Nissan Almera from the inside: an honest review of the interior with photos and secrets

Salon Nissan Almera The latest generation is an example of how a budget sedan can combine practicality, modern technology and acceptable quality of finish. The car, which is assembled in Russia at the Tolyatti plant, is often chosen for its reliability and unpretentiousness, but few people know that its interior hides many interesting solutions - and several controversial compromises.

In this review we will look at all areas of the cabin: from the front panel to the trunk, we will test the ergonomics, evaluate the noise and tell you about hidden features that are not mentioned in official brochures. Let's also compare Almera with key competitors - Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris And Lada Vesta - in terms of comfort and equipment.

Design and finishing materials: what's really inside?

The first thing that catches your eye when landing in Nissan Almera is a minimalistic front panel with an emphasis on horizontal lines. The designers were clearly inspired by the brand's more expensive models, for example, Nissan Qashqai, but in the budget segment this looks more like an advantage than a disadvantage. The plastic here is mostly hard, but "soft touch" texture on the top of the dashboard creates the illusion of premiumness.

However, not everything is so rosy: if you look closely, the gaps between the panels become noticeable (especially in the area of the glove compartment and the central tunnel), and the plastic on the door cards is clearly economical. In top trim levels TEKNA And N-Design saves the situation orange stitching and decorative aluminum-look inserts, but they mask the budget rather than eliminate it.

• ✅ Pros: ergonomic driving position, convenient location of controls, pleasant-touch steering wheel trim in top versions.
• ❌ Cons: creaking plastic panels after 10-15 thousand kilometers, soiled seat fabric in basic configurations.
• 🔍 Secret: in versions with climate control air ducts have adjustable flaps, which are not found in cars with conventional air conditioning.

⚠️ Attention: if you choose Almera with a light interior, be prepared for the fact that in a year or two the fabric on the seats may acquire a grayish tint - this is a feature of the material used in the Russian assembly.

Ergonomics and seating position: is it comfortable to drive?

One of the key advantages Almera - this is correct driver position. The steering column is adjustable only in tilt angle (no reach), but even in the basic configuration the seat has height adjustment, which is rare for budget sedans. The pedals are positioned perfectly for drivers between 165 and 185 cm tall, and the gearshift lever (in the manual version) falls under the hand without effort.

However, there are nuances: the armrest in Almera missing even in top versions — instead, a small plastic “shelf” is proposed on the central tunnel. But the cup holders here are deep and comfortable, however, they will not fit bottles with a volume of more than 0.7 liters. But glove compartment light (in configurations Comfort+ and above) is a nice bonus for evening trips.

Parameter	Nissan Almera	Kia Rio	Hyundai Solaris
Steering wheel adjustment	Only by slope	By inclination and reach	By inclination and reach
Armrest	No	Yes (in top versions)	Yes (optional)
Heated seats	Yes (from 2023)	Yes	Yes
Ergonomics of the gearshift lever	Short stroke, clear shifts	Long stroke	Average speed, a bit tight

Interesting fact: in Almera with automatic transmission selector has unusual shape — it resembles a joystick from a game console. You either like this solution at first sight or it irritates you for years. You can get used to it in a couple of days, but the owners note that in cold weather the plastic of the selector becomes slippery.

Multimedia and electronics: what can the system do?

Basic equipment Nissan Almera equipped audio system with 4 speakers and a monochrome display of the on-board computer. But already in the version Comfort appears 7" touch screen with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto (wired connection). The sound quality here is average - there is practically no bass, and wheezing appears at high volumes.

In top versions (TEKNA) is installed 8" display with navigation and 6 speakers, but even here there is no premium audio. But there are useful features:

• 📱 Wireless charging for smartphones (only in TEKNA).
• 🔊 Voice control (recognizes commands in Russian, but with a delay).
• 🌡️ Digital climate control with a separate display (in versions with automatic transmission).

One of the most controversial decisions is lack of physical climate control buttons in versions with touch screen. All settings are hidden in the menu, which distracts you from the road. In addition, the sensor sometimes does not respond to touch in cold weather - this is confirmed by reviews of owners from cold regions.

⚠️ Attention: if you buy Almera with mileage, check the operation of the touch screen when it is cold - often after 2-3 years of operation it begins to “glitch” due to oxidation of the contacts.

How to reset media settings to factory settings?

Press and hold the button MENU on the screen for 10 seconds. The reset menu will then appear. This method works for systems based on NissanConnect 2020+.

Rear row: how much space is there for passengers?

Despite its compact external dimensions, Nissan Almera surprises with the spaciousness for rear passengers. Distance from front seats to rear backrests - 83 cm, and the ceiling height allows you to comfortably accommodate a person up to 180 cm tall. However, there are three key points:

1. Seat profile: The rear row backrests are almost vertical, which can be uncomfortable on long trips.
2. Trip: the floor is quite flat, but the central tunnel is high - the feet of the average passenger rest against it.
3. Ventilation: there are no deflectors, only a weak air supply from under the front seats.

For comparison: in Hyundai Solaris the back row is slightly narrower, but the seat backs have a more pronounced slope, which makes the ride more comfortable. But in Lada Vesta There is more legroom, but the finishing quality is poorer.

Parameter	Nissan Almera	Kia Rio	Lada Vesta
Legroom (cm)	83	80	85
Rear row width (cm)	142	140	144
Heated rear seats available	No	Option	No
Backrest tilt adjustment	No	No	Yes (in luxury version)

An interesting life hack: if you need to transport long objects (for example, skis), Almera you can fold the back row in proportion 60:40, but The back doesn't lie completely flat — a small protrusion remains. But the trunk increases from 495 to 1200 liters.

Trunk: volume and hidden capabilities

Trunk volume Nissan Almera amounts to 495 liters - this is one of the best indicators in the class. For comparison: Kia Rio — 480 l, y Hyundai Solaris - 482 l. The shape of the trunk is almost ideal: a flat floor, a wide opening and a low loading threshold. However, there are several nuances:

• 🔧 Spare wheel in the basic configuration it is a “dokatka” (T125/80 R15), and the full-size wheel is offered only as an option.
• 🔌 12V socket There is, but it is located too close to the hinges of the lid - it is inconvenient to connect the compressor.
• 📦 Hidden compartment under the trunk floor only holds a first aid kit and tools, but not documentation.

If you need to transport large cargo, pay attention to hidden mesh mounts on the sides of the trunk - they allow you to secure the load, but the fastenings themselves are plastic and are not designed for heavy loads. But luggage net It is not included in the kit - you will have to buy it separately (item number B6510-9M00A).

⚠️ Attention: with rear seats folded It is not recommended to transport heavy objects (for example, bags of cement) - the seat backs do not have a rigid fixation and can bend.

A stowage or full-size spare tire|The condition of the trunk lid hinges|The performance of the backlight|The integrity of the plastic fasteners for the net-->

Noise and vibration isolation: is it quiet in the cabin?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Nissan Almera — this is the noise level in the cabin. Compared to the previous generation (Almera Classic) progress is obvious: at a speed of 100 km/h in the cabin there is about 68 dB (for comparison: in Hyundai Solaris — 65 dB, in Kia Rio - 67 dB). However, there are sources of noise that have not been completely eliminated:

• 🚗 Engine: at idle speed vibrations are transmitted to the steering wheel and pedals (especially in versions with 1.6-liter engine).
• 🌬️ Wind noise: at speeds above 120 km/h the front strut seal begins to “whistle”.
• 🛣️ Wheel noise: standard tires 185/65 R15 (in the basic version) quite noisy, but after replacing with 195/55 R16 the situation is improving.

Owners note that additional noise and vibration insulation (for example, StP-bitumen on arches and floors) reduces the noise level by 3-5 dB, but does not completely solve the problem. But in Almera well designed road noise insulation — There are almost no knocks or squeaks on uneven asphalt.

Hidden tricks and life hacks for owners

Even after a year of ownership Nissan Almera many discover non-obvious functions. Here are the most useful of them:

1. Hidden compartment under the trunk floor: If you remove the cover, there is space underneath for documents or a small laptop. But be careful - moisture accumulates there after washing.
2. Eco mode with hints: in versions with on-board computer When eco mode is activated, prompts appear on the display when it is best to change gear to save fuel.
3. Double tap the lock button: If you press the button on the key twice, all windows will close automatically (only works when the driver's door is open).
4. Light in the glove compartment: included Comfort+ and above, the glove compartment is illuminated when opened, but the light bulb often burns out - it can be replaced with an LED (article number 28535-4M000).

Another little-known fact: in Almera with NissanConnect multimedia system can be activated hidden engineering settings menu. To do this you need:

1. Зажать кнопку "Назад" (↩️) на 5 секунд.
2. Ввести код: 2828# (для систем 2021-2023 года).
3. В меню можно откалибровать сенсор или сбросить настройки до заводских.

But be careful—wrong changes can crash your system!

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Almera interior

Is it possible to install a heated steering wheel in Almera?

Officially, this option is not provided, but some services offer to add a heated steering wheel (cost ~15-20 thousand rubles). To do this, you will need to disassemble the steering wheel and connect the heating elements to the on-board network. However this will remove the car from warranty, if the work was not performed by an authorized dealer.

Why doesn't Almera have an armrest?

This is the manufacturer’s solution to save space in the central tunnel (there are climate control ducts). Alternatively you can buy padded armrest (for example, from Kia Rio), but it does not attach perfectly and can interfere with gear shifting.

Which Almera interior is better to choose: fabric or leatherette?

If your budget allows, it is better to take the version with combined finishing (fabric + leatherette), which comes in complete sets TEKNA And N-Design. It is easier to clean and less dirty. Clean fabric (in basic versions) is easily soiled, and full leatherette (optional) squeaks in cold weather.

Is it possible to install a rear view camera in Almera?

Yes, but there are nuances:

• In versions with 7-inch screen The camera is connected via a standard connector (adapter required Nissan Bose).
• In basic versions without a screen, you will need to install a separate monitor in the rearview mirror.
• Original camera from Nissan costs ~10 thousand rubles (article 29501-4M00A).

What to do if there is a plastic smell in the Almera interior?

This is a typical problem with new cars. To eliminate odor:

1. Ventilate the interior for a week, leaving the windows slightly open.
2. Use odor absorbers (eg carbon filters).
3. Treat the plastic with a special product (for example, Sonax Plastic Cleaner).

If the smell does not disappear after 2-3 months, contact your dealer - this may be a sign of defective materials.