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The new facelifted Nissan Almera marks its first ASEAN debut in Thailand

Now with new features and new connectivity services in tow, the Nissan Almera’s facelift makes its first debut in the ASEAN region.

Earl Lee on May 12, 2023

With a new look, the facelifted Nissan Almera storms into the Thai market and marks its first debut in the ASEAN region. It’s no secret that Nissan has set up shop in Thailand, so it’s only right that the South-East Asian country gets first dibs on the shiniest from the Japanese brand.

The model made its global debut in the North American market as the Nissan Versa, but it’s only now that the Versa renamed the Almera for select markets, is close to Philippine shores. The refresh brings a new face along with some new features and new connectivity services that could enhance the user experience should they make their way to the Philippine domestic models.

For the exterior, Nissan has done a number on its V-Motion grille for the Almera, totally redesigning it and creating an all-new look for the subcompact sedan. More aggressive than ever thanks to a slat design with some nods to the V-Motion grille subtly applied, the new grille could be a game-changer for buyers that wanted a more bold look from the Almera. The front bumper also got a tweak since it extends all the way down to the Almera’s chin.

There is also the option in Thailand for body kits for the new Almera, a set of accessories that Nissan provides as an add-on.

Meanwhile, customers and likely buyers of the Almera can also feast their eyes on the new color, Gray Sky Pearl, which is unlike anything we’ve seen from the Nissan brand so far. A light blue with a metallic hue and a pearl finish, it looks interesting in photos but probably better in person.

Nissan made a subtle update to the interior design, with a two-tone black and white color scheme available, and also a more interesting blue color option, which is a nice match to the new exterior color.

Following that, we get a new connectivity suite called Nissan Connect Services, which allows users to control some of the car’s features via a smartphone app. There is also the additional safety feature of an emergency call button located in the overhead console, and Nissan also included wireless charging in the Qi standard and a quirky new feature that is sure to beat the summer heat and more called Quole Modure, a heat-reflecting feature that’s in the seats.

2023 Nissan Almera 1.0-liter turbo engine

Otherwise, it’s mostly the same story with the Almera. The 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder makes a return with the same amount of horsepower as before at 99 hp and 152 Nm of torque mated to a CVT or 99 hp and 160 Nm of torque mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The model also retains most of its high-end variant features such as six airbags, and the Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety features with forward collision warning, emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, plus others. For the 2023 facelift, Nissan was added to the list with tire pressure sensors, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist.

For the Thai market, the new Almera starts at about 549,000 THB, which is around the ballpark of P900,000. The top-spec trim in the Thai market goes for 699,000 THB, or about P1,150,000. Four variants are on offer in the market, the E, EL, V, and VL.