QUICK DRIVE: 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo in Malaysia!

Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) dropped a veritable bombshell today by previewing the new Nissan Almera Turbo to select media. We’ve already got a full report detailing the impressive specifications of this B-segment sedan, but for those of you who prefer a video format, we’ve got you covered there as well, with a full walk-around tour and even our first test drive impressions.

The new second-generation Almera is a step-change from its gawky predecessor. Based on the latest European-market Micra hatchback, it’s much longer, wider and lower than before, which makes a world of difference in making this car look more attractive. The bold V-motion grille, slim arrow-shaped head- and tail lights (both available with LED technology for the first time), sharp lines and floating roof all combine to make this a far more stylish machine, which bodes well considering the fierce competition.

It’s the same thing inside as well, with a much more modern-looking interior, the use of stitched soft-touch materials on higher-end models, an available part-digital instrument cluster, and an eight-inch OEM Nissan Connect infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay connectivity.

But by far the most impressive spec concerns safety. Not only does the Almera get six airbags and standard-fit stability control for the first time, but autonomous emergency braking also comes as standard across the entire range. For a perennial laggard like Nissan, this is a significant step forward, and it puts the ball in its competitors’ court.

The engine is also thoroughly modern. Whichever variant you get, the Almera is powered by a new 1.0 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 100 PS and 152 Nm of torque from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. The car also ditches the ancient four-speed automatic transmission for an Xtronic CVT, which comes with D-Step Logic that mimics the performance of a multi-ratio automatic.

No confirmed prices have been revealed just yet, but ETCM estimates that both the base VL and mid-range VLP will be priced around the RM80,000 region, while the range-topping VLT is expected to retail somewhere around the RM90,000 mark. Bookings are open starting tomorrow, so the launch shouldn’t be too far away.

But enough of all that. You’re here for the video, so sit back and let our man Hafriz Shah get into finer detail on the car’s specs, as well as telling you what he thinks about how the new Almera drives. And as always, let us know what you think in the comments after the jump.

GALLERY: 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo VLT


GALLERY: 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo VLP
GALLERY: 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo VL

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Monana on Sep 04, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    Wow! What a handsome car. No Android Auto? No rear AC vent? No paddle shifter? I believe Malaysian know which other car have “yes” answer for all these questions. Hehe. Anyway, good job TanChong.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 30
    • Pros :
      1. Better looking than City
      2. Bigger wheels, not 185 like City
      3. Turbo instead of the old 1.5L engine like City
      4. AEB, BSM, Led headlight, Leather Seat*
      5. Arm Rest and Foldable 2nd row seat
      6. More spacious than X50

      Cons:
      1. Expensive than X70 rm89k?
      2. B sedan more expensive than B-SUV Toyota Rush 215R17 Sport Rim?
      All have AEB, BSM, 360 cam, leather seat
      3. No adjustable headrest?
      4. Only full spec have the LED headlights
      Low spec only use Reflector bulb
      5. Tiny temporary spare tire yet smaller boot space than Vios and Bezza, altough boot space still very huge.
      6. 2 airbags at RM80k for VL spec? Omg!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 6
    • CopyPaste on Sep 04, 2020 at 8:24 pm

      Tahniah TanChong! the Gamechanger arrived!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 1
      • Yawnz on Sep 05, 2020 at 12:39 am

        Yawwwwnzzzz! Wake me up when Tan Chong really had changed the game…. until then …Zzzzzzz

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 14
  • M & B on Sep 04, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    Nice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
    • Engineer on Sep 04, 2020 at 9:59 pm

      trade in my 20k 2019 Proton Iriz for this gem^^

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 3
      • Engineer on Sep 05, 2020 at 12:37 am

        I didn’t know our Proton hating troller has a new Proton! What a reveal! Really puts into doubt what he have been telling us all these while.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Finally, a worthy and practical sedan targeted at families, instead of the Vios, Mazda 2 and City, which decided to go the ‘sporty’ route to target younger consumers in favor of losing practicality.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 3
    • Syerin on Sep 04, 2020 at 10:53 pm

      Almera. the sedan all Saga, Persona, Iriz, Bezza, Myvi & Axia owners wanna upgred. But Proton X50 turbo is the best choice, ahakss…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 3
  • mohd hafiz on Sep 04, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    ok the nissan almera cvt is a new cvt-sorry noob question..4 speed cvt or 7 speed or not sure?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 7
  • Ethan on Sep 04, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    Kinda concerned about that CVT. Keep hearing about a bunch of problems about JATCO CVTs

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 16
  • definitely looks better than city and vios. With AEB its great, overall generally decent for this segment. But new proton X50 will kill this car, in my opinion.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
  • habisla new 2020 honda city…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 1
  • dream_125 on Sep 04, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    “ditches the ancient four-speed automatic transmission for an Xtronic CVT”

    Sor far about the guys whining about CVT in Persona or Iriz…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • MeiLi on Sep 05, 2020 at 7:04 am

      Yeah, Proton is changing back from CVT to 4-speed GB which is good. All other manuf. from 4-speed to CVT. When YS Khong Genting Drive, only cars with CVT other than Proton whine loudly. Aiyah. Conti brands tried CVT but going back to normal GB. I guess Proton is doing the right decision. Hate CVT and its soulless driv

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
      • Norlia on Sep 06, 2020 at 8:06 pm

        Just like Proton earlier were harping on Punch CVT, then some harping on the Infinite weave grille and now harping on the incompetent but so hardworking gahmen.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
      • newme on Sep 07, 2020 at 9:11 am

        CVT is only good at different timeline. It is good when proton uses them. No good when proton not using them according to proton clowns.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Haziq on Sep 04, 2020 at 8:52 pm

    I thought they are introducing the new logo starting with Almera?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
  • kia forever on Sep 04, 2020 at 11:34 pm

    Better get the kia cerato for this price… kia cerato is a car where the statement “value for money applies”… trust me guys… just go for a test drive… it’s free…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 24
    • Suka nyampok on Sep 05, 2020 at 12:55 pm

      Semua mahu cari suv skrg. Plok2 kalau harga lebih kurang sedan

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Neh. Korea still has got much more to learn from Japan how to make a reliable component. I got few friends sworn not to buy cheap Korean cars for quality issues related to structural material.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
    • Jungkook on Sep 08, 2020 at 10:22 pm

      OKAY Kia salesman…. somebody is working overtime

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • ThePolygon on Sep 05, 2020 at 8:17 am

    The looks plays an important part of the car and this one tick ‘YES’

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • holandliao on Sep 05, 2020 at 8:52 am

    1000 cc turbo.. haha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • nossan on Sep 05, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    Mahal lor

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
  • Suka nyampok on Sep 05, 2020 at 12:58 pm

    Semua mahu cari suv skrg. Plok2 kalau harga lebih kurang sedan

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Hayeri on Sep 05, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    Maybe your next move is writing car comparison article, especially useful details are size figure and engine output. Old city vs new city vs new vios vs new almera.

    I am torn between old city and new city, and now that new almera is coming out, I am even more confused.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Car hobby on Sep 06, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    Good design , at least better spec than the previous model , If u still remember x trail launch all 2 air bags only !! But now ok
    Like
    1. Design , Good work
    2 engine , should first of its kinds , better fuel efficiency, not sure how about at high speed ?
    3 Dash board , use good quality , but why white color ??
    4 Got arm rest even rear seat
    5 Advanced safety features , bravo

    Lacking
    1. Rear air con vent
    2. Paddle shift , gear shift don’t Hv !! Going down Hill how ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • holandliao on Sep 08, 2020 at 7:13 am

    cost saving. reduce engine to 1000cc 3piston add a small piece turbo. then noobie all said wow.. nice. why not 1.5 4piston. add small turbo. like preve and exora 1.6 turbo.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
 

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