Nissan Almera - Variants explained

The outgoing iteration of the Nissan Almera was first launched in Malaysia back in late 2012, and it represented the third generation of one of Nissan’s popular models, which made its global debut a year prior. The B-segment sedan soon gained notoriety for providing best-in-class rear passenger legroom and a cavernous boot which could hold around 490 litres of cargo/luggage. The Japanese subcompact sedan utilises the brand’s flexible V Platform, and it proved to be lighter and more spacious than its predecessor. In Malaysia, buyers of the Nissan Almera can choose between one of five variants, with prices ranging between RM 64,639 to RM 79,888.

Keeping its sticker price and segment in mind, there are several cars that compete against the Nissan Almera, including the likes of the Toyota Vios, Honda City, Proton Preve, and Mazda 2 sedan. However, the current avatar of the Almera has begun showing its age and is set to be replaced by a next-generation model late this year or in early 2020. But for now, those of you who want the best possible rear legroom, loads of boot space, and impressive fuel economy (apart from the Nissan badge), this would be your only bet. Yes, it may not be the best looking sedan in its segment and is far from being a driver’s car, but the Nissan Almera is quite a fail-safe product and thus, quite a solid piece of machinery around. Hence, let’s explain to you the five variants of the Almera that are currently on sale in the country.

Almera 1.5L E (MT)

Starting at RM 64,639, this is the most basic variant of the Nissan Almera, and the only one to be offered with a manual transmission. Under the bonnet, however, all Almera variants come with the same petrol-fuelled powerplant. It’s Nissan’s 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder HR15DE unit which employs dual overhead cams and electronic fuel injection technology. The end result is 100hp at 6,000 rpm and 139Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. In this case, power is channelled to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. At the front, all Almeras make use of MacPherson struts, while a Torsion beam setup handles suspension chores at the rear.

As for its features list, not a single variant of the Almera specs sheet comes with nearly the amount of kit one would expect to find in a modern-day family sedan, especially considering the relatively high price tag. The entry-level variant of the Almera comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlamps, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), electrically-adjustable wing mirrors with integrated turn signals, remote-controlled keyless entry, fabric seat upholstery, manual air conditioning, power windows, manually-adjustable front seats, front & rear cup holders, and a four-speaker audio system with support for AUX, USB and CD playback.

Even more revealing is the Nissan Almera’s safety features (or lack thereof) by 2019 standards. This base model only gets a single front airbag, apart from other pretty basic items such as Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Braking Assist System (BA), ISOFIX rear seat anchor points, and reverse parking sensors.

Almera 1.5L E (AT) and 1.5L E (AT) Black Edition

Priced at RM 69,888, the Almera 1.5L E (AT) is almost identical in every way to the above-mentioned entry-level variant, except on one front. The AT variant of the Almera E trim, as the name indicates, replaces the base car’s 5-speed manual transmission for a 4-speed automatic torque-converter unit. Still driving the front wheels, the Almera (AT) can now get from 0 to 100 kmph in 14.5 seconds and hit a top speed of just under 180 kmph. Meanwhile, Nissan claims that the Almera can return up to 14.9 kmpl -- making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.

Meanwhile, the Black Edition adds some cosmetic goodies such as an exhaustive aero kit by Japanese tuner firm Tomei. This aero kit brings along with it a front bumper spoiler, sporty side skirts, and an aggressively-styled rear bumper -- all with Tomei-specific dark titanium accents. The aero kit also adds a trunk lid spoiler that’s finished in gloss black color. Furthermore, the Black Edition of the Almera features 15-inch glossy black Y-Spoke alloy wheels, glossy black front grille finish, and glossy black wing mirror covers. Finally, other niceties include a wide-angle front-facing dashcam, a 6.75-inch Clarion touch-infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, black leather seating upholstery, and window tint. This all decked-up and sporty-looking trim of the regular Almera E (AT) variant costs exactly the same as its regular sibling, which is RM 69,888.

Almera 1.5L VL (AT) and 1.5L VL (AT) Black Edition

The VL trim sits at the top of the range of the Nissan Almera line-up and is priced at RM 79,888 for both, the regular VL and the Black Edition cars. The biggest change between the Almera VL (and its Black Edition sibling) over the Almera E (AT) variants comes in the equipment list. The range-topping VL adds front fog lamps, intelligent keyless entry with push-button start, single-zone automatic climate control, multifunction steering wheel with audio controls, upgraded ‘Fine Vision’ driver’s instrument cluster, and dual front airbags. The Black Edition of the Nissan Almera VL variant, as expected, incorporates all the fancy stuff that’s already found in the Almera E (AT) variant.