Verdict
The Nissan Almera N18 is the more complete new-generation choice, but the RM19,001 gap over the RM64,887 Nissan Almera N17 is substantial for a B-segment sedan buyer. Its 99 hp 1.0-litre turbo gives 152 Nm from 2,600 rpm, against the N17’s 101 hp and 139 Nm at 4,000 rpm, and it cuts rated consumption from 6.3 to 5.4 L/100 km. More importantly, the N18 adds stability control, autonomous braking and a CVT. The N17 remains the budget-led used-car proposition, with a marginally larger 490-litre boot and full-size spare.
Pick the Nissan Almera N17 if the lower RM64,887 entry price, 490-litre boot and full-size spare matter more than newer safety equipment and an automatic transmission.
Pick the Nissan Almera N18 if you want the 152 Nm turbo engine, Xtronic CVT, 5.4 L/100 km rating and stability control with autonomous braking.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Almera N17 RM64,887; Nissan Almera N18 RM83,888.
- Powertrain: N17 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, 101 hp and 139 Nm; N18 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder, 99 hp and 152 Nm.
- Transmission: N17 five-speed manual; N18 Xtronic CVT automatic.
- Rated fuel economy and road tax: N17 6.3 L/100 km and RM90/year; N18 5.4 L/100 km and RM20/year.
- Safety: N17 has one driver airbag and no stability control; N18 has two airbags, stability control and autonomous braking.
- Boot and spare wheel: N17 490 litres with a full-size 15-inch steel spare; N18 482 litres with a space-saver spare.
N17
- RM19,001 cheaper
- 490-litre boot and full-size spare wheel
- 101 hp from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine
- Five-speed manual rather than the N18’s CVT automatic
- One airbag and no stability control or autonomous braking
- Higher 6.3 L/100 km rated consumption and RM90 annual road tax
N18
- 152 Nm available at 2,600 rpm
- Stability control, autonomous braking and two airbags
- 5.4 L/100 km rating, RM20 road tax and five-year unlimited-mileage warranty
- RM19,001 higher purchase price
- 482-litre boot is 8 litres smaller and the spare is space-saver
- 99 hp is 2 hp down on the N17
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM64,887✓ | RM83,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM20✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated, variable valve timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 999 cc |
| Horsepower | 101 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 99 hp at 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 139 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 78 mm × 78.4 mm | 72.2 mm × 81.3 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.1 | 9.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 5MT | Xtronic CVT |
| Gears | 5 | 1 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Jatco |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 6.3 L/100 km | 5.4 L/100 km✓ |
| Co2 | —✓ | 125 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,425 mm | 4,495 mm |
| Width | 1,695 mm | 1,740 mm |
| Height | 1,510 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Weight | 1,020 kg | 1,090 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 41 litres | 35 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 482 litres |
| Front Tyre | 185/65R15 | 195/65R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 185/65R15 | 195/65R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 15" Steel | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Steel | 15" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Steel | 15" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | 4 stars — With 1 airbag and no stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 1 (Driver Only) | 2 (Driver and Passenger) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Normal Bulb | LED Combination |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Fold-down Centre Armrest | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Manual Single-zone |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 4 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | AM/FM Tuner, CD-Player, MP3, AUX Input with 4 Speakers | Radio with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote control activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 5 Times Free Service |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
N17 vs N18 FAQ
Is the Nissan Almera N17 or Nissan Almera N18 better?
The Nissan Almera N18 is better for most buyers because it adds a CVT, 152 Nm turbo torque, stability control and autonomous braking. Choose the N17 only if its much lower price, larger boot and full-size spare are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Almera N18 costs RM19,001 more than the Nissan Almera N17. That buys the turbo-CVT powertrain, lower RM20 annual road tax, active safety equipment, alloy wheels and a longer five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Which Almera has the better safety kit?
The Nissan Almera N18 has the stronger safety specification: two airbags, stability control, collision warning and autonomous braking. The N17 has one driver airbag, ABS/EBD and no stability control.