed 12-spoke alloy wheels also add to the sportiness of the vehicle’s design.
Inside, the refreshed Nissan Almera’s cabin features a new center cluster layout with a piano black finish. Adding to the premium interior design are the new multi-information display, three-spoke steering wheel, and high-quality leather seats in the top range variant. The new Nissan Almera’s unmatched interior spaciousness also contribute to its status as one of the most comfortable vehicles in its class. The Almera’s cabin provides excellent headroom and knee room of 636mm. The sedan will be able to comfortably seat up to five people. The Almera’s trunk loads up to 490 liters of luggage, making it a perfect getaway vehicle for vacations and picnics.
Other features that contribute to a comfortable driving and riding experience are cup and bottle holders at the center console and door sidings, a rear cabin comfort fan that provides dual ventilation and speed control for better cabin air circulation, iPod connectivity, push-button start, and remote keyless system. An Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist and Dual Front Airbags also provide added security from the Nissan Safety Shield Philosophy, a comprehensive approach to safety that guides engineering and development in every Nissan vehicle.
With the launch of Nissan Parts Online, maintenance of the new Almera is a breeze. They are also made with upgraded parts and technology which lengthen the intervals between periodic maintenance services. In addition, the cost of these spare parts are lower than before. This keeps maintenance costs 30% lower than other cars in its class.
The new Nissan Almera now offers two different powertrains to suit the customers’ requirements. The 1.5L VL engine features automatic transmission with an inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine with a power of 99ps at 6,000rpm and a torque of 134Nm at 4,000rpm. In addition to its impressive driving performance, the 1.5L VL model is also equipped with premium touches such as high-quality leather seats, a side turning lamp on the door, and a leather wrapped steering wheel, to ensure the comfort of both the driver and passenger.
The 1.2L manual transmission, on the other hand, features a DOHC CVT engine, with a power of 79ps at 6,000rpm and torque of 106Nm at 4,400rpm, ensuring maximum fuel efficiency, without compromising driving pleasure. Suspension for the vehicle is provided by MacPherson strut at the front and a rigid axle and torsion beam at the rear.
The new Nissan Almera will be available in five different variants: the new 1.2L M/T at P630,000, the 1.5L E M/T at P726,000, the 1.5L E A/T at P762,000, the 1.5L V automatic transmission at P845,000, and the range-topping 1.5 VL automatic model is at P880,000. It will come in four different colors, namely Brilliant Silver, Alpine White, Bluish Black, and Titanium Grey.
