Test Drive Nissan Almera Classic since 2006 Sedan

Almera scared

Korean Classic, or second C-class sedan from Nissan
From a marketing point of view, the conclusion to the market of a budget, more affordable version of the model is impeccable in Russia. The company may well count on a significant increase in sales. And it's not just at a starting price of $ 13,490, about the same money you can buy a lot of other machines of the same class, mainly Korean production. But one thing to sell in Russia, not a well-known Samsung SM3, which is a presented car essentially and is completely different, agree, Nissan Almera Classic. A fairly prestigious brand is expensive. One thing can somewhat upset fans of the brand: True Almera under the index N16 coming to Russia from England will now be available only in the top version of Luxury. Which of the two sedans prefer the taste and size of the wallet. One will immediately say they are different.
Almera turns
Looking similar features at Almera and Almera Classic, an expectatory occupation, their minimum. Although two cars combines one essential thing platform. What metamorphosis it has undergone along the path from Nissan to Renault-Samsung, I will say honestly, it is unknown. But I am ready to insist that at the exit we have a qualitatively different product, different from the original, like Korean Mount Hallasan from Fujii. The origin is not hiding, it, as they say, on the face. Classic exterior is extremely smooth, rounded forms. Moreover, some details, especially in the front, inspired me the association simultaneously with Mazda3, and with Skoda Octavia. However, I will not insist. Feed affects triangular lamps, which are built immediately and rectangular, and round elements. But the shape of the doors and mirrors really resemble Almera. In general, the appearance of Classic should be recognized quite pleasant and in its original, although not catching, it is classic.
But when you get inside, it is immediately felt that Classic is made on a well-known principle of a car for less money. It is spacious not only in front, but also from behind. However, adjusting the driver's seat in height is present only in the top version, as well, and the hatcher in the trunk in the back of the rear seat, mirrors in the visits and an ashtray with illumination. In general, the basic equipment is directly saying, not well, it includes immobilizer, central locking, airbag for the driver, front electric windows, power steering, digital clock, 14-inch steel discs and steering wheel adjustment. Air conditioning, heated seats, electric mirrors, ABS and audio system All for an additional fee.
But back to the interior and we note that the instrument shield is not overwhelmed with the dials and indicators, and those that are well visible at any lighting. For ergonomics in general, there are no complaints, everything is convenient. Is that the climate control unit looks clearly obsolete with the slider and the same small buttons. And the audio system sounds, for my taste, sorrow. There is no on-board computer, there is no air temperature indicator overboard. What would I still get on? To plastic: It is soft only on door sidewalls and small torpedo sites. The remaining elements are made of rather hard material, and even in different colors from light gray to black. However, it is not necessary to demand more from a relatively inexpensive car. So it's time to try out the running quality, before that defiantly fastened, otherwise the unpleasant buzzer will never silent.
Almera Classic is rifted
In Russia, this car is offered with a single 1.6 liter power unit. And he is quite good, must admit. Developing 107 hp Maximum power and 146 nm of torque, this motor provides a machine quite acceptable dynamic qualities. Moreover, I got a test version with a 4-speed automaton, which turned out to be a rather terminated mechanism, and rollerly led to the step, or even two below, when the driver insisted on this, presses the accelerator pedal. True, such transitions were invariably accompanied by tangible jesters, although not so terrible so that you could forget about comfort. In addition, the power unit is quite well pulls from the bottom thanks to the system of changing the phases of gas distribution from here confident movement in the city, and beyond. Only here the motor itself quietly, I would not call, but with noise insulation at Classic things are, in my opinion, not the best: at speeds above 100 km / h I have to raise the voice when talking aerodynamic noises and the singing of Korean tires sound very intrusive. By the way, it is precisely the rubber, first of all, I replaced her coupling properties not at the altitude, it seems tough as plastic in the cabin.
But I will be back to the walking qualities and say that in general they should arrange an unassuming driver. The brakes are normal, despite the rear drum mechanisms, with a slowdown, no problems arise, and it is not difficult to dispense the pedal effort at all. This is important, especially if the future owner stops on a budget version, in which there are not only abs, but also the distribution systems of the EBD brake forces and Brake Assist. However, the maximum possible contact of all wheels with expensive is provided by independent suspension, both in front and rear. It is they who provide a very confident and comfortable straight line movement, even at high speeds and on our roads. Moreover, in turns, the car is stable and predicting, even though the roll rolls are quite tangible. But the suspension is very energy-intensive and to breakdowns, even when I got into not the most pleasant digs, it did not reach. But a spoonful of the fly makes a not very transparent steering. Barca is pretty light, the participation of the hydraulicel in the process of control is too large. With increasing speed, the picture is practically not changed, and feedback is barely traced. Therefore, aggressive ride is clearly not suitable for Classic, but for normal everyday operation, without focus, the car is quite suitable. What, strictly speaking, was required to prove.
Classic for sale
This car was met by the Russian public, without exaggeration, very warm. On one of the reasons for such a welcoming reception, I already mentioned. Another reason wears, so to speak, all-Russian character: in the segment of relatively inexpensive imported cars, it is literally all that manufacturers are able to offer, this competition in this field is essentially absent. Or was missing until Almera Classic appeared. If the company becomes a sufficient number of cars to us, and the power of the Korean plant, as far as I know, allow it to do, then some direct competitors will have to be sighted. Or suggest something better (not necessarily more) for the same money.
On the other hand, Nissan understand that demand is slowly, but it is rightly shifted to the segment of more expensive cars of the same class. Therefore, in addition to Almera, a new car created on the basis of Qashqai concept will appear on the Russian market.
Well, since I was mentioned about updates from Nissan, then in conclusion, I mention about the TEANA model. This business class sedan (not from Korea) literally recently debuts on the Russian market. Report with test drive We are planning to publish in one of the July numbers of AI.
Text: Andrei Osipov

A source: Newspaper "Car Izvestia"