Nissan Almera

After making a successful debut in Kenya some time back, the Nissan Almera has just been retransformed yet again. 

Nissan Almera

 At the front it receives a familiar large four bar grill. However their new grill is now more classy thanks to some new chrome paint. The large headlamps have also been restyled. They feature a separate cluster design for the main beam headlamp, low beam headlamp and the turn signals.

Long wheelbase for a roomy interior

Below the headlamps is a large air intake which, just like the other front elements, has also been restyled. Fog lamps adorn each side of the front bumper giving the new Almera’s front a calm and composed look. Chrome door handles at the side give the car a classy touch while the new restyled side mirrors allow for better view of incoming traffic. The doors have also been restyled and open wider to allow easy access to the interior.

Chrome door handles

The Almera also receives classy new alloy wheels. Uniquely shaped rear lights adorn the back while the boot lid gets a chrome finish as well. A body under guard that runs all-round the car has incorporated reflectors and stop light at the back as well. The car also receives an under body protection treatment. The bottom of the engine bay is covered by a 2 mm thick steel plate while the whole car has a clearance of 160mm.

Restyled front headlamps

To improve on the aerodynamic of the car, the roof has a curvy look to allow for easy air flow while the under body of the car has a highly effective aero deflector that not only boosts airflow under the car but keeps the car stable even at higher speeds. 

Fog lamps

Behind its large chrome grill is a 1.6 litre, 16-valve petrol engine packed with 102hp and 145Nm of torque. Married to the engine is a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Power to the wheels is managed by a robust chassis setup. The chassis consists of strong strut-type front suspension allied to a rear beam axle.

large boot

A front anti-roll bar helps improve handling performance while the bar, the rear beam axle and the coil springs provide maximum comfort to occupants. The body has also been made stiffer to improve on its rigidity and also reduce overall interior noise. 

Large chrome grill

The large doors open up to an interior that is roomy and large enough for five occupants. It has plenty of leg room and headroom thanks to its overall wheelbase of 4,656mm and the tall roof. The rear window bents further back towards the boot to provide a spacious feeling to the rear passengers. It also has a large boot space of 500 litres. A handle mounted on inside the lid means the trunk can be closed without the need to touch the invariably dirty exterior of the car. And under the boot floor, there's ample space for the full sized spare wheel. 

Audio system

The Nissan Almera is avaliable with three grades. There is Welcome, Comfort and the top of the range Tekna. Standard equipment on Comfort model include remote central door locking, heated power door mirrors, fog lamps, a trip computer and height adjustment for the driver's seat. The package also includes chromed accents to the air vents while the trim material is patterned.

Cockpit

The large door mirrors are also finished in body colour while the door handles and trunk finisher are chromed.  The front seats are also heated to provide extra comfort in the cold. Air conditioning and alloy wheels are also available as options.

Rear of the Almera

The top of the range Tekna comes with air conditioning as standard, along with power windows at the rear, four speakers, leather wrapped steering wheel and 15-inch alloy wheels. The AM/FM single CD radio also comes fitted with Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones. An Aux-in jack socket to connect a MP3 player is also standard. 

Leather warped steering wheel

Prices for the new Nissan Almera are not out yet. Whether it will be making its way to Africa is just but a speculation. Expect more details on this classy affordable saloon soon.