Some eight years ago in October 2012, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) launched a ‘bread and butter’ offering to Malaysians. It was called Almera and it promised sensible and affordable motoring for the average Malaysian.
At a time when Proton was delivering questionable quality and unimpressive after-sales service, budget-conscious Malaysians needed a better option, and so the 1.5-litre Almera priced from RM66,800 for the base manual driven version became a great alternative.
The high-specification Almera VL automatic was priced at RM79,800 and with a nine-year loan, it sold better than expected. Many of its buyers were happy to ignore the Proton Gen.2 priced at RM52,888 for the manual and RM55,888 for the automatic.
Almera’s popularity grew very fast over the next few years. A few variants were introduced and also a few rivals arrived in the segment to take away its sales lead.
Now for 2020 comes a brand-new Nissan Almera. This Nissan Almera 1.0L Turbo uses a 999cc three-cylinder engine that delivers 100hp @ 5,000rpm and 152Nm of torque at 2,400-4,000rpm. The CVT gearbox is standard.
This Nissan will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 11 seconds and achieve a top speed of 180km/h. It measures up at 4,495 mm long and 1,460 mm in height.
The new Almera comes with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB).
It also comes with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Hill Start Assist and ISOFIX with Top Tether (x2).
The base Almera VL variant gets only two front SRS airbags. The Almera VLP gets four SRS airbags. The top model Almera VLT gets six SRS airbags and added safety features like the Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
The NissanConnect multi-infotainment system with 203.2 cm touchscreen Colour Display Audio (AIVI) also keeps customers happy by bringing infotainment, navigation, safety, security and more under a single platform, with seamless connection via smartphone.
Sporting sleek styling cues, the mid-size sedan looks good from every angle. It’s got a sporty front accented with a new Nissan flattened logo, sleekish headlamps and a tasteful looking silhouette.
The side profile is even better as it cuts a crisp and sharp aerodynamic silhouette, further complemented by smart 431.8 mm alloys, whilst the rear gets capped with the eye-catching LED rear combination lamps.
Overall, in terms of design alone, this new Almera will turn heads without even trying. And if you think the outside looks good, the inside reveals even more surprises.
To ensure that it’s a formidable option in the competitive C-segment market, Nissan has kitted this Almera with some pretty decent refinements.
Leather seats greet you on the inside while the dash and interior trimmings boast a mix of soft touch finishing, adequate quality plastics and hints of faux carbon-fibre trim on the door grab handles.
The dash is thoughtfully laid out with controls within easy reach, the metre cluster, which is equipped with an LCD screen is good-looking and effective and the all-important steering is also complimented with a host of essential controls for driving ease and comfort.
For its asking price, this Almera also comes with a ‘gravity free’ driver seat with a rear-view camera display and USB access and push start ignition.
In terms of drive, this Almera is powered by a brand-new Nissan 1.0-Litre Turbocharged Engine matted to a CVT (transmission) capable of 100 PS and 152 Nm of torque.
It is nippy and certainly not left wanting to get on the jump at the traffic lights. It has also got ample legs on long straight runs.
Yes, the three-cylinder engine is not the most spirited from standstill but it’s designed to save fuel and keep up with city commuting.
On the open highway it gets up to 110km/h easily and then the in-line three-cylinder engine can be heard working to move you up to illegal speeds.
The CVT swaps gears with ease and without any fuss when you step hard on the accelerator.
The new Almera has a strong rival in its segment, the 2020 Honda City, launched just weeks ago.
Buyers in this segment now have to make a decision which sedan suits their needs and what long term values they need to look at.
The new Almera comes with a five-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty with free five times alternating maintenance service (parts and labour included) within five years.
It is available in six dynamic colours, three all-new, which is the Radiant Red, Monarch Orange and Dark Metal Grey. The ever-popular Brilliant White, Diamond Black and Tungsten Silver are also available.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor is offering a special hire purchase Flexi Financing Promotion for a 90% nine-year loan with monthly payments as follows:
- VL variant: RM688.00 monthly
- VLP variant: RM738.00 monthly
- VLT variant: RM788.00 monthly
So, take a test drive of both cars on the same morning and then over lunch decide which tickles your interest more in terms of design, features and dynamics.
Nissan Almera VLT Specifications
- Engine: 3-cylinder turbocharged
- Displacement: 993cc
- Transmission: CVT
- Max power: 100bhp @ 5,000rpm
- Max torque: 152Nm @ 2,400-4,000rpm
- Top Speed: 180km/h
- 0-100km/h: 11 seconds
- Price: RM91,310.00
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