In Russia, sedans continue to enjoy steady demand, and foreign brands understand this perfectly well. A fresh response to this demand was the updated Nissan Almera, which offers its own take on a city sedan for Russian roads.
2006 Nissan Almera Classic
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
When the car drove out of the dark garage, the first impression was deceptive: instead of the promised Almera, a gray-green Skoda Octavia appeared before my eyes. But after a closer look, you realize it's not that. The Nissan emblem is clearly visible on the radiator grille. The front end, although reminiscent of the Czech model's appearance, looks quite successful. The car has become visually more solid and mature, and the air intake in the bumper adds aggressive notes to its appearance. Such solutions are sure to appeal to those looking for an inexpensive car.
If you look closely at the profile, it becomes clear that the doors and the window line have not changed. But the rear, like the front, has received a new design. Overall, the styling resembles a mix of solutions from the Mitsubishi Lancer and Ford Mondeo. There is little originality here, but it looks solid.
Let's go inside. The instrument panel is designed more modernly, while the informativeness for which the previous model was valued has not gone anywhere. The center console has changed, but it is still made of smooth hard plastic. This move, according to the creators' idea, should emphasize the car's status. But the heater control knobs disappointed - they look quite old-fashioned.
The standard stereo also surprised: despite CD support, it seems morally outdated, and the sound leaves much to be desired. The screen is simple to the point of primitiveness. For that kind of money, it's more logical to immediately install a good aftermarket audio system.
2006 Nissan Almera Classic
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
The seats are upholstered in fabric that looks and feels simple and also slippery. The well-thought-out seat shape and pronounced lateral support save the day. There are few adjustments, but a person of average height can easily get comfortable behind the wheel.
Passengers in the back will like it: there is plenty of legroom, and the sofa is quite comfortable. The wide armrest, behind which a hatch into the trunk is hidden, is also appealing - convenient for carrying long items.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter engine with 107 hp, paired with an automatic transmission. For the city, that's just what you need. The power is enough for confident movement on busy streets. Acceleration is smooth, shifts are timely, so fatigue in traffic jams accumulates not so quickly. True, if you start driving actively, the Almera falls behind: the lack of torque and the simple automatic remind you that you have an ordinary city car in front of you.
2006 Nissan Almera Classic
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso
The suspension is moderately stiff, so there is almost no body roll in corners. The car handles large potholes quite comfortably. The only thing that annoys is noticeable nose dives during braking and acceleration.
The brakes pleased separately. The pedal effort is perfectly selected, and deceleration is easy to dose at any speed. The anti-lock braking system makes itself known only with a slight crackling sound from under the panel.
The Almera has clearly become better. Moreover, the new city sedan asks for less money than its predecessor. The base version costs $13,800, whereas previously the price was $15,490. For this money, a car with a 1.6-liter engine and manual transmission is offered.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Powertrain, trunk.
– Simplicity of materials, interior ergonomics.
Technical specifications of Nissan Almera
Curb weight, kg – 1240
Gross weight, kg – 1700
Dimensions (length/width/height), mm – 4510/1710/1440
Wheelbase, mm – 2535
Maximum speed, km/h – 177
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s – 13.9
Control fuel consumption, l/100 km:
- city cycle – 10.7
- highway – 6.1
Engine:
- type – 4-cylinder, with injection
- displacement, cm3 – 1596
- power, hp at rpm – 107/6000
- torque, Nm at rpm – 146/5200
Transmission – automatic, 4-speed
Brakes:
- front – disc, ventilated
- rear – disc
Price, $ – 17,020.
© 5 Koleso