Nissan Philippines brings the next-generation Almera to our shores. While at first glance the nameplate offers pretty much the standard features in its class, a closer look reveals why the Japanese carmaker could have the chops to wrest away the subcompact sedan crown from the reigning market leader.
The subcompact sedan segment might have to crown a new winner
Chief among these is an unprecedented 1.0-liter turbocharged engine that’s offered as standard throughout the Almera lineup, sounding like an especially attractive proposition when paired with the 5-speed manual transmission (a CVT option is also available). Another is the array of onboard driver-assist features through the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite, making the Almera the only one in its class with forward-collision warning and intelligent emergency braking.
We run down the different variants under the all-new Nissan Almera, as well as how much it would cost to drive one home from the dealership.
Nissan Almera EL 1.0 MT
The entry-level EL measures 4,495mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 1,460mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,620mm. It already sports the revised V-motion grille flanked by halogen headlamps. Power-adjustable exterior mirrors are rendered in body color mounted on the front doors, while LED tail lamps bring up the rear. A set of 15-inch steel wheels with covers props up the base Almera on both city and highway drives.
The familiar V-motion grille now delivers a more assertive presence
Accommodations for five can be found inside, with seats dressed in fabric trim. Front seats feature manual adjustment, with drivers facing a Fine Vision Meter cluster. The standard head unit offers Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary input for connectivity. A 5-speed manual transmission routes 99 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque to the front wheels. For safety, dual airbags accompany anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill start assist, and vehicle dynamic control.
The Almera EL retails for Php 728,000, divided into 36 monthly payments of Php 20,361 on a downpayment of 20 percent or Php 145,600. Extending the contract to 48 months brings the bill down to Php 16,386, while a 30 percent downpayment or Php 218,400 for the same period yields Php 14,338.
Nissan Almera VE 1.0 MT
Stepping up to the Almera VE offers the EL’s features plus power-folding side mirrors and lighter 15-inch alloy wheels while upgrading to LED headlamps. The rear window comes with a defroster and timer. Trim pieces now adorn the doors and dashboard, while a 7-inch TFT meter cluster with TFT display lies beyond the D-shaped multifunction steering wheel.
Power windows are standard, along with six speakers and an in-glass antenna connected to the 8-inch advanced touchscreen audio. Nissan Intelligent Mobility brings an Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Intelligent Emergency Braking.
The Almera VE carries a sticker price of Php 938,000, payable in 48 monthly installments of Php 22,955 on a 30 percent downpayment or Php 281,400. Raising the cash to 50 percent or Php 469,000 results in lower recurring payments of Php 16,396, while extending the loan to 60 months requires only Php 11,306 as regular amortization.
Nissan Almera VE 1.0 CVT
This variant measures 35mm longer than the lower trims, bringing LED daytime running lights and body-color door handles with i-Key switch. Black fabric upholstery with gray trim welcome occupants aboard, with a 12-volt power outlet and three USB ports standing by for charging multiple devices. A Nissan Xtronic continuously variable transmission takes the place of the stick shift, with front MacPherson independent and rear torsion beam suspension providing smooth handling.
Apple CarPlay is now standard on most of the lineup
Priced at Php 998,000, the Almera VE CVT can be had with a 20 percent downpayment or Php 199,600, which translates into 48 monthly payments of Php 22,464. A bigger cash outlay of 30 percent or Php 299,400 carries an amortization amount of Php 19,656, while extending the contract to 60 months results in a monthly payable of Php 16,840.
Nissan Almera VL N-Sport 1.0 CVT
The top-spec variant brings the most complete package. There are LED fog lamps as standard, along with N-Sport flourishes on the front bumper and grille. Even the alloy wheels get the N-Sport treatment while being bumped up to 16 inches. Cabin seating comprises black leather with contrast stitching, with the rear bench having 60:40 split-fold capability to access the 474-liter trunk.
Apple CarPlay is offered on the in-car infotainment system, while the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite adds Blind-Spot Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Six airbags form a protective cocoon around occupants in the event of impacts, with everyone benefiting from 3-point seatbelts.
Turbocharged engine across the board is paired with either a manual gearbox or CVT
The Almera VL N-Sport carries a sticker price of Php 1,098,000. On a downpayment of 20 percent or Php 219,600, it carries 36 monthly payments of Php 30,709 each. Doubling the cash payment to 40 percent or Php 439,200 means a recurring bill of Php 18,536 for 48 months, or Php 15,881 on a 60-month contract.
As always, these are all estimates, exclusive of other costs such as maintenance, fuel, insurance, and registration at the end of the first three years of ownership. Your nearest Nissan dealer will be able to give you a more accurate computation based on your current budget.
Find more tips that add up to a great car ownership experience at Philkotse.com.