Faults:

Turbocharger problems, reflected in loss of power or excessive smoke.

The fuel pump fails after exceeding 130,000 km.

Clutch replacement due to wear.

Leaks in the cooling system, which can lead to engine overheating if the level is not monitored.

The engine is very noisy when cold and transmits noticeable vibrations to the cabin at idle.

Intermittent mass air flow sensor faults.

General Comments:

I can say that, overall, it is a good car, but there are some aspects I liked more and others that disappointed me.

The car is very noisy; when cold, it has a "van-like clatter" at idle, although this noise diminishes significantly once the engine warms up. On the open road—at a constant speed—wind noise is more audible than the engine, though the engine noise becomes dominant again during acceleration.

It lacks good responsiveness below 2,000 rpm—a trait made more noticeable by its heavy weight (over 1,300 kg) and extremely tall gear ratios (51.2 km/h per 1,000 rpm in 5th gear). For instance, when driving in 5th gear between 80 and 100 km/h, the engine runs at 1,500 to 1,900 rpm. When accelerating, the response is so sluggish that it prompts you to downshift one or two gears.

The same applies in the city. Below 2,000 rpm, the lack of responsiveness calls for a lower gear and significantly slows down every start-off. From around 2,000 rpm upwards, if you accelerate hard, the response is sufficiently energetic.

On the plus side, the engine pulls strongly between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm, easily handling very tall gear ratios; this benefits fuel economy. Its acceleration and top speed are exactly what one would expect from a 110 hp diesel.

In mixed driving—combining highway and city routes at a brisk pace—average fuel consumption ranged from 6.6 to 6.9 l/100 km, peaking at around 9.7 l/100 km; in my opinion, that is quite good.

The Almera's suspension is soft, prioritizing comfort. Stability is good, though the bodywork can exhibit pronounced roll, and the suspension tends to bounce excessively when driving over a series of road surface changes. Its handling is balanced, allowing for a brisk pace, though it certainly does not offer a sporty driving experience.

Its reactions are consistently progressive, and it does not oversteer even in adverse conditions. Braking is effective, and the anti-lock braking system operates flawlessly.

Overall comfort is good. On the plus side, the suspension effectively absorbs bumps; on the downside, there is wind noise (though only at high speeds) and noticeable engine noise. The gear shift action is smooth, quick, and precise—something to be appreciated in a car that requires frequent gear changes.

All in all, it is a practical car without many frills, but generally reliable, with a good engine and moderate fuel consumption.

Faults:

Turbo blown due to faulty actuator. Subject to a recall. Turbo is liable to over boosting. Main dealer should change.

General Comments:

Fast car in straight line. Doesn't handle like its Golf equivalent.

Torque steer big issue, especially in the wet.

Liable to under steer under heavy acceleration.

Liable to over steer on sharp cornering in wet.

Massive flat spot in performance from 3k RPM.

6 speed transmission adds to the fuel economy.

Faults:

Nothing has gone, but the fuel consumption is awful as I am only at the moment averaging 24mpg. Hopefully as the engine loosens up it will improve.

General Comments:

Great car very comfortable, but there are 2 things I do not like as mentioned the fuel consumption is appaling at present and although I am 5'7 the seating position is much to low.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

After six months of ownership I am extremely pleased with almost everything.

The Almera is very underrated in the press and I can tell you why: it does everything very well, but simply doesn't do one thing distinctively better then the competition to attract the attention of magazine gloss-heads.

It's their loss, believe me, as the Almera is an excellent car that can teach most other small family cars a lesson or two about build quality, handling, performance and reliability.

It has a fast engine with awesome power at low revs (using Nissan's NVCT technology), grips the road like nobody's business (excellent rear MultiLink suspension), great handling and amazing brakes, reliable, economical with an elegant design and comfy cabin.

I have no doubt that among compact family cars the Almera can definitely receive the title as the "drivers car". The Almera is really fun to drive and simply begs for long, twisted roads to show her full potential (and she has lots of it).

The cabin is well made (It's Nissan, so I didn't expect less), very ergonomic and I really like the central 7" control screen.

I'm a very happy Nissan customer and I promise you that my next car is definitely going to be a Nissan.