Nissan Almera 2018 Review

In Malaysia's B-segment sedan market, balancing economy and basic configurations has always been the core demand of consumers—after all, most families need a reliable car that can handle daily commuting and occasional family outings. The 2018 Nissan Almera 1.5L E AT is targeted precisely at this niche market. Priced at less than RM66,000, it comes with above-class features such as keyless entry and a rear central armrest, while maintaining Nissan's usual advantage of spaciousness. This time, we got our hands on the actual car to verify whether its static performance meets family needs, whether its dynamic driving can satisfy daily use, and the overall cost-to-performance ratio at this price point.

Starting with the exterior, the Almera 1.5L E AT has a relatively conservative style, without excessively aggressive designs. The front features Nissan's signature V-Motion grille, complemented by chrome trim for decoration. Though not very large in size, it achieves decent recognition when paired with the halogen headlights. The side profile has straight lines, and with a length of 4,425mm and a wheelbase of 2,600mm, it stands at the mainstream level among B-segment sedans. The 15-inch tires with steel rims contribute to a modest visual effect, aligning with its entry-level positioning. The rear design is simple, with conventional halogen taillights that integrate well with the body. Overall, this exterior design might not be striking at first glance, but it is pleasingly understated, catering to users who prioritize practicality.

Stepping inside the car, the interior predominantly uses black as the main color, with materials mostly being hard plastic. However, the gaps at the joint parts are controlled well, leaving no obvious sense of cheapness. The dashboard layout is straightforward, with a basic audio system on top and a manual single-zone air conditioning control area below. The buttons are large in size, making them easy to operate. Notably, it comes standard with a multifunction steering wheel, with audio control buttons integrated on the left side. This allows users to adjust the volume or switch tracks without looking down, which is a nice convenience. The instrument cluster features backlit analog dials, clearly displaying speed, RPM, and other information, even under strong lighting. The seats are fabric and can be manually adjusted in the front. Although the lack of electric adjustment might be a downside, the backrest and seat padding provide decent support, ensuring comfort during short trips.

Space is one of Almera's highlights. The wheelbase of 2,600mm provides ample rear legroom. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the back will find about two fists of distance between their knees and the front seats, with an additional fist’s worth of headroom so there’s no sense of tightness. The rear row features a foldable center armrest, making it more comfortable for the middle rear passenger to rest their arms. Moreover, the floor has a minimal central hump, so the middle seat is still acceptable for a full carload. The trunk volume reaches 490 liters, enough to hold two 28-inch suitcases without any trouble. It is convenient for daily shopping or packing for a short trip. Additionally, there are plenty of small storage compartments in the cabin, such as cup holders on the door panels and the central armrest box, providing space to place phones, water bottles, and other items, greatly enhancing practicality.

In terms of dynamic performance, the Almera 1.5L E AT is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 102PS, with peak torque generated at 4,000rpm. It is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission (4AT). The power delivery during initial acceleration is relatively smooth, with the engine only showing significant acceleration response when revving above 3,000rpm. While daily city driving and following traffic poses no issue, overtaking requires pressing the accelerator in advance to prompt the transmission to downshift and increase revs. The shifting logic of the transmission emphasizes smoothness, and there is no noticeable jerking, which is consistent with the tuning style of a family car.

In terms of handling, the performance of the front MacPherson independent suspension is average. On smooth roads, the chassis can filter out most small bumps; when encountering speed bumps or uneven roads, the rear seats may experience slight bouncing, but it doesn’t feel overly stiff. The steering wheel is light and easy to handle, even for female drivers, but the precision of steering is mediocre with some play, making it more suitable for daily commuting rather than intense driving. The braking system adopts a front ventilated disc design, offering a linear brake feel, evenly distributed braking force, and a stable vehicle posture during emergency braking, without any significant nose-diving effect.

Fuel consumption meets expectations, with an official combined fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km. During our actual test, fuel consumption in urban traffic was around 7.5L/100km, while on highways it dropped to about 6L. A full 41L fuel tank can cover approximately 600 kilometers, making it adequate for a month's commute with just two refuels, which keeps the maintenance cost low. As for noise control, the interior remains relatively quiet below 60km/h; however, tire and wind noise become more noticeable above 80km/h, though it does not hinder normal conversation and remains within the normal range for vehicles in its class.

Compared to vehicles in the same class, such as the Toyota Vios 1.5J or Honda City 1.5S, the Almera 1.5L E AT is more affordable and comes standard with features like keyless entry and a rear center armrest. It also has an advantage in terms of interior space. However, its safety features are relatively basic, with only one driver-side airbag, which is one less than the two airbags in the Vios. Overall, its main strengths lie in its "affordable price and practical features," making it suitable for budget-conscious families that prioritize space and essential conveniences—for instance, parents who need to drive their kids to school and commute in the city daily, or young professionals who need a reliable car for getting around.

In conclusion, the 2018 Nissan Almera 1.5L E AT is a "no-obvious-weakness" family sedan. It does not boast stylish design or powerful engines, but at a price of RM66,000, it offers ample space, practical features, and reliable fuel economy, fully satisfying the needs of daily family use. If you are looking for an economical, practical, and worry-free vehicle but don’t want to compromise too much on features, then the Almera 1.5L E AT is worth considering.