It may have arrived later than we expected, but the 2024 Nissan Almera is raring to have a go at the updated 2024 Honda City that’s launching on July 13, 2023.

Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) officially launched the updated Almera subcompact sedan on July 10, 2023. The latest model gets new styling, which we first featured following its Thailand launch on May 2023, along with greater convenience through NissanConnect Services.

NPI said there will be three variants available: EL, VE and VL. Although the company has yet to release the final specifications for the Almera, these are likely identical to the facelifted model that debuted in Thailand.

Bigger grin

For this latest model, Nissan has ditched the Almera’s handsome and subtle front end.

The subcompact sedan now adopts the massive grill of its American sibling, the Nissan Versa. These include horizontal slats that extend into the lower bumper, further accentuating the pointed headlights and V-Motion design language.

The side profile remains identical to the pre-facelift Almera, while the rear end is largely the same, except for the addition of a faux diffuser. It is not yet clear if the Philippine-market Almera will get Thailand's Ignite and Ultimate Packages that include a special body kit.

What is clear is that the new Gray Sky Pearl paint color will be available, along with a two-tone black roof.

Colorful cabin

Based on photos posted on the NPI website, the facelifted Almera will get the same interior treatment as the Thailand-market model.

There are now swaths of light blue on the dashboard and the seats. And the Almera will likely get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the hood still resides the Almera’s turbocharged 1.0-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve inline-3 gasoline engine pumping out 100 PS and 152 Nm of torque. This is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission.

Greater connectivity

NPI said the updated Almera will come with NissanConnect Services.

Available only in the VL variant, this app-based system allows owners to access vehicle features and get emergency assistance, all through their smartphones. These include things like:

• Automatic Collision Notification

• SOS Emergency Call Button

• My Car Finder

• Vehicle Health Report

• Speed Alert

• Theft Alert

• Curfew Alert

In addition, the Almera VL comes with a 5-year/150,000 km extended warranty. After the first 3 years and 100,000 km (whichever comes first), NPI will add another 2 years and 50,000 km (whichever comes first) solely for mechanical and electrical issues.

The company said the unit must strictly follow the periodic maintenance service schedule, use only genuine Nissan parts and accessories and should not be driven for commercial purposes.

Active safety suite

NPI said the 2024 Almera will come with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility active-safety suite, although it did not specify if all variants would receive it.

This includes driver assists that can mitigate the harms of a road crash or completely prevent it, such as:

• Lane Departure Warning

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert

• Intelligent Around View Monitoring

• Moving Object Detection

• Intelligent Forward Collision Warning

• Blind Spot Warning

• Hill Start Assist

This puts the Almera toe-to-toe with the 2024 Honda City. The latter will feature the Honda SENSING active-safety suite on all variants, which is a first in the subcompact sedan class.

The prices of the three Almera variants are as follows:

• EL M/T – ₱839,000

• VE CVT – ₱1,059,000

• VL CVT with NissanConnect Services – ₱1,149,000

Do you think the 2024 Almera now has what it takes to take on Honda and Toyota?

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