Verdict
The RM6,000 step from VL to VLP is justified for most Malaysian buyers because it brings six airbags instead of two, automatic climate control, an 8-inch Nissan Connect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and a reverse camera. Both use the same 99 hp, 152 Nm 1.0-litre turbo CVT drivetrain and return a rated 5.4 L/100 km, so there is no mechanical gain. The VLP is 22 kg heavier, but its safety and day-to-day equipment matter far more than that small penalty. Pick the VLP unless the lower entry cost is decisive.
Pick the Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0 VL if you want the lower-cost Almera and can accept two airbags, manual air-con and no reverse camera.
Pick the Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0 VLP if you want six airbags, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and a reverse camera for RM6,000 more.
Key differences
- Price: RM83,888 (VL) vs RM89,888 (VLP)
- Kerb weight: 1,090 kg (VL) vs 1,112 kg (VLP)
- Airbags: 2 (VL) vs 6 (VLP)
- Wheels and tyres: 15-inch alloys with 195/65R15 tyres (VL) vs 16-inch two-tone alloys with 205/55R16 tyres (VLP)
- Air-conditioning: manual single-zone (VL) vs single-zone automatic climate control (VLP)
- Audio and camera: radio with four speakers and no reverse camera (VL) vs 8-inch Nissan Connect with Apple CarPlay, six speakers and reverse camera (VLP)
Turbo 1.0 VL
- RM6,000 cheaper to buy
- 22 kg lighter at 1,090 kg
- 15-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tyres
- Only two airbags versus the VLP's six
- Manual single-zone air-con instead of automatic climate control
- No reverse camera or 8-inch Apple CarPlay touchscreen
Turbo 1.0 VLP
- Six airbags, including front side and front/rear curtain airbags
- 8-inch Nissan Connect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and six speakers
- Automatic climate control and a reverse camera
- Costs RM6,000 more
- 22 kg heavier at 1,112 kg
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM83,888✓ | RM89,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20 | RM20 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 999 cc | 999 cc |
| Horsepower | 99 hp at 5,000 rpm | 99 hp at 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm | 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 3 | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 72.2 mm × 81.3 mm | 72.2 mm × 81.3 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Xtronic CVT | Xtronic CVT |
| Gears | 1 | 1 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Jatco |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.4 L/100 km | 5.4 L/100 km |
| Co2 | 125 g/km | 125 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,495 mm |
| Width | 1,740 mm | 1,740 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Weight | 1,090 kg | 1,112 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 35 litres | 35 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 482 litres | 482 litres |
| Front Tyre | 195/65R15 | 205/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 195/65R15 | 205/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 | Continental UltraContact UC6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 16" Two-tone Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 16" Two-tone Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Single-zone | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with 4 Speakers | 8" Nissan Connect Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5 Times Free Service | 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
Turbo 1.0 VL vs Turbo 1.0 VLP FAQ
Is the Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0 VL or Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0 VLP better?
The Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0 VLP is the better buy. Its RM6,000 premium adds four airbags, automatic climate control, an 8-inch Apple CarPlay touchscreen, six speakers and a reverse camera, while performance and rated fuel use are unchanged.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0 VLP costs RM89,888, which is RM6,000 more than the RM83,888 Nissan Almera Turbo 1.0 VL.
Does the VLP have more power than the VL?
No. Both variants have a 999 cc turbocharged three-cylinder producing 99 hp at 5,000 rpm and 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm, driving the front wheels through an Xtronic CVT. Both are rated at 5.4 L/100 km.
