It seems as though everyone is a critic, especially when it comes to the Nissan Almera. Trawling the internet for word on the new light sedan found onliners wading into the car, which has just come to Australia.
The main gripe was about the exterior, with many comments using the word ‘ugly’. Having spent time with the Almera on its media launch Down Under, I beg to differ.
Almera’s strength lies in its passenger cabin with class-leading space.
Almera’s rear seat legroom of 940mm is 94mm greater than Hyundai Accent and 59mm greater than Holden Barina.
The outstanding volume extends to the boot with 490 litres, 25 litres more than the Accent and 15 litres more than the Yaris.
On a short drive in the country (the wintry Dandenongs) the Nissan Almera manual ran true to form, finding the flat to its liking but running out of breath in higher gears hitting the hills.
The aforementioned spacious cabin provided a relatively comfortable and quiet travelling environment.
And so to the exterior. The Almera shares a new Nissan global design direction, its signature grille and large wraparound headlights producing a fuel-saving aerodynamic package.
I’m sure the Almera will garner followers. It is what it is, an inexpensive little runabout with class-leading cabin space; and does what it does, doing it without complaint. Prices start at $16,990, not including government or dealer delivery charges.
— Derek Ogden
