The New Top-Shelf Nissan Almera Allows Full Access to the Sedan Right From Our Phones
When a car brand says it's doing something revolutionary, it's always going to feel like it's embellishing a little bit. Maybe so, but some carmakers actually do mean it.
Nissan Philippines, for instance, wasn't kidding with the 2024 Nissan Almera, especially when we learn about its ability to, well, connect. More on that in a second.
Let's talk a little about the specs first. From the exterior, we can see that the Almera kept its silhouette (4,530mm long, 1,740mm wide, and 1,460mm tall; plus a 2,620mm wheelbase), but it did have a facelift of sorts. The V-Motion grille is a nice upgrade up front, giving it a sleek, more contemporary feel, and whatever other words we want to use to describe shiny new things.
We drove the Almera for the Drive Pinas launch, a collaboration between Nissan and the Department of Tourism. The La Union heat is something else.
Underneath the hood is a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline, which can generate about 152Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Real smooth to the grip (although it should be noted that the car does drive differently when four people are in it).
Inside the vehicle, we get an eight-inch infotainment system (for the VE and VL), as well as a tire-pressure monitor system and high-beam assist. Also added in there subtly is wireless charging. The usual suspects, meaning the premium safety features, are all in there, too. From a 360-degree-view monitor to forward-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more, we have quite the partner on the road.
Sexy.
Now for the exciting part.
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What Is NissanConnect Services?
NissanConnect Services actually has better control of my Almera than I do.
The Nissan Almera VL CVT is equipped with NissanConnect Services. With it, we get full access to the car's functions all in one app, and we can simply download it from GooglePlay or the Apple App Store. From there, the registration is pretty simple on our mobile devices. We just have to input our Vehicle Identification Number and odometer value, and then we're set. NissanConnect Service app is free for the first three years after our purchase.
NCS allows us a smart and easy way to lessen the burdens of the driving experience. We get to lock and unlock the car; turn on the horn and lights; as well as start and stop the engine remotely, and even turn on what we need before we hop in (what a difference 10 minutes of AC can make for a car before you enter).
Nissan Philippines President Juan Manuel Hoyos on the 2024 Nissan Almera launch: "[With the] groundbreaking NissanConnect Services, the Almera sets a new standard in the segment. We are excited to introduce this remarkable vehicle to our customers, bringing them a new level of excitement and connectivity."
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A feature like the Automatic Collision Notification, on the other hand, is great because it can let us know if a crash has been detected. It's a good way to check on family or friends. Meanwhile, the SOS Emergency Call Button in the Cabin can send the car's model, location, and other pertinent information to an agent to connect us to any emergency services we may need. Interesting, too, is (Well, maybe for us older gents) is the My Car Finder because god knows we need it from time to time
Another thing about the NCS that's pretty cool is that it can show us our driving and journey history. We get detailed reports of the car's travel, from data on how fast it went to its fuel economy and more. Likewise, the Vehicle Health Report part of the app provides constant reminders of the maintenance work that needs to be done. Whether it's a tire that needs replacing or our next oil change, the report has our schedules down.
Other features like the Speed Alert, Zone Alert, and Curfew Alert are probably reserved for anxious parents who just can't help but freak out a little when their son or daughter is out with the car. Yeah, there's no hiding from this app, kids. Those random late-night drives elsewhere without our permission aren't going to feel as random anymore. Or at least we think.
The 2024 Nissan Almera is available in the top-of-the-line VL CVT with NCS in Moon Pearl Gray, Fiery Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Pearl White, and Galaxy Black; the VE CVT variant in Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, and Galaxy Black; and the VE M/T variant in Brilliant Silver, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, and Galaxy Black. The price starts at P839,000, climbing all the way up to P1,149,000 for the VL CVT with NCS.
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