NISSAN'S Almera Turbo has had it tough since it was first launched. As solid is the fourth generation model, it is unfortunately constantly overlooked and overshadowed by the B-segment crowd.
To no fault of its own either. The model just has the misfortune of everything working against it from the start. But the absence of a spotlight also means that what it does in the shadows is free from overt scrutiny.
It is an advantage that allows Nissan and Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) to get creative and to better reposition the model to have that element of surprise.
From the shadows comes the Kuro. Better known as the Black Edition, the Almera Turbo is given a new lease of life to set the competition straight.
It may have taken the B-segment sedan some time to get to where it is now but the new aggressive styling is a real head turner.
BACK IN BLACK
The new edition of the Almera Turbo is mostly bodykit aesthetics applied to the Almera Turbo's VL, VLP and VLT variants as standard equipment.
But despite its name (kuro means black in Japanese), black isn't a dominant feature.
Instead, the colour as per-package is only applied to its specific factory-fitted styling parts that build on the aerokit developed exclusively by Tomei Japan for the Almera Turbo.
These parts include a front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and boot lid spoiler all in Gloss Black.
The most notable highlight is the new Glacier Grey exterior body colour first seen on the new Navara Pro 4x and later on the Leaf.
This is further complemented by accessories such as Ice Cool tinting film, sports pedals, a kicking plate, door handle protectors and a door visor.
Customers can also opt for the Kuro GT package that adds a Tomei GT Wing and 16-inch Impul Racing alloy rims.
The Kuro package is valued at RM8,000 while the Kuro GT add-on package is an additional RM3,200. The latter is only limited to 300 vehicle sets and is exclusively available as an add-on to the VLP and VLT Kuro package.
As for the Almera Turbo itself, the sedan's exterior design is mostly defined by a signature V-motion front grille and boomerang-shaped LED headlamps that flow across the front end to a low profile floating roof as well as signature rear LED tail-lamps.
The overall dimensions have been improved, with the sedan registering a length of 4,495mm, width of 1,740mm and height of 1,460mm with a wheelbase of 2,620mm.
Trunk space is 482 litres standard that is expandable through the foldable 60:40 split back seats.
All variants boast a 1.0-litre turbo engine that is paired with a next-generation Xtronic CVT with D-Step Logic System. The setup delivers up to 152Nm of maximum torque and has a fuel efficiency of 18.4km/litre, which is roughly equivalent to an estimated 650km driving range on a 35-litre full tank.
A highlight of the engine is that it now comes with a Mirror Bore Coating Technology that is adapted from the iconic Nissan GT-R. This reduces friction between the piston ring and inner cylinder and results in increased durability, reduced wear and tear, and improved heat management.
On the interior is a "gliding wing" design-inspired instrument panel that is furnished with a mix of materials and features, including a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel.
At the centre is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display that's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch semi-digital meter cluster.
The standard driving aids include intelligent forward collision warning and intelligent forward emergency braking.
The top VLT variant also gains blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and intelligent around view monitor with moving object detection.
Nissan's Intelligent Mobility and Safety Shield 360 advanced safety technologies are also present.
The standard safety features include vehicle dynamic control, traction control system, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, hill-start assist and two child seat retainer with top tether Isofix.
The VLP and VLT variants are equipped with six SRS Airbags while the standard VL has two.
The exterior colour options (before the Kuro Edition update) are Radiant Red, Monarch Orange, Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant White, Diamond Black and Tungsten Silver, although the latter has seemingly been removed as an option.
At the time of writing, the starting price inclusive of the Kuro Edition remains shared with that of the standard VL variant at RM83,888.
Without the package, the VLP and VLT variants are priced from RM89,888 and RM95,888, respectively.
All variants of the Almera Turbo are certified energy-efficient vehicles and come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with five free maintenance services (terms and conditions apply).
DARK KNIGHT
It is a shame that the Almera Turbo doesn't get enough recognition for being one of the more exciting B-segment sedans in the market.
It remains ahead of its time since launch but has also suffered many strategic setbacks.
The factors include poor entry timing (which was right after the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown was lifted), an unconvinced public of its 1.0L turbo engine, and lacklustre ownership experience with the previous Almera model.
The previous third-generation model was easily one of the top three non-national B-segment sedans. Though it lacked the flair of its rivals, the car at the time was the most economical in the segment for its price and space.
Sadly, its overall performance was average.
The Almera Turbo is an entirely different experience. It borders on delivering an almost-C-segment feel both in cabin comfort and performance. In fact, its unique characteristics still hold up against its rivals.
Everything was taken to a higher gear with the Kuro package.
The Kuro edition mainly lacks 17-inch wheels and minor aesthetic features but is otherwise almost similar with the Gloss Black parts and new Glacier Grey paint.
And does it drive with a vengeance. Already a fan of the Almera Turbo, the Kuro Edition feels a lot tighter in its performance with the addition of its aero-bodykits.
Power is just as this writer remembered (it is the same powertrain setup after all) but it does feel extra stable around the bends or when manoeuvring this time around.
The selling factor is the aesthetic upgrade. The Kuro Edition is simply sporty and aggressive without the outlandish theatrics. It has a very hard street vibe but works just as well as a car for the modern executive.
VERDICT
Back in black and full of vengeance, the Kuro Edition is, in this writer's opinion, the definitive way to experience the Almera Turbo.
The Almera Turbo itself has flown under the radar for so long that you may as well consider this new package an entirely new Nissan experience.
One of the biggest sins with the car is how little exposure it is getting from all parties. But the car is undisputedly one of the more exciting models in the similar segment.
Design, performance and price all match up nicely to mentally place you on the city streets at all times. It is far from boring and one of the few B-Segment cars that makes you want to take it for a drive time and again.
Black has always characteristically been associated with the modern and edgy. The Almera Turbo Kuro Edition has undoubtedly struck gold with this new found aggression.
Now, all we have to do is have people forget about the predecessor model to give the Almera Kuro Edition the fresh start it needs to be competitive.
