2023 Nissan Almera looks absolutely fresh AF
Three years after its world debut, Nissan gives the Almera/Versa its first facelift
It was 3 years ago when Nissan officially revealed the all-new Almera to the world. Also called the Versa in North America, the B-segment sedan not only received an Altima-like makeover, but the sedan also gets a more stylish cabin and a new CVT that replaces the antiquated 4-speed automatic.
Then in November 2019, it officially arrived in ASEAN when it made its regional debut in Thailand. Like the North American Versa, the Almera gets the same stylish exterior and interior design. But instead of having a naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter engine, the sedan actually comes with a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that doles out 100 PS and 152 Nm of torque (160 Nm on the manual).
It then only arrived in the Philippines late last year since the pandemic delayed Nissan’s plans to launch new models in the country. With the vehicle essentially now three years old, it was due for a refresh, and Nissan has just revealed it across the Pacific.
Say hello to the 2023 Nissan Almera/Versa, and boy does the sedan look sharper than ever. Featuring an updated version of the brand’s V-Motion grille, the front fascia gets a bolder and wider appearance. It even gets a blacked-out finish with chrome accents on the far corners just below the headlights for extra flair.
In the top-of-the-line SR variant, the Almera gets ‘SR’ badges that further highlight the sedan’s sportier leanings. In addition, the SR model comes with stylish new 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch on lower variants) and a new Gray Sky Pearl paint finish.
Inside, the changes are more minimal and subtle compared to the exterior. There’s a new center armrest for the driver and front passenger and a wireless phone charging pad. Other standard features carried over from the pre-facelift model include automatic climate control, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, USB charging ports, and remote keyless entry.
In North America, the Almera/Versa only comes with one engine, the 1.6-liter HR16DE naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or Xtronic CVT. It makes 122 PS along with 154 Nm of torque.
Giving the Almera intelligent driver aids comes courtesy of the following; automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, high-beam assist, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, rear-cross traffic alert, and blind-spot warning.
The 2023 Nissan Almera will make its public debut at this year's Miami Auto Show. With North America the first to get the facelifted Almera, we can expect the ASEAN-spec version to make its way here sometime next year.
Heck, it might even arrive at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show which is slated to happen from March 22 until April 2 next year. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t take that long for the refreshed Almera to arrive in PH.
