2013 Nissan Almera (SA Style)

Description:
It wasn’t long ago when the B-segment lacked some life, with nothing more than the Toyota Vios, Honda City and Hyundai Accent to choose from. These days, it’s brimming with options, with the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Mazda 2 (as Demio), Kia Rio and joining the party. Just this year, Nissan has decided to join the melee with their latest vehicle, the Almera.

The Almera takes its name from the Spanish word “Almendra” which means a large diamond. The Almera line may be new to our country, but it’s actually been around for some time, now on its third generation. In other markets, it’s sold as the Versa / Tiida Sedan and rides on the N17 platform. Technically, we got its predecessor, the N16 Pulsar, sold in the Philippines as the Sentra Exalta Grandeur (my daily driver).

This Almera is much different, clearly taking inspiration from the Teana. Teardrop shaped headlights are recessed on either side of its trapezoid grille. The cabin’s roofline forms a continuous curve as it slopes up and gently back down again. It almost forms a coupe profile in the rear, with tail lights rolling over a ponton-style (popularized by Mercedes-Benz) rear fender.