Nissan Almera - Generation story

Many are not aware, but the Almera came into existence way back in 1995 and was introduced as a replacement to the Sunny. Also, the initial body type included 3-door and 5-door hatchback along with a 4-door saloon. However, it was not until 2013 that Nissan Malaysia introduced the Almera in the market. So, it was the third-gen model that was brought and that too in the saloon body type.

So, here is how it all started -

• First amongst ASEAN countries to receive the Nissan Almera was Thailand (Oct 2011), and post that our hopes for this B-segment car’s Malaysia debut got stronger
• It was in mid-2012 that Nissan Malaysia hinted about the arrival of a ‘brand new ride coming’ via a Facebook post and the only guess back then was the Almera
• All this while, i.e., before Almera’s launch in Malaysia, the sedan was spotted multiple times in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Bukit Beruntung, and Selayang. In a way, it roped the auto world around itself
• Moving on, a few days after the mentioned social media reveal, the company officially previewed the Almera, where the company offered a selected few short test drive as well
• It was on 30th October 2012 that Edaran Tan Chong Motor officially launched the Alera in our market. Back then the car was launched in four variants.
• The launch was followed by the introduction of the Nissan NISMO package for Almera, and the company introduced it at the 2013 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show
• Over the years, came-in several facelifts and introduction/addition of new elements in the Almera

Nissan Almera generations -

In total, Nissan has introduced three generations of the Almera, Malaysia however, have received just one, i.e., the third-gen model. Nissan Malaysia has, yet, kept it fresh for us by introducing a few tweaks and facelifts every now and then.

Almera first-gen - 1995 to 2000

Almera second-gen - 2000 to 2006

Almera third-gen - 2011 to present

Malaysia-spec Almera -

2012 Almera

As mentioned, Nissan launched the third-generation Almera in Malaysia in 2012. Edaran Tan Chong Motors revealed the sedan at an event held at One World Hotel. It was made available in four trims that came in three grades. First one is E, available with a five-speed manual (RM 64,887) and four-speed auto (RM 67,809). Next is V, costing RM 74,627, followed by the full-spec VL, that is priced at RM 77,549. All Nissan Almera variants are powered by an HR15DE 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 102 PS along with a peak torque of 139 Nm. With the help of the Continuously Variable-Valve Timing Control, the Almera claims a mileage of 14.9 kmpl and 15.9 kmpl, for auto and manual, respectively. The cabin space was touted best-in-class with a 636 mm of rear legroom and 490-litre of boot volume. Available as standard were - ISOFIX seat mounting points, electric power steering, and ABS with EBD and Brake Assist.

Introduced along the Almera were several enhancements packages like the RM 6,000 Premium Navi package comprising of boot tray, LED turn indicators, sport pedals, and Solar Gard Armorcoat. The Impul Package for RM 9,500 included an Impul Aerokit, front grill, exhaust muffler, choice of 16-or 17-inch alloys, and sports suspension.

Nissan Almera NISMO Performance Package

At the 2013 KLIMS, Nissan officially launched the Almera Nismo Performance Package. The package consisted of Nismo performance parts and aero kit. The five-piece Nismo aero kit significantly reduced the drag for better road-holding and aerodynamic strengths.

Nissan Almera Facelift

In January 2015, Nissan Almera facelift was officially made available in the country. The B-segment sedan featured a few design updates like reshaped headlamps, new front bumper, revised front grille, and fog lamps with chrome surround. The cabin included a new premium looking steering wheel, and piano black trimmed new centre stack. This package also included the first-time introduced Android-based multimedia navigation system. The facelifted Nissan Almera's spec sheet featured the same old 1.5-litre DOHC CVTC mill producing 102 PS and 139 Nm. Paired with the mill was either a manual or an auto gearbox.

Latest update on Nissan Almera

• The Nissan Almera was recently given an eye-catching new element to enhance its looks. All variants now get LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The fog lamps get an underlining string of white lights
• As from April 1, 2018, Nissan Almera new prices have come into effect. The E M/T, E A/T, and range-topping VL A/T are now expensive by RM 3,734.88, RM 4,521.64, and RM 4,610.88, respectively
• In November 2018, Nissan Malaysia introduced the Almera Black Series. Thus, making Almera the second model after NP 300 Navara to receive the treatment. The Black Series is offered in 1.5E, and 1.5VL Auto trims and are priced the same as the standard models

That’s all on the Nissan Almera generation story. Also, check out our X-trail timeline writeup and get to know interesting facts about Nissan’s first crossover SUV.