In 1999, Nissan introduced a new version of its successful but underwhelming Almera N15. Its successor Almera N16 was a pleasant surprise - the appearance of the car has improved significantly. Unfortunately, Nissan's collaboration with Renault undoubtedly affected the quality of the new Almera. Later it turned out that only vague memories remained of Japanese reliability, and daily communication with Almera is not as serene as before.
Body
Almera N16 debuted in two body styles: 3-door and 5-door hatchback. In 2001, a sedan version appeared. All body modifications are connected by one big problem - corrosion. Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of the manufacturer, compared to the previous generation, the defect took on a smaller scale, but it was not possible to completely get rid of the disease. Despite the fact that the body is galvanized, rust affects many of its elements: the rear doors are right under the lower border of the glass; the place of transition of the rear wings to the rapids; thresholds; front beam - just below the radiator; areas in the immediate vicinity of the rear wiper and license plate.
The European vehicle safety research organization EuroNCAP rated the Nissan Almera's safety four out of five stars.
Interior
The second generation Almera offers plenty of space in both the front and rear seats. Both hatchbacks have an identical trunk capacity - 328 liters. Although the sedan has a larger trunk with a volume of 393 liters, this is a modest result against the background of classmates. For comparison, the luggage compartment capacity of the Astra I is 460 liters, and the Focus I is 490 liters.
The front panel looks quite modern. After restyling in 2002, the quality of finishing materials has significantly improved. Satellite navigation and a large display in the center of the dash were available as options. The clock received a silver trim, and the steering wheel was reshaped, as was the gearshift lever. Changes also affected the control panel for the audio system and climate control.
Engines
Petrol
When buying an Almera, a greater risk is associated with the choice of engine. Reliable and dynamic gasoline units with a working volume of 1.4 and 1.6 liters have disappeared from the line of power units of the new Almera. Their place was taken by 16-valve engines with a capacity of 1.5 liters and 90 hp. (QG15DE) and 1.8 L 114 hp (QG18DE). The most dynamic is the version with a 1.8-liter petrol unit. After modernization in 2002, the engines received the NVCS (Nissan Valve Timing Control System) variable valve timing system, and their power increased to 98 hp. and 116 hp respectively. The main problem of both engines, especially the 1.8-liter one, is high oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km) due to the poor quality of the piston rings. Engine repair will cost about 30,000 rubles. In addition, both motors have a timing chain with a chain that tends to stretch. In this case, a characteristic rumble appears, and power drops. Other typical malfunctions affect the lambda probe, flow meter and crankshaft position sensor.
Diesel
Minor problems also affected diesel engines, in particular the 110-horsepower 2.2 Di (YD22DDT) with direct fuel injection of Nissan's own production. The biggest drawback of this VP44 injection pump engine, whose resource rarely exceeds 200,000 km. Its cost is about 30,000 rubles. By today's standards, the Japanese diesel lacks dynamics.
2.2 dCi (YD22DDTi) - created in collaboration with Renault. In fact, this is a modernized Nissan engine: the turbodiesel is equipped with a common rail injection system and a variable geometry turbocharger. The power unit has a power of 136 hp. and shows good performance. However, diesel is more sensitive to fuel quality, which affects the durability of injectors. The increase in power was achieved, including due to the variable geometry turbocharger, which is much more expensive to repair.
Connoisseurs of economical driving will like 1.5 dCi produced by Renault. Its maximum power is 82 hp, and it takes 14.5 seconds to sprint to a hundred. Average fuel consumption is about 4.5 l/100 km. A 1.5-liter diesel is sensitive to fuel quality. After 100-150 thousand km, the likelihood of the need to replace Denso fuel injectors increases. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not provide for the possibility of a refurbishment. After 150-200 thousand km, the turn of the turbocharger may also come. In addition, there are cases of turning the liners and failure of the fuel pump. Nevertheless, owners usually praise this engine.
Transmission
As standard, all engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, with the exception of the 136-horsepower 2.2 dCi, which is combined with a 6-speed only. Fans of the "machine" will find it in versions with petrol engines with a displacement of 1.5 and 1.8 liters.
Chassis
A common complaint among Nissan Almera owners is suspension noise. Most often, its source is rubber-metal compounds, including anti-roll bar bushings. But to be fair, the Almera isn't overly stiff and absorbs bumps well. A non-standard solution was used on the rear axle - the so-called "Scott-Russell mechanism". Thanks to the system of levers attached to the torsion beam, the car's behavior at high speed is improved, including during cornering with poor coverage.
In versions with 1.5dCi, there is a possibility of failure of the electro-hydraulic power steering pump.
Conclusion
Serious malfunctions that require high costs to fix have undermined the confidence of many Japanese brand lovers in the Nissan Almera N16 series. An attempt to attract new customers through modern stylistic solutions was not successful. Nissan engineers have not been able to create a model that is superior in reliability to its predecessor. The body of the Almera is prone to corrosion, and gasoline engines consume too much oil. But on the other hand, a well-groomed copy gives a chance for a long and trouble-free operation. Among the advantages - a reasonable price and good equipment.
Modifications Nissan Almera N16
Nissan Almera N16 1.5MT
Nissan Almera N16 1.8MT
Nissan Almera N16 1.8AT
Odnoklassniki Nissan Almera N16 for the price
Unfortunately, this model has no classmates...
Owner reviews Nissan Almera N16
Nissan Almera N16, 2002
Advantages : handling, ergonomics, rich equipment, cheap spare parts.
Flaws : harsh suspension, Shumka weak.
Sergey, Moscow
Nissan Almera N16, 2005
I took a 2005 Nissan Almera N16, skated for 6 months. Generally like the car, especially the front is very nice. It's bad that there are no fender liner, there are none, so the dirt from under the bumper flows. Rear lights are large, but the work is not very. There are not enough niches in the cabin, there are no pockets in the luggage compartment, so when I go through the turns, I hear how all things fly through my trunk. I don’t like the fact that the fuel level sensor has problems with determining the level of the tank, it says that half the tank, but in fact it is already less than half. Ergonomic interior, but here's a low armrest on the right. With fastening for child seats practical. I like that the Nissan Almera N16 has a heated seat with 2 levels. The head unit is not bad, if you are not a music lover, the radio catches. The ride is comfortable, everything is fine with driving performance, a little Nissan Almera N16 collapses when cornering.
Advantages : interior comfort, good driving performance.
Flaws : additional compartments, no fender liner.
Yuri, St. Petersburg
Nissan Almera N16, 2003
I took a Nissan Almera N16 in the Comfort package, from the UK, there is an assembly. Bought in the market. Prior to that, only one owner was at the car. I used to have an Opel Vectra with a 1.8 liter engine with 16 cylinders. Alas, the difference was almost immediately obvious and it was not in favor of my new car. First of all, I noted the stiffness of the suspension, the steering wheel trim itself is of poor quality and inexpensive, there is no way to adjust the driver's seat in height, and a low sound signal. As for me, the fuel consumption is too big (I fill AI-95 and it turns out that the car eats 9.7 liters in urban mode). When you go on a rough road, you feel that the rear suspension is torsion beam. But there is also a positive side, namely that the Nissan Almera N16 is reliable, no troubles have happened, that is, it serves faithfully. Although strange plastic, but I am glad that there are no squeaks. There are no complaints about electronics either. Satisfied with the ground clearance. The cabin is very warm. As a result, I got a reliable car, which has its drawbacks, but it helps me a lot in work.
Advantages : reliability, plastic does not creak, electronics, ground clearance, warmth in the cabin.
Flaws : Heated rearview mirror.
Stepan, Veliky Novgorod
A detailed review of the Nissan Almera car, created specifically for Russians, provides some technical specifications, talks about the engine, transmission, trim levels, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the car.
We have already reviewed this car here, but this article was written using the personal experience of the author, who worked at an authorized Nissan dealer, so we hope that the article will be useful.
So let's get started.
Start of production
Nissan Almera is a B-class passenger car, its production was established in 1995 in Japan. But only the first generation of the N15 car was purely Japanese, and the car existed on the market for 5 years, was produced in sedan and hatchback bodies (in 3 and 5-door versions).
The second model Nissan Almera N16 appeared in 2000, the new car acquired a more streamlined shape and slightly increased in size.
This version has already been assembled in several countries: in the UK, Latin America and South Africa.
In 2006, the N16 was replaced by one of the most popular models in Russia at that time, the Almera Classic B10, which was officially discontinued in 2013.
The new Nissan Almera in the G15 body has been produced in Russia since 2012, but this car has nothing in common with cars of previous generations with the same name.
In this case, the Russian-assembled sedan became the "brainchild" of three concerns at once: Renault, Nissan and AvtoVAZ, and its "stuffing" contains more "Renov" components and parts than Japanese ones.
What is the Russian Nissan Almera
Outwardly, the Russian Almera is a Nissan Bluebird Silfi of the 2005-2012 model, but this car has a lot of “insides” from Renault Logan, and these are:
- engine;
- Transmission;
- salon;
- suspension.
The basis of the Russian-French-Japanese brand was the "Nissan" B0 platform, many French cars were built on it, such as Renault Sandero, Logan, Duster, Kaptur.
Also B0 is the basis of the VAZ models Lada X-Ray and Largus, "Nissan" Tiida, Note, Wingroad, Cube.
The assembly of the Nissan Almera G15 is carried out at AvtoVAZ in the city of Togliatti, already initially the creators set out to launch a budget car with a brand name into the series on the basis that they would be willing to buy a car.
And the marketing move was made correctly: there were many hunters to buy a well-known brand for little money, we should pay tribute to the fact that the build quality and components turned out to be at a quite decent level.
There are a considerable number of chrome elements on the outer part of the Almera body, in particular, door handles, a radiator grille, side mirror linings, and lower door moldings are covered with chrome.
The car from afar can be recognized by the headlights of a very original shape and a relatively high front bumper.
power unit
Nissan Almera engine - gasoline 16-valve, four-cylinder, injection, with a displacement of 1598 cm3.
It is the only power unit installed on this car, and there are no other options here.
The 102-horsepower Renault K4M model is reliable and unpretentious; it has been produced since 1999 and is also installed on many Renault cars: Kangoo, Sandero, Logan, Scenic, Laguna, Fluence, Clio 2.
The real resource of the internal combustion engine is about 400 thousand km, in many ways this engine is similar to the 8-valve single-shaft K7M, only the engine is 102 hp. With. already equipped with 16-cl. Cylinder head with two camshafts.
The timing drive of the engine is belt driven, the belt life is approximately 60 thousand km. The K4M engine complies with Euro-4 standards and runs on AI-92 gasoline fuel.
Transmission
There are two types of transmission installed on the sedan:
- 5-st. "Mechanics";
- 4-st. automatic transmission.
Almera automatic transmission is the same as on Renault Logan, complete with 16-cl. engine, but it is quite an old design, although simple and inexpensive.
In automatic transmission repair, it is simple and maintainable, but not very reliable: most of all, this unit is afraid of overheating.
The manual transmission is also not a new model; this gearbox was installed on many Renault cars.
Unlike the "machine", it rarely breaks down, its resource is an average of 200,000 kilometers in mileage.
According to the technical specifications, the oil in the gearbox should not be changed during the entire service life of the car, but in Russian conditions it is still recommended to replace it: for automatic transmission - after 60,000 km, for manual transmission - after 75,000 km.
Characteristics
Almera G15 is presented in only one sedan body, and the dimensions of the car are rather big. With a wheelbase of 2700 mm, the length of the car is 4656, height - 1522 and width - 1695 mm.
The manufacturer took into account that the car will be operated on Russian roads, so the ground clearance here is quite decent (160 mm).
In a configuration with a manual transmission-5, the car accelerates to 185 km / h, gaining a “hundred” in 10.9 seconds.
Consumption per hundred kilometers when driving on the highway is 5.8 liters, in the city, fuel consumption increases to 9.5 liters.
In the version with automatic transmission, the economic performance of the car is somewhat worse, the gasoline consumption per 100 km of track here is:
- in the city - 11.9 liters;
- on the highway - 6.5 liters.
Even with the “automatic”, Nissan accelerates more slowly (in 12.7 s), and the maximum speed is 175 km / h.
The volume of the gasoline tank in all modifications is 50 liters, the curb weight is about 1178-1224 kg (depending on the configuration).
The front suspension of the sedan is MacPherson, on the rear axle is a beam. Wheel disks in all trim levels are installed with the 15th radius, the turning diameter is 11.4 m.
Ventilated brake discs are placed on the front axle, the rear brakes are drum brakes.
The ABS system is present in all trim levels, and an EBD brake distributor is also provided in all Almera variants.
Options Nissan Almera
Almera G15 for the Russian market is produced in five trim levels:
- Wellcome;
- Comfort Plus;
- Comfort A/C;
- Comfort;
- Tecna.
Welcome performance is considered basic, and the set of options here is minimal. The basic version has:
- Airbag front passenger and driver;
- Immobilizer;
- Electric front windows.
The car is equipped with steel wheels, the steering column can only be adjusted in height. There is a full-size spare wheel in the trunk, the seat upholstery is fabric.
Of course, the car obviously does not shine with the wealth of decoration, but it is also very inexpensive, you can buy a Nissan Almera from official dealers in 2016 from 511 thousand rubles (under the recycling program).
Of all the modifications presented to the Russians, the most charged is the Nissan Almera Tekna car, it already additionally provides fog headlights, heated mirrors and front seats, air conditioning, an audio system with MP3 and 4 speakers, a navigator, an on-board computer, a multimedia system.
The steering wheel rim is covered with leather, all power windows and side mirrors are installed, painted in body color and equipped with an electric drive.
The seats are upholstered with better material, alloy wheels are included. Such a car costs from 727 thousand rubles, but under the recycling program, car dealerships offer it for 100 thousand rubles. cheaper.
Salon and trunk
The interior of the Nissan Almera is spacious, there is plenty of space in it, not only front, but also rear passengers are freely accommodated here.
The driver's seat is equipped with mechanical adjustments, the steering column is adjustable only for tilt.
The glove compartment under the dashboard is large and can hold a lot of useful things, but there is no armrest. It should be noted that the interior of the Almera G15 is in many ways reminiscent of the interior of the 1st generation Logan. 
Nissan Almera reviews
The opinions of car owners about the Russian-assembled Almera G15 are contradictory, this car is both praised and scolded. First of all, among the advantages, car owners note:
- impressive interior and spacious trunk;
- excellent handling;
- soft suspension;
- pretty cute design;
- good cross-country ability for a 4x2 sedan;
- relatively low price;
- good visibility.
Also, the positive aspects include the presence of standard metal protection under the engine, the presence of lateral support on the front seats.
In winter, the stove heater heats up the interior in a matter of minutes, the driving position is comfortable, and the standard acoustics sound good.
Now about the most important shortcomings of the model, noted by car owners:
There are also various unpleasant little things:
The car has a lot of shortcomings, but many are captivated by the price of the Nissan Almera.
Buying a car or not is a personal matter, but for drivers with limited funds, such a sedan can be a very good choice.
Three and five doors. The 2000 Nissan Almera has the traditional golf-class virtues of low maintenance, functionality and ruggedness.
The most popular in Russia was Nissan Almera - 16 sedan body. Nissan Almera N16 Hatchback dates from 2003-2006. Nissan Almera N16 hatchback is found in the possession of Russian motorists much less frequently.
The Nissan Almera model has a 16 n body that is resistant to chemicals, so there are almost no Nissan Almera 2001-2006 corroded in the secondary market. Suspension Nissan Almera N16 strong, hardy and inexpensive to operate. Its main elements are capable of reaching up to one hundred and eighty thousand kilometers, and consumable parts, such as stabilizer rods, front shock absorbers, brake pads, up to forty thousand kilometers.
The Nissan Almera N16 engine is offered in two types: with a working volume of one and a half and 1.8 liters. The one and a half liter unit is suitable for novice drivers and lovers of moderate driving. Both one and the second Almera 16 engine are quite reliable in operation and have low fuel consumption.
If we talk about possible breakdowns of the Nissan Almera N16 engine, the 1.5 engine may fail due to a broken timing chain. Replacing the chain will result in a small amount, but it is not recommended to postpone it: a stretched chain can also damage other parts of the motor, causing the car to “get up”.
The inherent flaws of the Nissan Almera H16 model are an engine with a generator, which can fail with a belt bearing, as well as a lambda probe resource of about 60 thousand kilometers.
The weak points of both Nissan Almera N16 power units are the characteristics of electronic control systems. It happens that the engine starts to fail at idle. In this case, either the defective part or the entire OSUD unit should be replaced.
When buying a used Nissan Almera (2001), you should prepare yourself for the vagaries of the air conditioning clutch bearing and wiper trapezoid joints. The door seals of the Nissan Almera 16 are also not particularly reliable, and the headlight lenses are prone to clouding.
The transmissions installed on the 2002 Nissan Almera are recognized as very reliable, subject to a timely visit to the service station. The choice of Nissan Almera 2003-2006 offered five-speed mechanics and less frisky four-speed automatic transmission.
In the line of engines Nissan Almera 2003 - four-cylinder gasoline units with a working volume of one and a half and 1.8 liters. The one and a half liter Nissan Almera engine of 2004 is aggregated only with a manual transmission and provides a maximum torque of 136 Nm at 4000 rpm and a power of 98 horsepower. The power of the 1.8-liter Nissan Almera 2004 engine is 116 hp. With. However, the clutch disc of this engine is destroyed much faster than its 98-horsepower counterpart due to the greater degree of forcing.
In addition to gasoline units, the Nissan Almera 2005 line also includes diesel engines, which are characterized by reliability and efficiency.
The basic equipment of the 2005 Nissan Almera includes an ABS system, active front seat headrests, an immobilizer with preparation for installing an alarm, heated seats, central locking with remote control and an Anti-Hijack system. The solid body structure of the 2006 Nissan Almera, two airbags, electronic systems, including ESP, all provide a high level of safety.
The 2006 Nissan Almera was the last model to be produced on the N16 platform. Nissan Almera N16 2006 is distinguished by high-quality South Korean assembly and inexpensive cost in the secondary car market. Replaced Nissan Almera 2006 came.
Nissan Almera N16 was produced from 2000 to 2006. The car was positioned as a modern family sedan, with a minimum set of comfortable features and additional equipment. On the territory of Russia, it enjoyed a certain popularity (about 40,000 copies were sold in this type of body).
Improvements to the appearance of the car
Most often, motorists use as external tuning:
- Installation of rims of larger diameter, better quality and a different pattern. These types of wheels are made of light alloy metal.
The most famous manufacturers are:
The cost of rims varies depending on the manufacturer, ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles per unit;
But how wheel bolt pattern occurs, and how to determine it by brand, you can learn from this
The cost of a complete set of attachments varies from 20,000 to 45,000 rubles.
Installation can be done by hand, however, in order to avoid damage to tuning parts or factory spare parts, it is carried out in specialized services.
The installation cost will be about 10,000 rubles;
The most popular film manufacturers are companies - 3M, LLumar Johnson. Products of these companies guarantee durable operation and high-quality concealment from ultraviolet rays. But how athermal tinting of car windows is done, and how to do it yourself, is indicated
On the video - tuning Nissan Almera n16:
Headlight revision
Headlight tuning is a special type of tuning, as it can drastically change the appearance of the front of the car.
This type of tuning includes:
- Replacement of standard lighting lamps with more powerful counterparts. Most often, owners resort to the use of xenon lighting lamps. Such lamps give out a more powerful light beam, and the service life is several times longer than that of halogen lamps.
The most popular manufacturers in the domestic market are the companies:
- Philips;
- Boxsh.
But what the best LED lamps look like in the dimensions of a car can be seen in the photo in this
The products of these manufacturers are distinguished by high quality, excellent light, but also high price compared to competitors.
On the video - tuning headlights Nissan Almera n16:
The cost starts from 800 rubles per lamp. Installation of such lamps does not take much time, and almost any motorist is able to carry it out.
The installation process goes through the following steps:
- dismantling the old element (there is a rubber gasket behind the headlight housing, it is necessary to remove it from the seats, and then, having opened the lamp holders, pull out the standard product),
- after that, install the tuning element in reverse order;
Installation of plastic lining on the headlights — cilia. - Since this part is not difficult to manufacture, its purchase can also be entrusted to small enterprises. The main thing is that the colors match. The assembly of the part is carried out by gluing with double-sided adhesive tape on the headlight housing.
