Packing more punch and goodies
Nissan’s all-new Almera Turbo, due for launch next month, will be priced from RM80,000 onwards.
AHEAD of its launch next month, local Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has unveiled the all-new Almera Turbo and has started takings orders.
This locally-assembled B-segment sedan will be offered in three variants.
The standard 1.0 VL and the midrange 1.0 VLP (Premium) variants will be priced within the RM80,000 range while the top-of-the-line 1.0 VLT (Technology) will be priced around RM90,000.
The Almera Turbo will be covered by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and (for early birds) five free maintenance service (parts and labour included) will also be part of the launch campaign.
Six available colours are Radiant Red (new), Monarch Orange (new), Dark metal Grey (new), Diamond Black, Brilliant White and Tungsten Silver.
Compared with the out-going model, the new Almera Turbo gets a longer wheelbase at 2,620mm (+20mm), as well as being longer at 4,495mm (+70mm), wider at 1,740mm (+45mm) and lower at 1,460mm (-40mm). The longer wheelbase helps to provide up to 620mm of rear legroom.
Suspension set-up is front independent MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam while the brakes use front ventilated discs and rear drums.
Despite the Almera Turbo’s larger size, boot size is down eight litres to 482 litres compared to the outgoing model but can be expanded by folding down the rear 60:40 backrests (Malaysia only).
Under the hood is a 1.0-litre (999cc) three-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 100PS and 152Nm of torque compared with the previous model with a 1.5-litre engine that produces 102PS and 139Nm of torque.
Power to this front-wheel drive sedan is managed by a next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) equipped with D-Step Logic System and Sport mode.
With a claimed fuel efficiency rating of 18.4km per litre (R101 Test Model), the Almera Turbo promises a driving range of up to 650km with its 35-litre fuel tank.
In addition to anti-lock braking system, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, hill-start assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, all three variants will get the Nissan Intelligent Mobility active safety features that include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking as standard equipment.
The 1.0 VL variant comes with two airbags, 15-inch silver alloy wheels with 195/65 series tyres, halogen head, fog and daytime running lights, rear LED fog lights, fabric seats, a urethane-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjust as well as audio and Bluetooth hands-free controls.
The 1.0 VLP gets six airbags, larger 16-inch two-toned machined alloys fitted with 205/55 series tyres and a rearview camera for the six-speaker 8.0-inch touchscreen display with integrated Apple CarPlay (no Android Auto).
The cabin is equipped with automatic climate controls, leather for the upholstery (with grey accents) and steering wheel as well as a soft-padded leatherette section on the dashboard.
A 7.0-inch full-colour semi-digital Advance Driver Assist Display (ADAD) for the instrument cluster is now available for drivers to navigate through the nine digital screens via the added steering wheel controls.
The 1.0 VLT has additional equipment such as a gloss-black rear trunk spoiler and automatic LED headlights, daytime running lights and front fog lights.
To bolster safety, this range-topper now has rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning and a sophisticated Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
The drive
Having the chance to experience the Almera Turbo 1.0 VLT, we’re delighted with the improvements.
The Almera Turbo’s new looks is appealing and its low drag coefficient of just 0.284Cd should provide a quiet drive while the cabin’s fit and finish has been significantly boosted away from its predecessor’s budget-oriented look and feel. The drive was marred by heavy rain, so cabin insulation, wind noise and tyre roar could not be properly determined.
The plastics are a definite step up from the outgoing Almera and the inclusion of a leatherette section on the dashboard adds a step towards that premium feel.
In terms of ride and handling, the car felt rather refined and welldamped when traversing over uneven road surfaces with roll significantly lesser than the outgoing model.
Much of this experience is thanks to replacing the rubber bump-stops in the suspension system with more durable polyurethane ones - each having a steel stiffener to help enhance impact absorption during hard cornering sessions.
The CVT was consistently smooth and simulated an automatic transmission well.
This is enhanced by the fact that there is minimal engine vibration and noise intruding into the cabin unless at higher engine speeds.
While in Sport mode, “gear changes” remained smooth and the revs stayed elevated to ensure power is always readily available.
Despite having rear drum brakes, overall brake-feel seemed on point and the inclusion of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features adds to driver confidence levels.
Overall, the 1.0 VLT made for a pleasant and comfortable drive that won’t have owners feeling like they’ve bought a budget vehicle but rather something that’s affordable, relatively up-market and sturdily-built.