Nissan has given its Almera a facelift for the 2023 model year, apart from throwing in several upgrades to maintain competitiveness in the fierce eco car market.
The current-generation Almera was launched in Thailand in November 2019 and quickly became one of the top-selling models for Nissan. Prior to the 2023 facelift, special editions called the Sportech and Sportech-X were also offered along the way to help stimulate sales.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Almera, which inherits many of the special features offered in the Sportech models, is available in four trim levels with prices ranging from 549,000 baht for the entry-level E trim to 699,000 baht for the top-of-the-line VL.
While the Almera VL's pricing has risen by 40,000 baht, there are several new features that help enhance safety, comfort and infotainment.
Design
The main design changes take place at the front, with the old V-motion grille being replaced with an even larger one. The new grille features a mix of glossy black and chrome, giving the 2023 Almera a more elegant look.
Automatic LED headlights are offered for the top two trims, with the top trim also getting High Beam Assist.
For those who want a sportier face, Nissan also offers various styling packages for the exterior and interior. The Ultimate Package, for example, is priced at 29,999 baht and comes with loads of stuff including a glossy black front grille, front and side skirts, black roof, ducktail rear spoiler etc.
There's also a new Gray Sky Pearl exterior colour that has dual shades -- purple under low light to blue under bright light. It looks great, but this will cost you another 10,000 baht.
The standard 15in alloy wheels provided by Nissan look absolutely dull -- the optional two-tone 16in alloys would be a better match here.
The interior of the Almera VL featured in this review comes with all the options, which also includes the Stylish Package with two-tone soft-touch synthetic upholstery on the console and door panels. There's a black/blue colour theme with glossy black garnish.
The upholstery of the Quole Modure seats do not absorb heat, to keep you cooler, while the multi-function D-shaped steering wheel (with 4-way adjustment) and gearshift knob gets real leather upholstery.
The speedometer in the Almera is analogue, but the left half of the dash is a 7-inch digital screen that serves as the rev counter as well as displaying various graphics, for example the tyre pressure monitoring system or trip information.
There's cruise control, cable connection for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8-inch centre touchscreen, voice control, and our test car also came with Nissan Connected Services. Apart from an SOS service, which is a segment first, there are also remote key functions such as starting the engine and switching on the air-con.
There are two USB ports, a 12V outlet and 2.5mm audio input, along with a wireless charging pad. Perhaps one or two more USB ports would be great.
The seats are fairly comfortable and although there's not much space from left to right, being an eco car, the rear passengers do get decent legroom and there's decent boot space too. However, there aren't luxuries like powered front seats or a rear armrest.
Performance
The Almera gets its power from a 999cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine that pumps out 100hp at 5,000rpm and 152Nm from 2,400-4,000rpm, which is about the same level as a normally-aspirated 1.5-litre car. Nissan claims average fuel economy of 23.3kpl.
While there is some vibration at idle from the three-pot motor, the engine performs well with the CVT it is mated to. You get D-Step Logic that creates simulated shift points just for fun, but there isn't a manual mode. Thankfully you also get a small sport button on the gearshift knob that provides better throttle response.
The steering feel is not bad and handling is pretty straightforward in the Almera, making it a fun car to drive on winding roads. The suspension is McPherson strut/torsion beam type that offers good comfort, but there's only a front stabiliser instead of both front and rear like the previous Sportech version.
Brakes are vented discs up front and drums at the rear offering satisfactory stopping power.
The Almera offers a comfortable ride on the highway, and the suspension does its work well to smoothen out shocks and vibrations most of the time. There's also plenty of torque for highway overtaking, although strong crosswinds can unsettle the car to a certain degree at high speeds.
Verdict
The cosmetic changes for the 2023 Nissan Almera might not appeal to everyone but there are substantial improvements to maintain its attractiveness in the Thai eco car market, in exchange for increased pricing.
Pros: New front design, more equipment, rear legroom
Cons: 40,000 baht price increase, engine vibration
