Nissan Philippines (NPI) has launched the refreshed 4th-generation Nissan Almera (N18) updating the all-new model released locally in October 2021.
“The new Nissan Almera represents our unwavering dedication to innovation and exceptional driving experiences. From its captivating design and exhilarating performance to the groundbreaking NissanConnect Services, the Almera sets a new standard in the segment. We are excited to introduce this remarkable vehicle to our customers, bringing them a new level of excitement and connectivity,” said NPI president Juan Manuel Hoyos.
The new Almera features Nissan’s bold and dynamic design language. It features the next-generation V-Motion grille and logo, boomerang-shaped LED headlamps and tail lamps, LED Signature Daytime Running Lamps, and a black-top option for the hero color Moon Pearl Gray exclusive to the VL trim.
Inside the spacious interior is a well-appointed dashboard with a new 7-inch TFT Meter with Integrated Drive-Assist Display and a D-shaped steering wheel with hands-free, meter, and voice recognition controls. Its 8-inch touchscreen head unit displays entertainment, navigation, safety, security, and more on one screen with wired and Bluetooth connectivity aside from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin temperature is maintained by the vehicle’s automatic climate control system.
New to this model is a soft-to-touch blue panel that spans the width of the dashboard (for VL and VE), similar to the red/maroon styling found on the Terra. The seats also come with blue trims as standard, with the only difference being the choice of materials (leather vs. fabric) between variants.
As a minor model change, all the basics remain the same – all variants are powered by a powerful 1.0L turbocharged, inline 3-cylinder (HRA0) engine that produces a maximum output of 100PS and 152Nm of torque for the CVT variants (VE and VL) and 160Nm for the base EL variant with a 5-speed manual transmission. Also standard across all variants are independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer fronts and torsion beam with stabilizers at the back, with stopping power courtesy of ventilated discs in front and drum brakes at the rear.
The new Almera holds the distinction of being the first vehicle in NPI’s lineup to be equipped with NissanConnect Services (NCS) – the brand’s integration of smart features that uses an embedded e-SIM and telematics to link the car to Nissan’s Cloud Services, which then seamlessly integrates with the NissanConnect Services app that is available on iOS and Android. Using a smartphone, the owner has access to a range of smart features such as remote engine start/stop, door lock/unlock, Automatic Collision notification, SOS emergency call button, My Car Finder, and Theft alert, among others. The system has built-in features to ensure safety and adheres to strict ISO standards in terms of security and data privacy. Subscription to NCS is free for the first three years, with pricing for succeeding years to be announced before the third year of the pioneering batch.
NCS is currently only available on the top-of-the-line VL variant, which is also the sole trim that comes with the following Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) features: Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist. Meanwhile, the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Forward Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Warning can be found on both the VE and VL trims, and Hill Start Assist is standard across all variants.
#DrivePinas
As a post-launch activity and to serve as the maiden activity of the Department of Tourism and Nissan Philippines Inc.’s tie-up, Drive Pinas, NPI hosted a drive to San Juan, La Union. The 300-kilometer drive to the surfing capital of the North allowed the participants to stretch Almera’s legs on the highways, and get acquainted with the features and convenience features of NCS. The drive was made more enjoyable with all the nice-to-have features including the surround-view camera and Apple CarPlay. Nissan’s legendary air condition also did not disappoint as it shielded us from the scorching El Niño heat. Cruising the expressways and overtaking other vehicles was easy with the Almera’s responsive acceleration and smooth shifting. The sedan is a breeze to steer, and because of its size, easy to park as well.
Pricing and availability
The new Almera is now available at the following prices and comes with a 5-year or 150,000-kilometer (whichever comes first) warranty for the VL trim and 3 years for the VE and EL variants. The warranty covers mechanical, electrical, body, and paint, as well as accessories, with some caveats:
- New Almera 1.0 EL MT – Php 839,000
- New Almera 1.0L VE CVT – Php 1,059,000
- New Almera 1.0 VL CVT with NissanConnect Services – Php 1,149,000.
Available colors include Moon Pearl Gray with Black Top (Hero color, exclusive to the VL variant), Cayenne Red (for VL and VE only), Brilliant Silver, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, and Galaxy Black.
For more information on the New Nissan Almera with NissanConnect Services, visit www.nissan.ph.