Nissan Almera: История Модели и Поколения

Car model and nameplate by Nissan

The Nissan Almera is a line of automobiles that has been manufactured by the Japanese car manufacturer Nissan since 1995. For its early generations, the Almera is a compact car (C segment), essentially being the European export market version of the Pulsar for the first generation model (N15), and the Bluebird Sylphy for the second generation model (N16). Since the third generation model (N17), the Almera nameplate was repositioned to a subcompact or B segment saloon based on the V platform. The N17 Almera is marketed globally with the usage of five other nameplates for various markets. The Almera nameplate has also been used for several other unrelated models, including the South Korean manufactured Samsung SM3 in various export markets worldwide, and for the second generation Nissan Bluebird Sylphy in Russia.

The first Almera rolled off the production line in late 1995, as a replacement for the Nissan Sunny (N14), a nameplate which had been in use for nearly 30 years. The Almera was almost identical to the Nissan Pulsar (N15) sold in Japan, except with different trim options and petrol engine range. At the time of introduction in 1995, power came from 1.4 litre GA14DE and 1.6 litre GA16DE petrol units or from a 2.0 litre CD20 diesel engine. About one year into production a 2.0 litre, SR20DE engined GTi was added to the range. The 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0D engines were available as a three and five door hatchback or as a four door saloon, whereas the GTi was only available in three door hatch. In the United Kingdom, the Almera was originally marketed by Nissan as "the car they don't want you to drive". Almost all Almeras sold in the UK were hatchbacks with three or five doors in contrast to regions such as Ireland, where the saloon version is substantially more commonplace. The level of specification was good, with all models getting power steering, driver airbag, electric mirrors and stereo as standard. Throughout the life of the Almera, many 'special editions' models were available but most of them didn't feature anything above other models.

The Almera received a facelift for the 1998 model year. For the phase 2, the front bumpers were redesigned, front splitters were added on the Si/SRi, and the GTi had all round body kit as standard (although there was also a delete option available), and now all of the lip spoilers had integrated brake lights. The original telescopic radio aerial was moved from the drivers A pillar to the rear of the roof and was changed to a "bee sting" type. On the GTi, the phase 2 headlights and front indicators featured a black surround. Towards the end of production around the start of 1999, the GTi models came standard with all optional extras as standard from the factory such as ABS, A/C, updated interior trim, front seat pockets and so forth.

Launched in January 2000, the second generation Almera differed from its predecessor with smoother and more curved lines. For Europe, this generation of Almera was produced at the Sunderland factory, which had opened in 1986 and produced the Micra, Primera and originally the Bluebird. The N16 Almera is based on Nissan's global MS platform, which was Nissan's first new platform to be developed after the partnership with Renault. The MS platform is also the base for the P12 Primera and Almera Tino. The second generation Almera was available in three different body styles, a three or five door hatch and a four door saloon with 1.5, 1.6, and 1.8 Nissan QG engine series petrol engines as well as a 2.2 direct injection turbo diesel (110 bhp) (YD22DDT) or common rail turbo diesel (136 bhp) (YD22DDTi). Almeras can be also equipped with 1.5 common rail turbo diesel (dCi) from the Renault Mégane II – Nissan had recently ventured with Renault and the Almera's diesel engine was one of the first instances of Nissan and Renaults sharing mechanicals. Early versions of the 1.5 litre engine were fitted with a mechanical throttle, which was later replaced by a drive by wire electronic throttle. The Almera five door hatchback was exported from the UK to Australia and New Zealand and sold as part of the Nissan Pulsar (N16) lineup in these countries. The Almera saloon is based on the Bluebird Sylphy, but has a different front end. While the previous generation Almera was considered spacious for its class, the N16 Almera was noted to be lacking in rear passenger legroom due to a slightly shorter than category average wheelbase.

In 2003, the Almera was facelifted with updated styling, retuned suspension, new engines and an updated interior. First, the Almera's MacPherson strut front suspension and multi link rear suspension (Nissan's name for its double lateral link twist beam suspension) had been retuned. This resulted in a quieter ride and a reduction in the amount of rear bump through experienced when heavily laden, improving high speed stability, driving dynamics and making the car more controllable after an emergency manoeuver. The new suspension tuning also proved to produce almost no body roll on tight turns. Overall, Nissan said, the Almera had slightly firmer damper settings and marginally stiffer spring ratings; though there had been no loss of ride comfort or increase in noise levels in normal motoring. The suspension revisions had been executed in such a way as to only come into play at the upper edge of the dynamic envelope. The facelift also included new chrome, projector style headlights that were set in a titanium coloured surround with separate lights for main and low beams set behind an enlarged translucent cover. The front bumper had an integrated engine air intake that ran almost the full width of the car while a honeycomb mesh grille added visual benefits to the frontal image. Some models also got small circular fog lights. The interior of the facelifted Almera had also been redesigned with better quality materials and a large colour or monochrome centre screen which controlled all of the car's functions (climate control, CD player and trip computer) was fitted to most models apart from S and Pulse. Higher trim levels also included Nissan's Bird eye GPS system. ESP (Electronic Stability Program) was fitted to SE, SVE and the range topping SXE (which also got a switch to turn the ESP on or off). Additionally there was a change to the diesel model lineup. Nissan introduced new version of Common Rail 2.2 Diesel with 6 speed gearbox.

The facelifted Almera was built in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, UK, and exported to parts of the Asia Pacific where it was sold as the Nissan Pulsar. In 2006 the second generation Almera reached its sixth year of production but was still selling strongly worldwide. It was also sold in Mexico in three versions: a five door manual five speed, a five door automatic three speed "Comfort" model and a three door "Sport" version equipped with side curtain air bags, fog lamps and a five speed manual transmission. The Almera finished production on 28 November 2007, but it was not instantly replaced. The Tiida was introduced in several countries as a replacement model throughout 2007 and 2008; although it has yet to be officially imported to the United Kingdom (where the Qashqai crossover is the only successor model on offer), it has been available there through the Arnold Clark dealership network since March 2009 with models sourced from the Republic of Ireland. There were several Almeras registered in 2008 in Ireland despite production ending in 2007.

The N17 Almera was first introduced in China at the Guangzhou Auto Show in December 2010, where it was marketed as the Nissan Sunny. It went on sale in January 2011. Based on the company's global V platform, the model was touted as a saloon for the global market, as it was gradually marketed across 170 countries with assemblies conducted in numerous American, African, and Asian countries. In October 2011, Nissan debuted the model in Thailand as the Almera. It was positioned as an entry level saloon for the Eco Car programme in Thailand, requiring for a 1.2 litre engine to be adopted. The Almera name is also used for the model in Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, and Nigeria. In the Americas, it is badged as the Nissan Versa. It went on sale in North America in July 2011,

The Sunny nameplate is also used in India, Vietnam, and various Middle Eastern countries. The N17 Almera was also exported from Thailand to Japan since October 2012 until December 2016, where it was marketed as the Nissan Latio (\日産・ラティオ). After the release of the succeeding N18 model, the N17 saloon continued to be produced in several countries. In India, since 2020 the vehicle is no longer sold in the country, instead it is solely produced for export to GCC countries as the Sunny Classic. The model is also continued to be produced in Mexico where it is marketed as the Nissan V Drive since 2019 to distinguish it with the N18 Versa. The V Drive nameplate was also used in Brazil for the same purpose until its end of production in the country in September 2021. In Malaysia, the model is also sold alongside its successor as the Almera Black Series. Production of the N17 Sunny ended in China since 2019 without any successor.

The Japanese market model was released as the Nissan Latio on 5 October 2012. Its release was delayed due to power shortages in Japan caused by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Imported from Thailand, the Latio is equipped with a 1.2 litre engine producing and It was offered with three trim levels. The Latio was discontinued in Japan on 26 December 2016 due to poor sales.

The Thai specification model was released as the Almera on 7 October 2011 as part of the Eco Car programme. It uses the same 1.2 litre engine as the Nissan March, with a fuel consumption of , and has either a five speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Almera was also built in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines. Other Asian countries receive the Almera, including Malaysia and Singapore where it was offered with the 1.5 litre HR15DE engine, mated with either a four speed automatic or a five speed manual transmission. In Indonesia, the Almera was used only as a taxi fleet and was not sold for private consumers, citing low demand for supermini saloons in the country. In Malaysia, the model is sold as the Almera and was launched in October 2012. Three variants were offered: E (manual and auto), V (auto only) and VL (auto only). All variants are powered by the 1.5 litre HR15DE engine. The facelift N17 Almera was launched in Malaysia in January 2015.

In India, the vehicle was marketed as the Sunny and was introduced in September 2011. Renault marketed a modified version as the Renault Scala, which was launched in August 2012. It was discontinued in May 2020, alongside the Micra supermini due to both cars not being compliant with India's Bharat Stage VI emissions standards. Production continues for exports, mostly to GCC markets.

The Australian model was released as the Almera in August 2012. The model range is powered by a 1.5 litre petrol straight four engine. Sales were low, with a high proportion of sales to fleet and rental car buyers. Nissan Australia discontinued the Almera in July 2014. Trim levels available were the entry level ST with a five speed manual or optional four speed automatic and the automatic only TI specification.

The Almera was launched in South Africa in August 2013. The car was sold only in Acenta trim and powered by a 1.5 litre petrol straight four engine, with either a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearbox, priced at R165 000 and R175 000 respectively. The Almera was imported from India and replaced domestically built Grand Livina and Tiida models. The car was face lifted in September 2014, with prices increasing to R177 600 for the manual version and R189 100 for the automatic. The Almera continued to be sold in South Africa until 2023 when imports from India ended, leaving only run out units on sale and Nissan without a sedan in its South African line up. The final units were priced at R291 900 for the manual and R310 000 for the automatic.

The US spec model was unveiled at the 2011 New York International Auto Show as the second generation Nissan Versa. It is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol that delivers around of power and of torque. The fuel economy is estimated to be city and highway with the CVT equipped model. In the US, the Versa saloon went on sale in August 2011. It was considered to be the least expensive new car in the US market in 2013. For the 2015 model year, the Versa received its facelift, with redesigned tail lights and larger headlights. The model was also sold in Latin America as the Versa, also with a 1.6 litre petrol engine. It was succeeded by the Nissan Micra K13 in 2014 for the Canadian market; the Versa was discontinued there due to slow sales. In 2016, the Versa was positioned as the replacement of the discontinued Nissan Sunny B13 (known locally as Tsuru). As the result, the Versa became in 2017 the best selling car in Mexico. In Mexico and Latin America, the N17 Versa was renamed as V Drive since 2019 to avoid confusion with the new generation Versa launched in October 2019, dropping the Sense and Advance trim lines. On 25 August 2021, the V Drive was updated for the Mexican market, incorporating six airbags and stability control as standard.

Depending on regions, the N17 model can be equipped with up to six airbags.

The Versa in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 2 airbags and no ESC received 3 stars for adult occupants and 2 stars for toddlers from Latin NCAP in 2016.

The fourth generation N18 saloon was unveiled on 12 April 2019 at the Rock the Ocean's Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, as the third generation Versa saloon, one week before its public debut at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. Sales began in August 2019, for the 2020 model year. It is based on the Renault–Nissan CMF B, which is shared with the Renault Clio V, Renault Captur, fifth generation Micra and the Kicks. In the United States, the third generation Versa is available in three trim levels: S, SV and SR. The new Versa include the Nissan Safety Shield of driver assistance technologies as standard equipment, as well as push button ignition, 7 inch touchscreen audio system, cruise control, power windows, and power door locks. Up level Versa trims offer features such as aluminium alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a LCD instrument cluster display, LED daytime running accent lamps, Nissan Intelligent Key system, and combination Primatex (leatherette) and cloth seating surfaces. The facelifted Versa was unveiled on 10 October 2022 for the 2023 model year. It features a redesigned front fascia and grille, and a new S Plus package, which adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the S trim, was introduced.

In the Canadian market, the Versa has been on sale since November 2020. It was unveiled at the 2020 Canadian International Motor Show in Toronto. It replaces the Micra when Nissan discontinued it after the 2019 model year. It also marks the return of the Versa saloon in Canada since it was discontinued in 2014. In Canada, it is offered in four variants: S MT, S CVT, SV CVT, and SR CVT. All variants come with a 1.6 litre non turbocharged engine.

The third generation Versa saloon came to the Mexican market on 1 October 2019. It comes in four trim lines: Sense, Advance, Exclusive, and Platinum. The previous generation Versa, albeit with fewer trim lines, continues to be sold in Mexico and in Latin America under the name of V Drive. The facelifted Versa was launched to the Mexican market on 10 February 2023. Similar to the pre facelift model, it is powered by the HR16DE naturally aspirated 1.6 litre engine as standard on 4 grades: Sense, Advance, Exclusive and SR. The Sense and Advance grades are paired with 5 speed Manual, while the Advance, Exclusive and SR grades are paired with CVT. The sport oriented SR replaced the luxury oriented Platinum from the lineup.

The fourth generation Almera was launched in Thailand on 14 November 2019 In Thailand, the Almera is offered in 5 grades: S Turbo, E Turbo, EL Turbo, V Turbo and VL Turbo. All models are powered by the HRA0 turbocharged 1.0 litre engine. The Almera Sportech was launched on 2 June 2021. It is available in V Turbo and VL Turbo grades. The limited edition Almera Sportech X was launched on 8 August 2022 and is available in VL grade. Over 300 units were made. The facelifted Almera was launched on 11 May 2023. Similar to the pre facelift model, it is powered by the HRA0 turbocharged 1.0 litre engine as standard on 4 grades: E Turbo, EL Turbo, V Turbo and VL Turbo. The S Turbo grade was removed from the lineup due to slow sales.

In Malaysia, the Almera is offered in three trims: VL, VL Premium and VL Tech. All trim levels comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard which includes Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB). All trims are powered by the HRA0 turbocharged 1.0 L engine. According to Edaran Tan Chong Malaysia (TCMA), the Almera on offered in Malaysia has the highest specification in the ASEAN market.

In Brunei, the Almera was officially launched on 27 February 2020. The car is only available with the 1.0 litre turbocharger engine and Xtronic CVT in this market, in two different trims: Turbo Standard and the better equipped Turbo Premium. The Almera for Bruneian market were received a facelift on 28 February 2024.

In Vietnam, the Almera was launched on 4 August 2021 and is sold in three grades; E Turbo MT, EL Turbo CVT, and VL Turbo CVT. The Almera in Vietnam is fully imported from Thailand.

In the Philippines, it was launched on 8 October 2021 and was initially offered in three grades: EL Turbo (5 speed manual), VE Turbo (5 speed manual and CVT) and VL N Sport Turbo (CVT only). All models are offered with the 1.0 litre turbocharged engine. The new Almera is now imported from Thailand instead of being built locally at the now closed Nissan Santa Rosa plant. In January 2023, the VL N Sport Turbo grade was removed from the lineup. This was replaced by the lower priced VE N Sport trim. Nissan further decontented the Almera by removing four of the six airbags that it had been fitted with before. It is available in 3 grades: EL Turbo, VE Turbo and VL Turbo, the EL Turbo grade is paired with 5 speed manual, while the VE Turbo and VL Turbo grades are paired with CVT. The manual variant of the VE Turbo and VE Turbo N Sport CVT grade were removed from the lineup.

The Sunny was also launched for Middle Eastern markets at the Dubai International Motor Show on 13 November 2019. It is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine. It is offered in three grades S, SV, and SL, the S grade is paired with a 5 speed manual and CVT, and the SV and SL grades are paired with CVT only. The facelifted Sunny was launched on 30 October 2023, still with the same 1.6 litre petrol engine. It is offered as the same grades; S, SV and SL , all the grades are paired with CVT.

The Versa has front disc brakes.

In 2002, Renault Samsung Motors in South Korea started manufacturing the Renault Samsung SM3, sharing the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy N16 basis used for the Almera. It was facelifted in 2005, and from April 2006 it started selling as the Almera Classic in Ukraine and Russia, as the Almera B10 in Central America, Venezuela and Ecuador, and as the Sunny B10 in the Middle East. In Colombia, Mexico, Libya and Egypt, the car has been sold as the Renault Scala and in Chile as the Renault Samsung SM3.

In Russia, the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy G11 was marketed as the Nissan Almera. It received its world premiere at the 2012 Moscow International Automobile Salon on 29 August 2012, and uses the same design as the Bluebird Sylphy but a redesigned dashboard interior, adapted from the first generation Dacia Logan. It has a 1.6 litre petrol engine (75 kW), with a five speed manual or a four speed automatic transmission, and was manufactured locally at the AvtoVAZ plant since December 2012. Sales began in April 2013 and stopped in October 2018 just a month after the Pulsar was discontinued.