2018 Nissan Almera 1.5L VL AT Review

In Malaysia's B-segment sedan market, reliable and durable family cars have always been the core choice for consumers. The 2018 Nissan Almera 1.5L VL AT, as a classic model in this segment, occupies a prominent position with its balanced practicality and affordable pricing. Its core selling points include a spacious trunk, convenient keyless entry function, and stable fuel efficiency within its class. Today, we will explore whether it still meets the needs of today's family users through a static review and a dynamic test drive.

In terms of appearance, the 2018 Almera retains Nissan's classic family design language, with an overall style leaning towards calm and practical family use. The front features a large V-motion grille accented with chrome trims, offering decent recognition; the side profile is smooth, with a length of 4425mm and a wheelbase of 2600mm, which are mid-range within the same class. The 185/65R15 tire specification balances comfort and economy. The rear design is simplistic, with halogen tail lamps that are fairly conventional in shape. Overall, there are no overly flashy elements, aligning with its family car positioning.

Stepping inside, the interior predominantly features black as the main color, with materials mainly consisting of hard plastics, though the craftsmanship is relatively well-executed. The dashboard layout is clear, and the multifunction steering wheel supports basic audio controls and call answering functions, making it convenient to use. The instrument cluster adopts an analog design with electronic illumination, providing clear readings. The 1.5L VL AT version comes standard with single-zone automatic air conditioning, with adjustment knobs that offer moderate resistance and are easy to use for daily applications. Notably, it is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, which is very practical for users needing outdoor power. The front seats are manually adjustable, with average wrapping but soft padding, keeping long drives from becoming too tiring. The rear row is equipped with a foldable central armrest, enhancing the comfort for the middle passenger, and legroom is just enough for passengers up to 175cm tall without feeling cramped. The trunk offers a capacity of 490L, which is more spacious than many competitors in the same class. It can easily accommodate two 28-inch suitcases alongside a few backpacks, meeting family travel needs.

In the dynamic test drive section, this car is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 102PS with peak torque available at 4000rpm, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The power output during start-up is smooth, with no noticeable jerks, but acceleration performance is average, and overtaking requires stepping on the gas pedal more deeply to achieve sufficient power response. At highway speeds, engine revs tend to be slightly high, and noise control is average. The suspension system features a front MacPherson independent suspension, which effectively filters small bumps on urban roads. However, when dealing with speed bumps or larger potholes, passengers in the rear can feel noticeable vibrations. The steering wheel is light and easy for daily driving, but precision is average, and body roll during cornering is prominent. It is more suited for smooth driving rather than aggressive handling.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.7L/100km. In actual testing, city driving yielded approximately 7.5L/100km, while highway conditions brought it down to about 6L/100km, meeting expectations. The braking system features front ventilated disc brakes, with a linear braking response and no noticeable slack, ensuring a sufficient sense of safety during daily driving. Regarding noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet at low speeds, but as the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind and tire noise become considerably more noticeable, impacting riding comfort.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Nissan Almera 1.5L VL AT are its spacious trunk, practical features (such as 220V power outlet and keyless entry), and stable fuel consumption performance. Priced at RM75,419, it is considered affordable in its class, and the 3-year/100,000-km warranty provides peace of mind for consumers. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Vios or Honda City, its features are not the most extensive, but its space and practicality stand out. This car is suitable for families prioritizing space and affordability, especially for daily commutes and weekend short trips, which it can fully satisfy. If you need a reliable and hassle-free family sedan, the 2018 Almera 1.5L VL AT is a practical choice.