Nissan Almera 2013 Review

Nissan Almera

America's top-selling compact sedan, the Almera has arrived in Australia priced from below $17,000 and Nissan is confident the car will appeal to all demographics, from first-car buyers, to retirees and even families.

With class-leading rear-seat leg room and one of the largest boots in its class the Almera's main talking points, it delivers a compelling dollar-to-space ratio, so much so that Nissan reckons the car will even attract buyers from the next segment up. It's not a dubious boast either -- the car is remarkably spacious.

The Almera plugs a gap in Nissan's product line-up where previously it had no compact sedan, and though Nissan's new CEO Bill Peffer says the Almera is not a core model for the brand, with an annual sales prediction of around 3000 cars, he also hinted that at such a competitive price point -- under $17,000 -- demand could exceed supply.

ST models come standard with hands-free Bluetooth phone connectivity, remote keyless entry, steering wheel audio and phone controls, a four-speaker CD stereo with AUX input, a multi-function trip computer and 15-inch steel wheels with hub caps.

Move up to the Ti model and the standard features list widens to include rear parking sensors, proximity key fob with keyless pushbutton engine start, climate control, adjustable rear seat headrests and a fold out centre armrest with cupholders in the rear seat.

The Almera Ti also gets a few exterior additions -- 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a rear spoiler. All models are offered in six colours: Brilliant Silver, Burning Red, Deep Sapphire, Ebony, Titanium and White Diamond.

However you do get what you pay for and at this budget-end of the market that means there are omissions. You won't find a USB port to charge your phone, there's no cruise control, no reach adjust on the steering wheel or folding rear seats on any Australian-delivered Almera models.

While it may miss out on a few key features, the value equation should be enough to overcome these shortfalls, particularly when it's backed up with Nissan's six-year/120,000km capped-price servicing and backed by a three year/100,000km warranty which includes 24-hour roadside assistance for three years.

The four-speed automatic gearbox is a better unit than the five-speed manual, and one of the better four-speed autos in this class to boot. Gear changes are not what you'd call lightning quick but the gearbox is decisive and rarely leaves the engine to labour in a low gear. While the auto's tiny brain is switched on, to the say the manual gearbox works at all is about as close to any praise as you'd get.

The clutch is appreciably light but shifting gears is a grind, so to speak. It feels as though there's not synchromesh on any of the cogs, so you have to really shove the gear stick hard to slot it into gear. It's not a nice sensation. Luckily for Nissan 75 per cent of sales in this segment are for automatics.

The combined ADR 81/02 fuel economy is rated at 6.7L/100km for the automatic models and 6.3L/100km for the manual, which is about average for the light-sedan segment.

Electric power steering makes turning the Thai-built Almera effortless and suspension comprises independent MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear with coil springs. The latter provides good ride quality but only so-so handling, but the same could be said for many of its competitors. Deceleration is taken care of by disc brakes fore, drum brakes aft, and they do a decent rather than magnificent job.

Although it shares its underpinnings with the Micra, the Almera rides on a stretched 2535mm wheelbase, 100mm longer than Micra's, and it's this extra length that delivers remarkably good rear-seat leg room. Head room is a little tight in the back due to the sloping roof and the rear seats are fairly low to the ground, but the sense of space inside the car is impressive.

Bumper to bumper, the Almera measures roughly 700mm longer than the Micra, 4495mm and 3780mm respectively and there's plenty of room for front and rear-seat occupants. Like most light cars it's narrow, measuring 1695mm wide, and shoulder room becomes non-existent with more than two adult rear-seat passengers.

The seats provide adequate support and comfort, are finished in a budget cloth yet the initial impression when stepping into the cabin is positive. It feels well built and on some very winding roads there were no squeaks or rattles.

Instrumentation is concise with a pair of analogue dials providing road and engine-speed details, while a basic trip computer details fuel usage and distance to empty. Four beverage holders, two bottle holders and electric windows and mirrors are also included.

Almera's boot is almost as large as Holden's Commodore, boasting 490 litres of space, and not too far off the Honda City's class-leading 506 litre trunk. The only problem is the boot can't be expanded into the rear passenger compartment as the seat backs have no folding provision.

Three child-seat anchorage points are included on the rear parcel shelf and an engine immobiliser is also standard.

As one of the most affordable sedans in Australia, and also in its class, the Nissan Almera is well positioned to challenge the status quo, and take the fight to big sellers like the Barina and Accent.

On damp, twisting, undulating roads, the Almera evidenced good grip levels and the ABS performed well on a particularly slippery section of road, but it certainly didn't ignite the senses as a driver's car. However as a daily commuter or simply a mode of transport, the Almera does an honest job -- it's relatively frugal, offers good all-round vision from the captain's seat and has unexpected surfeit of interior space.

Nissan has put together a tidy little package that has the potential to be a surprise seller for Nissan, particularly with its low asking price, substantial warranty and capped-price servicing.

While cruise control's no show is disappointing (and is available on some competitors such as the Mazda2 sedan), and the lack USB port and a reach adjustable steering column are lamentable, at this price point it doesn't dent the car's appeal too much. Ultimately you get what you pay for but motorists on a budget should certainly investigate the car's pros and cons.

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