The car, which in Russia is often called the β€œpeople's sedan,” has earned its popularity due to its simplicity of design and availability of spare parts. Nissan Almera Classic is a renamed B11 sedan, produced in Togliatti, and differs from the global version Almera N16 in a simpler body design and the absence of rear disc brakes.

Many buyers choose this car precisely because of its unpretentiousness and low cost of ownership. However, before you make a purchase or start using it, you need to study in detail technical parameters and features of the units, as they directly affect comfort and safety on the road.

Engine line and power units

The design is based on one single motor option, which was installed on all modifications of the model. This 1.6 liter petrol engine with the index QG16DE, which develops a power of 109 horsepower. The engine is equipped with a distributed fuel injection system and two camshafts, which ensures stable operation and acceptable dynamics for the urban cycle.

The main feature of this engine is the absence of hydraulic compensators in the valve mechanism. This means that the owner will have to regularly adjust the valve clearances, which is an additional expense. However, the unit itself has a high resource life, provided that the oil is changed in a timely manner and high-quality fuel is used.

It is important to note that the engine is not a phase shifter, which simplifies its maintenance, but reduces its environmental friendliness compared to modern analogues. Engine life with proper operation it can exceed 300 thousand kilometers, which makes it an excellent choice for taxis or long trips.

  • πŸ”§ Cylinder volume: 1598 cc cm
  • βš™οΈ Power system: distributed injection
  • 🐎 Maximum power: 109 hp at 6000 rpm

Transmission and drive system

Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, the car was equipped with one of two transmissions. The basic option is the classic 5-speed manual transmission, which is reliable and easy to repair. The gears are engaged clearly, and the travel of the gearshift lever is quite informative, which allows the driver to feel control over the car.

More expensive versions were equipped with a Jatco 4-speed automatic transmission. This unit is also famous for its survivability, but requires more careful maintenance. It is necessary to regularly change the oil in the automatic transmission and monitor the condition of the torque converter. Machine makes driving in traffic jams much more comfortable, but increases fuel consumption by 1-1.5 liters.

The car has exclusively front-wheel drive, which is typical for the budget segment. The suspension is designed taking into account Russian roads, so it has a large stroke and the ability to absorb impacts from bumps. However, at high speeds when cornering, there may be some body roll, which is typical for cars of this class.

  • πŸš— Drive type: front (FWD)
  • πŸ”© Manual transmission: 5 steps, reliable design
  • πŸ€– Automatic transmission: 4 steps, Japanese production

For those who plan to use the car for taxi or heavy-duty transportation, a manual transmission will be preferable due to the lower risk of overheating and lower repair costs.

πŸ“ŠWhich gearbox do you like best?
  • Mechanics
  • Machine
  • Doesn't matter
  • I choose the CVT

Suspension and ride quality

Suspension design Nissan Almera Classic tested by time and hundreds of thousands of kilometers. The front uses independent MacPherson strut suspension with anti-roll bar. The rear part is made according to a semi-independent beam design, which ensures simplicity of design and low maintenance.

The efficiency of the suspension largely depends on the condition of the silent blocks and shock absorbers. The rear beam may begin to creak over time if the bushing mounting points are not lubricated. Ride quality The car can be described as soft, it absorbs small potholes well, but on large bumps there may be a feeling of rocking.

The steering is equipped with power steering, which provides ease of maneuvering at low speeds. On the highway, the steering becomes heavier, which gives a feeling of stability. Clearance The height of the car is about 160 mm when equipped, which allows you to feel confident on country roads, although it is not an off-road indicator.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a used car, be sure to check the condition of the rear shock absorbers. Their wear often leads to impacts when driving over speed bumps and worsens handling on wet roads.

  • πŸ›£οΈ Front suspension: independent, spring
  • πŸ›£οΈ Rear suspension: semi-independent, torsion beam
  • 🚦 Steering: rack and pinion with hydraulic booster
What is a torsion beam?|A torsion beam is a type of rear suspension where two trailing arms are connected to each other by a torsion bar (metal shaft) that works to twist. This solution is cheaper to manufacture than a multi-link suspension, but less effective when driving off-road.-->

Dimensions and capacity of the cabin

The car's interior is spacious for its class, especially in the front seats. The rear bench also seats three adults, although legroom may be limited if you're taller than average. Trunk volume is 500 liters, which is an excellent indicator for a budget segment sedan.

The dimensions of the body allow the car to easily maneuver in dense city traffic and find a parking space even in cramped yards. The length of the body is 4520 mm, width - 1695 mm, and height - 1510 mm. These parameters make the car compact, but at the same time stable on the road.

The quality of the interior assembly at the Togliatti plant was at a high level, the seams are even, the plastic does not creak. However, over time, unpleasant sounds may appear from the fastening of panels or ceiling upholstery. Ergonomics The dashboard is well thought out, all controls are at the driver’s fingertips.

The rear seats can be folded down to transport large cargo, but this does not provide a completely flat floor due to the presence of a luggage rack. However, the car is quite suitable for transporting building materials or large items.