Nissan unleashed the new Almera earlier this month, giving its entry to the country’s compact car segment a much-needed refresh.
Thanks to the said mid-cycle refresh, the Nissan Almera now looks sleeker and is packed with better technological features than its predecessor.
Among its notable features include an updated front fascia with its new six slim horizontal chrome bars. Likewise, its fog lamp housing adopted slimmer design cues. It also now rides on new 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, it still has the same refined interior thanks to the abundance of premium materials. Featured is a seven-inch instrument cluster and an eight-inch infotainment system.
Powering the Nissan Almera is a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine mated either to a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup makes around 98 to 99 horsepower (hp) and 152 to 160 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.
Those in the market for something else can look to the known rivals of the Nissan Almera, the first of which is the ever-popular Toyota Vios.
The Toyota Vios, who is yet to receive an update after its latest iteration was launched in Vietnam not too long ago, is one of the strongest contenders in the local compact sedan segment.
Currently, it wears either a four-bulb halogen or a three-tier LED headlamp paired on select models with an LED front fog lamp. The grille can be had either in Material Black, color-keyed, or Piano Black finish — depending on the variant.
Similarly, the Toyota Vios can run on either 14, 15, or 16-inch wheels depending on the trim level.
Inside, it sings to the same tune as the base-level variants are finished with seats either in vinyl, fabric, or suede with synthetic leather. It will also have either an analog or Optitron instrument cluster as well as an infotainment system that’s either a 2DIN or a 6.75-inch digital system.
Power is facilitated by either a 1.3 or a 1.5-liter gasoline mill and can be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. Power figures range from 97 horses to 105hp with torque values that range from 123 to 140Nm of pulling power.
As one may see, the allure of the Toyota Vios lies in its flexibility and its capabilities that allow anyone to find the right model for their needs.
Yet another city car competing in the country’s compact car category is the aptly-named Honda City. Honda, gave it a mid-cycle refresh making it look meaner and sleeker than ever.
Outside is a front fascia that dons new features like new headlamps, a bolder grille, and an overall fiercer look. To its side are a pair of new mirrors and a set of 16-inch wheels. Its rear end also benefited from a new diffuser.
The cabin of the Honda City now packs premium leather seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, and a dashboard that adopts the seamless and streamlined design used on modern Honda vehicles.
Generating power is a 1.5-liter engine mated to a CVT. This setup makes about 119hp and 145Nm of torque.
Photos from Ruben Manahan IV and Toyota Motor Philippines
Also read:
PH-spec Almera gets refreshed, now with NissanConnect Services
Nissan unveils new Almera in Thailand
Nissan PH pulls out top-tier Almera trim, updated version to arrive soon?
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