5 things you didn’t know about the 2020 Nissan Almera!

After eight long years, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has finally welcomed a brand-new Nissan Almera. The new B-segment sedan is now priced from RM 79.9k for the base Turbo VL variant, before topping out at RM 91.3k for the Turbo VLT variant.

Now, let’s take a closer look at five things you didn’t know about the 2020 Nissan Almera!

1. One of the most fuel efficient cars we've tested

The previous-generation Nissan Almera sported a run-of-the-mill naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre engine mated to a 4-speed automatic, allowing it to return a claimed fuel consumption of 6.7-litre/100 km.

With the introduction of the all-new Nissan Almera, the new model has finally ditched that archaic powertrain in favour of a more sophisticated turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. The brand-new Almera also features a CVT-type automatic transmission.

Combined, ETCM says that the all-new Nissan Almera is able to return 5.4-litre/100 km under the NEDC R101 test cycle. During out short stint with the Almera, it returned an average of 5.19-litre/100 km - one of the most fuel efficient cars we're tested to-date.

2. The 1.0L Turbo packs sufficient power

Don't let the small engine capacity fool you, as the Almera's forced-induction engine more than makes up for the difference in engine capacity.

On paper the Nissan Almera offers 100 PS and 152 Nm - hardly ground-breaking figures, but the full 152 Nm of torque is available from 2,400 rpm all the way 4,000 rpm, making accelerating and overtaking a breeze.

While horsepower figures trail the Honda City and Toyota Vios, the Nissan Almera offers more torque than its rivals, which is actually more useful for day-to-day commutes.

3. One of the safest cars around

For the first time ever, the Malaysian market Nissan Almera gets stability control and traction control – both of which weren’t available on he predecessor model.

Adding on to that, the VLP and VLT variants of the Almera are equipped with 6 airbags, putting the Almera toe-and-toe with segment rivals like the Honda City and Toyota Vios.

The improvements in the safety department continue, as all three variants feature Nissan’s Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (AEB). Currently, no other B-segment sedan offers AEB and FCW across the range.

As for the range-topping VLT variant, it adds Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

4. Exceptionally quiet ride

One feature that can’t be seen but can definitely be experienced is the improved sound insulation.

Compared to its Thai counterpart, the Malaysian-spec Nissan Almera feature more sound insulation for a quieter ride.

In fact, armed with our trusty dB meter in hand, we found out that the cabin registered an average of 68 dB whilst cruising at 110 km/h.

Furthermore, Nissan has done a great job isolating the Almera’s three-cylinder harshness from entering the cabin, resulting in a very well-insulated cabin.

5. More comfortable than the Honda City

We’ve kept the best for last.

Yes, you read that right – the all-new Nissan Almera is more comfortable than the Honda City.

This is largely due to Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, which does an excellent job of providing C-segment-like comfort levels – something that was unimaginable a year ago. As gimmicky as the name may sound, they actually work exceptionally well.

Couple the Zero Gravity seats and the well-tuned suspension with its additional sound insulation, the all-new Nissan Almera is definitely one of the most comfortable B-segment sedans out there.

Get the new Nissan Almera from only RM688 monthly. Click here to learn more.