2013 Nissan Almera ST And Ti Launch Review
NISSAN ALMERA REVIEW
Vehicle style: Light-segment sedan
Price: $16,990 - $20,990
Engine: 1.5 litre 16-valve petrol four-cylinder
Power/Torque: 75kW/139Nm
Fuel consumption (listed): 6.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Nissan’s new Almera has been a hit in the USA (where it’s sold as the Versa Sedan), but will you want to buy it?
Here, sedans have traditionally played second-fiddle to hatchbacks in the light car segment. Nissan Australia however is banking on the Almera’s substantial interior space - at a squeezy light hatch price - to add around 3000 additional sales to its annual sales sheet.
It’s got a massive cabin, the Almera is indeed a rolling Tardis, but is, unfortunately, let down in a few other - somewhat critical - areas.
The Interior
First things first: the Almera absolutely, positively, has one of the longest cabins in its segment.
Nissan says the Almera boasts the greatest legroom in the light car class, and given the yawning 904mm chasm between the first and second row, we’ve no reason to doubt that claim.
Secondly, this is a rather nicely-made interior. Hard plastics dominate, but even the rock-hard dashboard and urethane steering wheel have an appealing texture to them.
The Ti gets a more upmarket interior feel, with better quality materials, automatic climate control, ambient temperature display, rear park-assist, rear seat centre armrest, keyless entry and ignition and engine start button. But, like the ST, it misses cruise control.
Externally, it scores 15-inch alloys, foglights and rear spoiler.