2012 Nissan Almera To Launch In Malaysia This November In Three Variants

The 2012 Nissan Almera has opened for booking from September 6, without any indication of the official prices so we are stuck with the previous indicated price range of between RM70K to RM85K. At least now we know that there will be three variants coming around the rumoured launch date in November: the base Almera E manual, the mid-range Almera V and the range-topping Almera VL.
Based on Nissan's all-new V (V for Versatile) global platform that is also used by the March hatchback, the Almera's main selling point appears to be its class-leading rear legroom of 636 mm, derived from the same 2600-mm wheelbase as its predecessor Latio sedan's, and the generous boot capacity of 490 litres. So large is the B-segment Almera that it has been classified as a mid-size sedan by the U.S. agency EPA.
We are not sure the claimed "upscale sedan presence" was in view, and the performance on paper appears lacklustre too, at just 102 HP at 6000 rpm and 139 Nm at 4000 rpm generated by the 1.5-litre HR15DE engine, which is mated to a newly-developed four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox. Perhaps the tradeoff lies in the impressive 14.9 km/litre fuel economy.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor revealed some of the notable equipment on each of the variants: the Almera E will come with a single driver's airbag, 15" steel rims, remote keyless entry, and a trip computer; the Almera V adds a front passenger's airbag, alloy wheels, fog lamps, Fine Vision Meter with multi-information display (MID), and silver-cum-chrome trim inside; and the Almera VL further adds on Intelligent key, remote trunk release, push-start button ignition, automatic climate control with LCD display, and steering audio controls.
Safety features across the Almera range count ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, three 3-point rear seat belts and Isofix child seat mounts. Also available for all three variants is the three-year/100,000-km warranty and five exterior colours: Bronze Gold, Sapphire Black, Twilight Grey, Tungsten Silver and the sole solid Brilliant White.