All-new 2020 Nissan Almera – 8 Features we get that Thailand doesn’t

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, has given selected members of the media a preview of the upcoming all-new 2020 Nissan Almera.

This comes roughly a week after Honda Malaysia previewed the equally-new Honda City RS i-MMD.

After spending some time checking the all-new Nissan Almera out, here are the eight features we get that Thailand doesn’t get. 

Keep in mind that the reason why Thailand misses out on these features is due to weight constraints, as Nissan needs to make sure the all-new Almera is light enough to keep fuel consumption and CO2 emissions below the limits set by Thailand's Eco Car Phase 2 program.

But over in Malaysia, there are no such regulations in place, allowing ETCM a bit more leeway to better equip the all-new Nissan Almera. 

As such, not only does the Malaysian-spec Almera features better noise insulation compared to the Thai-spec car, it also features a number of features unique to us.

16-inch alloy wheels

ETCM has fitted dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels on the VLP and VLT variants of the all-new Nissan Almera. Thai-spec cars, on the other hand, only get 15-inch wheels across the range with the lowest variant in Thailand receiving steel wheels without covers.

These 16-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in 205/55 R16 tires all round.

Daytime running lights

A small but welcomed feature is the inclusion of LED daytime running lights (DRLs) in the Malaysian-spec Nissan Almera.

Although its Thai counterpart gets similar-looking headlights, it only gets LED positioning lights - not LED DRLs.

Malaysian-spec cars also feature manual headlight leveling – something that is not available in the Thailand version.

LED rear fog light

The Serendah-assembled Nissan Almera is fitted with a driver-side rear fog light, just like the outgoing model.

While the Road Transport Department (JPJ) adopted the UNECE regulations a couple of years ago, regulations pertaining rear fog lights are not very clear. As a result, various car manufacturers appear to interpret the regulations differently.

In the case of ETCM, all models sold by them are fitted with rear fog lights and the all-new Nissan Almera is no different.

Rear spoiler

The range-topping VLT variant features a locally-designed gloss black trunk lid spoiler, giving the model a sportier appearance. 

Its Thai counterpart is not fitted with a rear spoiler as standard. Instead, the rear spoiler and the 16-inch wheels are optional accessories. 

Leather seats

Both the VLP and VLT variants of the all-new Nissan Almera are fitted with leather seats with grey accents.

It is a bit different for the Thais, as the Almera sold there can only be purchased with fabric seats. Leather seats are not even available as an optional accessory.

60:40 split folding rear seats

Surprising as it may sound, the all-new Nissan Almera’s boot space is actually slightly smaller than the outgoing model - coming in at 482 litres. For comparison, the outgoing N17-generation Almera features a 490-litre boot space.

Fret not, as the Malaysian-spec all-new Nissan Almera features 60:40 split folding rear seats – something unique to ETCM-assembled units. ETCM footed the development cost of the 60:40 split folding rear seats, which means that the Almera variants assembled in Malaysia are the only right-hand-drive versions to carry this feature.

Our Malaysian-spec cars also feature a rear centre arm rest and cupholders. 

Cruise control

Although the cruise control feature in the range-topping Nissan Almera VLT is not the adaptive type, it is still a nice feature to have nonetheless, especially if you cover a lot of highway miles.

The presence of the cruise control buttons also help to fill up an otherwise blank spot on the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Spare wheel

All variants of the all-new Nissan Almera feature a 15-inch temporary-type spare tyre, in place of the tyre repair kit found on the Thailand-spec car.

It may sound insignificant, but we do believe that there are people out there who appreciates a spare wheel over a tyre repair kit.

So, these are the eight features found in the upcoming all-new 2020 Nissan Almera that are not offered in the Thailand model.

Which is your favourite feature?