Discover the 2019 Nissan Almera N Sport: Performance, Features, and Key Specs

I remember the first time I saw the 2019 Nissan Almera N Sport at a Bangkok auto show, and how its aggressive front fascia immediately caught my attention. Having tested numerous compact sedans throughout Southeast Asia, I've developed a particular fondness for models that balance daily practicality with sporty character. The Almera N Sport achieves this balance remarkably well, especially when you consider its positioning in the competitive subcompact segment. What struck me most was how Nissan managed to pack so much personality into an affordable package.

Under the hood, the 1.5-liter HR15DE engine delivers 99 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque, which might not sound groundbreaking until you experience how seamlessly it pairs with the Xtronic CVT transmission. During my test drive through winding mountain roads outside Kuala Lumpur, I appreciated how the revised transmission programming provided quicker response compared to standard Almera variants. The suspension tuning deserves special mention - it's firm enough to inspire confidence during spirited driving yet compliant enough for daily commutes. This dual-character approach reminds me of what TNT coach Chot Reyes emphasized about crucial stops in the end game, where strategic adjustments make all the difference. Similarly, Nissan's chassis engineers made crucial adjustments to the N Sport's suspension and steering that transform the driving experience completely.

The exterior modifications go beyond mere cosmetics. The N Sport package includes 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 R16 tires, a rear spoiler, and distinctive side skirts that actually improve aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the sport seats provide better lateral support than you'd expect in this price segment, though I did wish for slightly more thigh support during longer drives. The 6.75-inch touchscreen infotainment system responds decently to inputs, and Apple CarPlay integration worked flawlessly during my testing. What surprised me was the generous 490-liter trunk capacity - significantly larger than what Honda City and Toyota Vios offer.

Fuel efficiency proved impressive during my mixed driving conditions, averaging around 16.5 km/l in city traffic and reaching up to 22 km/l on highways. The N Sport variant adds paddle shifters that let you manually control the transmission, which I found particularly useful during overtaking maneuvers. Safety features include dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle dynamic control as standard - adequate but not class-leading in today's market. Pricing starts at approximately ฿659,000 in Thailand and RM85,000 in Malaysia, positioning it competitively against sport variants of its Japanese rivals.

Having lived with the Almera N Sport for two weeks as my daily driver, I grew to appreciate its thoughtful compromises. The ride quality strikes that perfect balance between sporty and comfortable, though road noise becomes noticeable at highway speeds. The interior materials feel durable if not particularly premium, with hard plastics dominating most surfaces. Still, everything feels well-assembled, and the controls have a satisfying tactile response. I particularly enjoyed the subtle sport accents throughout the cabin, including the red stitching on the steering wheel and gear knob that elevate the perceived quality.

What ultimately won me over was how the N Sport package transforms an otherwise practical commuter into something with genuine character. It's not about raw performance numbers but about the driving experience itself. The steering weight feels perfectly judged, the brakes provide confident stopping power, and the chassis communicates what's happening at the contact patches better than most cars in this category. While it won't outperform dedicated hot hatches, it brings a welcome dose of driving pleasure to the segment. For buyers seeking something beyond basic transportation without breaking the bank, the Almera N Sport delivers that crucial combination of practicality and personality that's increasingly rare in today's market.