Nissan goes online with $17,990 Almera launch special

NISSAN’S all-new Micra-based Almera light sedan is priced from $17,990 drive-away as a special online pre-launch offer ahead of its showroom debut later this month.

As well, customers who make a no deposit, no obligation online reservation for the car before the end of this month will receive a $500 eftpos gift card.

Almera pricing and specifications have aleady been published on Nissan’s consumer website, revealing two trim levels – the entry-level ST with a five-speed manual (four-speed auto is $2000 extra), and the auto-only TI.

Nissan says the $17,990 special deal on Almera ST will finish as the end of this month, with pricing reverting to $16,990 plus on-road costs.

According to the feature list, the ST comes with air-conditioning, six airbags, an four-speaker audio system with auxiliary input, Bluetooth telephony and a multi-function, tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

Riding on 15-inch steel wheels, the base Almera also gets a trip computer, electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors, remote central locking, remote boot release, electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

In addition to the standard automatic transmission, upgrading to the TI, which has a drive-away launch price of $22,490 that will later change back to $20,990 plus ORCs, gains climate control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and push-button start.

Also standard on the up-spec model are variable intermittent wipers, a rear centre armrest with built-in cup-holders and adjustable rear head restraints, while external upgrades include 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a rear spoiler.

Metallic paint is $495 extra and available in four colours – silver, blue, black and a shade of beige Nissan calls Titanium, with flat colours limited to white and red.

All Almeras are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 75kW and 139Nm, with combined fuel consumption rated at 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual and 6.7L/100km for the automatic.

Without the launch discount, Nissan’s sharp pricing of its Micra-based sedan puts it on a par with the Hyundai Accent Active sedan, which has a more powerful, more efficient engine, and a couple of interior extras such as USB audio input and adjustable rear head restraints.

The automatic Almera ST is priced lineball with the auto-only Ford Fiesta CL sedan, which misses out on a five-star ANCAP safety rating due to the side and curtain airbags being optional.

However the Fiesta comes with a superior six-speed dual-clutch transmission and higher-performance, more efficient engine plus gadgets like voice recognition and iPod connectivity.

The Holden Barina sedan matches the Almera ST on equipment, but at $16,490 is priced slightly lower and its engine has marginally higher power and torque outputs.

A key competitor for the top-spec Almera TI is the $21,690 Kia Rio Si sedan, which comes with a far more potent 103kW/167Nm engine that consumes less fuel than the Nissan and is paired with a more modern six-speed automatic transmission.

Equipment wise, it gets larger 16-inch alloy wheels, hill-start assist, heated mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB socket and iPod connectivity but misses out on the Almera’s climate control.

The Almera’s Japanese rivals, Toyota’s Yaris and the Honda City, have higher respective starting prices of $18,190 and $18,490.

At $21,790 the higher-spec, auto-only Yaris YRX sedan could be cross-shopped against the Almera TI but trumps the Nissan with its standard touch-screen satellite navigation system with SUNA traffic updates and automatic headlights although it similarly comes with a four-speed auto and its engine is of similar performance.

The Almera forms part of Nissan’s new product offensive, which began with the all-electric Leaf last month and will continue with the all-new Patrol full-size SUV in September.

Next year is shaping up to be a biggie, with the new Pulsar small car and Altima mid-sizer confirmed, while the next-generation X-Trail and Pathfinder SUVs are also due.

The Juke compact crossover and possibly even the Honda Jazz-like Note are also on the radar for import.

Nissan’s sales continue to grow in Australia, with volume up 17.4 per cent to the end of June.

2012 Nissan Almera pricing:
Launch special
ST	$17,990 drive-away
ST (a)	$19,990 drive-away
TI (a)	$22,490 drive-away
Standard price
ST	$16,990 plus ORCs
ST (a)	$18,990 plus ORCs
TI (a)	$20,990 plus ORCs