Little cars that are big inside

THE NISSAN Almera is the big fish in the B-segment.

1. Longest wheelbase in its class. The Nissan Almera is the big fish in the B-segment. The 2600-millimeter long wheelbase, nearly the length of some C-segment sedans’, pays off in interior space. There’s plenty of kneeroom in the rear seats, comparable to some D-segment sedans’.

2. Luggage space. Not only is the interior roomy, the trunk is also generously proportioned, with 490 liters of space, rivaling that of the Honda City.

3. Choice of instrument clusters. The Almera has two dashboard layouts, a funky layout with plenty of rounded shapes for the manual model, and a more formal, upscale design for the automatic model. The higher-spec model gets luminescent dials and needles.

THE HIGHER-SPEC model gets luminescent dials and needles.

4. Modern and airy interior. The Almera has large door openings and a light beige color scheme, the better to enhance the feeling of roominess.

5. 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Almera is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four gasoline unit. The double-overhead cam, 16-valve unit generates 99 horsepower and 134 nanometer, enough for the 1000-kilogram car to accelerate and effectively overtake city traffic. The engine mates to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

THE INTERIOR is modern and airy, with large door openings and a light beige color scheme. Photos by Jason K. Ang

6. Modern interior. The interior is modern and airy, with large door openings and a light beige color scheme. The gauges are straightforward indicators, with the higher spec models getting luminescent dials and needles. One feature unique to this class is the Almera’s rear air-conditioning vents, a system complete with its own fan control.

7. Decent handling. With the wheels pushed out to the corners, the Almera offers decent handling. Bumps and potholes are handily absorbed by the MacPherson strut front/torsion beam rear suspension. Steering is light and effortless, thanks to the electric power steering. The system is designed to further enhance fuel economy as well as give the proper level of steering assist, whether during parking maneuvers or when the car is at speed.

8. Proudly built in the Philippines. Nissan Motor Philippines has made the noteworthy decision to assemble the Almera at its Sta. Rosa, Laguna, plant, potentially creating new jobs and market opportunity for local suppliers.