Nissan Almera Hatchback 2000 - 2006

The Nissan Almera is like James Garner, in that it's a solid performer that hints at glamour without actually ever actually achieving it. It's well built and surprisingly fun to drive and because they're not really that great to look at you'll get a lot of car for your money.

Inside the Almera the finish is basic but comfortable. As with the outside of the car no great amount of consideration seems to have been given to aesthetics and in places the feel of the interior is a little cheap. That said the ride is mostly comfortable and although there is a little intrusion from the outside world when on the road it's nothing too bad if you drive within the national speed limit. The Almera suffers from a lack in both leg room and boot space, which makes it a little compromised when going away for a week or two. There is a curry hook in the passenger footwell if your local takeaway does't deliver but this seems a little like fitting a bottle opener on a pram that doesn't have a rattle holder, attention to detail in the wrong place.

The engine options are simple; two petrol engines and one diesel. None are going to win a drag race in the middle of a deserted US town but the 2.2 DCI does boast a sub ten second 0-60 and will reach 124 mph. The 1.5 petrol option gives back 42 mpg on the fuel side but with a 0-60 of over 13 seconds you expect an upside somewhere.

The Nissan Almera offers quite a bit for the money and will be just right for many people. It's a safe, sure car that gives a lot back for the cost, however it's not likely to excite drivers too much and has a number of shortcomings. As a buyer you're probably going to get the most excitement from it's price tag.

Leave a comment

Type into the box below