SPEC SHOWDOWN: 2023 Nissan Almera VL vs. 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT

The updated Nissan Almera subcompact sedan was launched in Thailand on May 11, 2023.

It is slated to debut in the Philippines on June 2023, although final specifications have not yet been announced. The Almera is available in four variants for the Thai market.

The pre-facelift Almera was a good car, but didn’t quite have enough to take on the best-selling subcompact in the Philippines, the venerable Toyota Vios.

But with new styling and more safety tech, does the latest Almera now have a chance? We find out in this edition of the AutoFun Philippines Spec Showdown!

Almera larger, more elegant

For this comparison, we’ll be checking out the top-of-the-line, Thai-spec Nissan Almera VL and the top-spec Toyota Vios 1.5 G.

Why not the Vios GR-S? That’s because the Almera VL is not a sporty model, although the Thai market offers various body kits. 

The Almera VL is slightly larger than the Vios 1.5 G, with the 55 mm difference in wheelbase helping with the Almera’s cabin space. 

Style-wise, both cars feature huge front grills that extend into the lower bumper. However, I think the facelifted Almera manages to look distinctive without being as in your face as the Vios. 

Nissan has more plush interior

Step inside both cars and the Nissan driver gets a lot more.

Aside from the sky-blue interior trim, the updated Almera also comes standard with leather and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

Meanwhile, the Vios' cabin is sensible and well-laid out, but doesn't really stand out in terms of aesthetics.

Again, I’d pick the Nissan for having a more exciting interior design that offers better value.

Almera trumps non-turbo Vios

Under the hood, the Almera and the Vios diverge greatly.

The Nissan is powered by a three-cylinder turbo engine, while the Vios gets a proven four-cylinder, non-turbo engine.

Stacking up the numbers, the Vios has a bit more horsepower, although you have to rev it hard to get it.

However, the Almera offers noticeably more torque at a lower part of the rev range, which means more punch from low speeds.

Almera offers better safety tech

Among the updates to the 2023 Almera are tweaks to the Nissan Safety Shield, which includes a variety of active-safety features.

Although the Vios offers competitive safety equipment, it still doesn’t come with any sort of active-safety system.

Without question, the Nissan takes the cake in the safety department.

Time for the new Vios?

Spec for spec, the top-of-the-line Nissan Almera trounces the Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT.

This is largely because the current-generation XP150 Vios in the Philippines is fairly long in the tooth, most especially since the Daihatsu-based AC100 Vios is already available in various ASEAN markets.

Although many in the Philippines will go for the current Vios’ proven mechanicals and sound design, those who want more out of a subcompact sedan may consider something like the updated Almera.

Which would you pick?

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