Nissan Almera – Should you wait for the all-new model?

If you’re in the market for the current-generation Nissan Almera, we reckon that you should postpone your purchase for a bit as the all-new Almera will be coming to Malaysia, with the soonest being late-2020 or early-2021.

The all-new model was introduced in Thailand back in November 2019, replacing the previous model that has been on sale since 2012.

Engine - Probably no turbo for us

The all-new Nissan Almera is fitted with a new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that does 100 PS and 152 Nm, mated to a CVT-type automatic.

Nissan is able to fit this new turbocharged engine into the Almera as Thailand offers tax deduction for low CO2 emission engines.

Without the tax deductions, the engine will be too expensive for developing markets in this region.

But the same cannot be said for Malaysia, as our country does not have any regulations in place for CO2 emissions or related tax benefits.

As such, it is more likely that our upcoming all-new Nissan Almera will be fitted with the current 1.5-litre engine.

Is a 2020 debut possible?

Like the all-new Honda City, changes in the tax structure and Open Market Value (OMV) calculations have pushed back car launches. 

As such, the soonest the all-new model could be introduced in Malaysia is late-2020 or early-2021.

Interior – Better than the all-new Honda City

While we may not get the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, rest assured that the interior is a vast improvement over the current model.

Nissan has done a swell job with the all-new Almera’s interior – the design feels more upmarket than the Honda City, and is miles ahead of the current Almera.

The all-new Almera also gets a lovely instrument cluster with a large LCD on the left, nicer than the all-new City’s twin-binnacle design.

Legroom in the rear, especially the foot well area, is also a bit tighter than the Honda City due to the front seats lower position.

That said, the tighter rear legroom is also partly due to the Almera’s thicker-padded front seats, which gives better support than the Honda City’s.

However, unlike the all-new City, the Almera does not get adjustable rear head rests or centre arm rest.

Safety features – Pulls ahead of the City

The all-new Nissan Almera pulls ahead of the City by offering considerably more safety features than the Thailand market Honda City.

Never mind the inclusion of 6 airbags on the upper range variants of the Almera, slected variants also include blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree view monitor – miles ahead of the outgoing model.

That said, these ADAS features may not be offered on Malaysian-spec cars.

Conclusion – Skip the current Almera and wait for the all-new model

Apart from the fact that the current Nissan Almera is cheap to purchase (dealers are offering massive discounts), there isn’t any other reasons to pick the Almera over the Toyota Vios or Honda City.

Not only is the current Almera the oldest model in the segment, it also has the least amount of safety equipment – just 2 airbags and ABS. Rivals such as the Toyota Vios offer 7 airbags and stability control, making the Almera look spartan by comparison.

As such, waiting for the all-new model is highly recommended – not only safety equipment is better than the current model, its interior is also a much nicer place to be in.