Last year was a relatively quiet year for Nissan Malaysia, having launched only two models – the facelifted X-Trail and all-new Leaf.

However, 2020 is set to be a better year for Nissan Malaysia, as the company has confirmed that they will be introducing several new models this year.

All-new Almera is upon us soon

The first model we can expect from Nissan is the all-new Almera, which made its regional debut in Thailand back in November 2019.

We particularly love how the all-new Almera looks, as it gets design cues from the larger Sylphy and Teana, giving the little B-segment sedan a much-needed upgrade in the looks department.

The interior has also been revamped - out goes the questionable bulbous-looking dashboard, now replaced with a more user-friendly and aethetically-pleasing one. 

As such, it could give the all-new Honda City a run for its money.

For the Thai market, all variants of the all-new Almera receive Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Hill Start Assist (HAS), and at least 2 airbags. The top-of-the-line Almera VL gets a total of 6 airbags.

If that is not enough, upper variants of the all-new Almera are fitted with ADAS features like forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert.

While the Thais get a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, bear in mind that the Almera requires such an engine in order to comply with Thailand's Eco Car Phase 2 program.

We reckon that a lower cost 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine could be fitted to the Malaysia-assembled units. 

The Kicks should be here after the Almera

After the all-new Almera, Malaysians can expect the Nissan Kicks to arrive here later this year as well.

The Nissan Kicks is a B-segment SUV that made its global debut back in May 2016.

Talks of the Kicks coming here isn’t new – the model was earmarked for Malaysia since 2017, but nothing materialized.

However, that could soon change as the Kicks has been caught undergoing road tests in Indonesia and Thailand, indicating that development work is underway.

Back in January, Thai website headlightmag reported that the Thai-built Kicks will feature Nissan’s e-Power powertrain.

Unlike the parallel hybrid system found in the X-Trail Hybrid, the e-Power version is a series hybrid, as the tiny 1.2-litre petrol engine does not drive the wheels.

Instead, the petrol engine’s only function is to keep the hybrid battery charged.

Strange as it may sound, Nissan is the only manufacturer that still believes in this system, as the company currently offers the Serena and Note in e-Power flavours.

But wait, there's more..

Last but certainly not the least is the new generation Nissan Grand Livina - the successor to the popular first-generation model that was introduced in late-2007. 

Unlike the first generation model, the all-new Nissan Grand Livina is a rebadged Mitsubishi Xpander, as both companies are part of the larger Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. 

Just like the Xpander, the all-new Grand Livina gets a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to a 4-speed automatic, with drive sent to the front wheels. 

Compared to its closest rival, the Honda BR-V, the Grand Livina gets a more practical cabin, thanks to multiple storage spots littered throughout. 

Having a lighter monocoque body also means that the Grand Livina is more fuel efficient than the ladder frame, rear-wheel drive Toyota Rush/Perodua Aruz twins.