SPOT.
Photo of a Nissan Almera

Nissan Almera

From a 141-hp GTi to Thailand's first eco-car sedan: one badge, two very different missions.12

Researched October 30, 2026 from 31 sources

Also called

  • HellmeraMark Higgins's exasperated nickname for the Almera F2 Kit Car, whose troubled program followed the Sunny.3

At a glance

0100200
74–141 hpPower
07501,500
1,020–1,375 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.11112

Engine
1.0–2.0 L gasoline I3/I4, including 1.0 turbo; 1.5–2.2 L diesel I4110
Layout
Front engine, front-wheel drive1
Gearbox
5- or 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or Xtronic CVT, by version1
Built at
N15: Oppama, Japan; N16: Sunderland, UK; Thai N17: Samutprakarn, Thailand12
Units built
639,000 Sunderland-built Almeras (2000–2006)6

The story

Built to replace the Sunny in 1995, the Almera evolved from N15/N16 compacts into N17/N18 subcompact sedans. The N17 also traveled as the Sunny, Latio and Versa.14

1995: N15 replaces the Sunny19951997: GTi homologated as Group A 557019972000: Sunderland's 800-job Almera20002006: 639,000 Sunderland Almeras20062011: Thailand's first eco-car sedan20112012: Russia gets a locally built Almera20122019: N18 arrives with HRA0 turbo power20192024: Kuro GT: just 300 accessory sets2024 Datsun Cherry (E10): 1970–1977E10Nissan Pulsar / Cherry (N10): 1978–1982N10Nissan Sunny / Pulsar (N14): 1991–1995 (Europe)N14Nissan Almera (first generation) (N15): 1995–2000N15Nissan Almera (second generation) (N16): 2000–2007N16Nissan Almera (third generation) (N17): 2011–presentN17Nissan Almera (fourth generation) (N18): From 2019N18 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1482122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1970–1977Datsun Cherry (E10)
1978–1982Nissan Pulsar / Cherry (N10)
1991–1995 (Europe)Nissan Sunny / Pulsar (N14)
1995–2000Nissan Almera (first generation) (N15)
2000–2007Nissan Almera (second generation) (N16)
2011–presentNissan Almera (third generation) (N17)
From 2019Nissan Almera (fourth generation) (N18)
1995N15 replaces the Sunny
1997GTi homologated as Group A 5570
2000Sunderland's 800-job Almera
2006639,000 Sunderland Almeras
2011Thailand's first eco-car sedan
2012Russia gets a locally built Almera
2019N18 arrives with HRA0 turbo power
2024Kuro GT: just 300 accessory sets
  1. 1995

    N15 replaces the Sunny

    The N15 replaces the Sunny, with 1.4 L GA14DE and 1.6 L GA16DE gasoline engines plus a 2.0 L CD20 diesel. Japan's close relative wears Pulsar badges.1

  2. 1997

    GTi homologated as Group A 5570

    The front-drive Almera GTi N15 is homologated for Group A as number 5570. The road GTi's 2.0-liter SR20DE makes 141 hp.15

  3. 2000

    Sunderland's 800-job Almera

    The N16 launches in January. Production adds 800 jobs at Sunderland; its export hatch wears Pulsar badges and its sedan draws on Bluebird Sylphy.16

  4. 2006

    639,000 Sunderland Almeras

    UK production ends on November 24 after six years and 639,000 cars, as Sunderland shifts toward Note and Qashqai.6

  5. 2011

    Thailand's first eco-car sedan

    The Thai 1.2-liter triple delivers 78 hp and a claimed 20 km/L; Malaysia's later N17 uses the 1.5-liter HR15DE with manual or automatic gearboxes.12

  6. 2012

    Russia gets a locally built Almera

    The Moscow debut promises Togliatti production, a 2 mm engine shield, 160 mm clearance (145 mm at the shield) and optimized cold starts.7

  7. 2019

    N18 arrives with HRA0 turbo power

    Thailand debuts the N18 with a 1.0-liter HRA0 turbo: 99 hp, 152 Nm and a claimed 23.3 km/L. Its body adds a floating roof and boomerang lamps.48

  8. 2024

    Kuro GT: just 300 accessory sets

    Launched in Kuala Lumpur, the Kuro Black Edition gains black grille trim and wheels. Its Kuro GT option adds a TOMEI wing and IMPUL rims, with only 300 sets.9

Every generation

  • Datsun Cherry
    E101970–1977
  • Nissan Pulsar / Cherry
    N101978–1982
  • Nissan Sunny / Pulsar
    N141991–1995 (Europe)
  • Nissan Almera (first generation)
    N151995–2000
  • Nissan Almera (second generation)
    N162000–2007
  • Nissan Almera (third generation)
    N172011–present
  • Nissan Almera (fourth generation)
    N18From 2019

Power over the years

From 74 hp to 141 hp in 3 years.

050100150 199520002005201020152020 hp 1995 · 74 hp · N15 1.4 GA14DE1995 · 89 hp · N15 1.6 GA16DE1998 · 141 hp · N15 GTi, Phase 22002 · 89 hp · Outgoing N16 1.52002 · 108 hp · N16 2.2 diesel2002 · 111 hp · Outgoing N16 1.8 SE2003 · 97 hp · MY2003 N16 1.52003 · 114 hp · MY2003 N16 1.82003 · 134 hp · N16 2.2 common-rail diesel2011 · 78 hp · Thai N17 1.22012 · 102 hp · Russia-specific 1.62019 · 99 hp · Thai N18 HRA0 turbo 141 hp N15 GTi, Phase 2 74 hp N15 1.4 GA14DE
124781112
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
199574N15 1.4 GA14DE
199589N15 1.6 GA16DE
1998141N15 GTi, Phase 2
200289Outgoing N16 1.5
2002108N16 2.2 diesel
2002111Outgoing N16 1.8 SE
200397MY2003 N16 1.5
2003114MY2003 N16 1.8
2003134N16 2.2 common-rail diesel
201178Thai N17 1.2
2012102Russia-specific 1.6
201999Thai N18 HRA0 turbo

Versions

7 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    N16 S / SE / SVE

    2003

  • Almera Classic

    Standard

    Almera Classic

    2006

  • Standard

    G15 Welcome / Comfort / Tekna

    102 hp
  • N17 E / V / VL (Malaysia)

    Standard

    N17 E / V / VL (Malaysia)

    2012

  • Almera Turbo VL / VLP / VLT (Malaysia)

    Standard

    Almera Turbo VL / VLP / VLT (Malaysia)

    2020

    99 hp

  • Special

    Almera KURO Black Edition / KURO GT package

    2024

  • Almera Sportech-X (Thailand)

    Limited

    Almera Sportech-X (Thailand)

    2022

    99 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • N15 Phase 2: clear-style headlights, honeycomb grille and rear lamps without amber sections.17
  • N16 hatchback: a low, curving roofline ending in a surf-tail.11218
  • Russian G15: broad four-bar chrome grille and chrome door handles.715
  • N17: a tall, stretched cabin and a high trunk create a bulky profile.119
  • N18: boomerang lamps, a V-motion grille and a black C-pillar strip creating a floating roof.4810

Year by year

  1. 1998 model year

    N15 Phase 2 adds clear-style headlights, honeycomb grille, amber-free rear lamps and revised bumpers; the aerial moves to the rear roof.117

  2. 1998 model year

    N15 GTi: black headlamp and indicator surrounds; an all-round bodykit becomes standard, with a delete option.117

  3. 2003 model year

    N16 facelift: four-circle headlights under clear lenses, honeycomb grilles, sharper bumpers and overlapping-circle hatchback taillights.112

  4. 2014 (Thailand)

    N17 Model 2 gains circular fog lights in the Thai-market update.1

  5. 2024

    KURO Black Edition adds gloss-black grille cladding and black alloy wheels as standard across all three trims.9

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Nissan Almera
    Almera
    Photo of a Samsung SM3
    Samsung SM3

    Samsung SM3

    The badges are the clue: the Almera Classic is the Samsung SM3 sedan sold under Nissan's name.14

  • Photo of a Nissan Almera
    Almera
    Photo of a Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (N16)
    Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (N16)

    Nissan Bluebird Sylphy (N16)

    For the N16 sedan, focus on the nose: its front end differs from the related Bluebird Sylphy.1

  • Photo of a Nissan Almera
    Almera
    Photo of a Pulsar / Sunny GTI-R (N14)
    Pulsar / Sunny GTI-R (N14)

    Pulsar / Sunny GTI-R (N14)

    The GTI-R has a giant intercooler hood bulge and rear wing; the N15 Almera GTi's factory kit uses side skirts and bumper splitters.11720

Against its rivals

Prices

Value today $900.0–$2.8K28

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$100$1K$10K$100K 1995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $900–$2,800 1999 · $17,800 · UK Ambition, approx. USD1999 · $26,900 · UK GTi, approx. USD2003 · $16,300 · UK 1.5 S 3dr, £355 cut; approx. USD2003 · $19,600 · UK 1.8 SE 5dr, £600 cut; approx. USD2003 · $20,800 · UK 1.8 SVE 5dr, approx. USD2006 · $13,490 · Russia Classic base, USD equivalent2011 · $14,100 · Thailand base, approx. USD2019 · $16,500 · Thailand S, approx. USD2020 · $20,000 · Malaysia VL, approx. USD2025 · $20,300 · Philippines VL, approx. USD 1995 · 20.995 Mark · Germany base, 1995; approximate USD conversion 2023 · $1,810 · 1999 1.4 Esteem; £1,456, approx. USD, Ewbank's2023 · $1,440 · 2000 S; £1,160, approx. USD, Anglia Car Auctions2025 · $2,810 · 2004 SE; £2,160, approx. USD, Anglia Car Auctions $2.8K Anglia Car Auctions, 2025
248111214283031
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1995Launch price$14,700Germany base, 1995; approximate USD conversion
1999Price when new$17,800UK Ambition, approx. USD
1999Price when new$26,900UK GTi, approx. USD
2003Price when new$16,300UK 1.5 S 3dr, £355 cut; approx. USD
2003Price when new$19,600UK 1.8 SE 5dr, £600 cut; approx. USD
2003Price when new$20,800UK 1.8 SVE 5dr, approx. USD
2006Price when new$13,490Russia Classic base, USD equivalent
2011Price when new$14,100Thailand base, approx. USD
2019Price when new$16,500Thailand S, approx. USD
2020Price when new$20,000Malaysia VL, approx. USD
2025Price when new$20,300Philippines VL, approx. USD
2023Auction sale$1,8101999 1.4 Esteem; £1,456, approx. USD, Ewbank's
2023Auction sale$1,4402000 S; £1,160, approx. USD, Anglia Car Auctions
2025Auction sale$2,8102004 SE; £2,160, approx. USD, Anglia Car Auctions
2026Value today$900–$2,800

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 7 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “Thailand's first eco-car sedan”
    • “Group A homologation 5570”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Nissan Almera - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. NISSAN MOTOR THAILAND LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW NISSAN ALMERA global.nissannews.com
  3. What does James Bond's stunt driver drive? | evo evo.co.uk
  4. 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo Malaysian prices officially announced - from RM80k-RM91k, with SST exemption - paultan.org paultan.org
  5. FIA Historic Database historicdb.fia.com
  6. NISSAN ALMERA BOWS OUT uk.nissannews.com
  7. NISSAN ALMERA: RAISING THE STANDARD europe.nissannews.com
  8. All-new Nissan Almera makes Asian debut in Thailand thailand.nissannews.com
  9. CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE WITH THE NEW NISSAN ALMERA KURO (BLACK) EDITION | Nissan Malaysia nissan.com.my
  10. Nissan Almera VL Turbo N-Sport 2023: PH Review, Price, Specs topgear.com.ph
  11. Nissan Almera (1995-2000) - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  12. NEW PRIMERA FLAVOURED ALMERAS uk.nissannews.com
  13. Nissan Almera 1.8 SVE | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. Nissan Launches Version of Samsung SM3 in Russia, Ukraine | WardsAuto wardsauto.com
  15. Nissan Almera 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, �����, 3 ���������, G15 ����������� �������������� � ������������ drom.ru
  16. Nissan Almera Sportech-X - Thailand LE of 300 units - paultan.org paultan.org
  17. FAQ's Phase info and common problems 96-00 | Almera Owners Club almeraownersclub.com
  18. THE NEW NISSAN ALMERA uk.nissannews.com
  19. Nissan Almera Philippines: Reviews, Specs & Price topgear.com.ph
  20. Nissan | Heritage Collection | Pulsar GTI-R nissan-global.com
  21. Nissan Cherry - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Nissan Pulsar - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Nissan Almera | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  24. 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo vs Honda City 1.5L, Proton X50 - we compare maintenance costs up to 100k km - paultan.org paultan.org
  25. Modified Nissan Almera: Take over the city philkotse.com
  26. Gran Turismo 2 PAL Car List gt2.airesoft.co.uk
  27. [Mod] Gran Turismo 2 plus (bug fixes, restored content and new content) - beta 7 released | Page 21 | GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  28. Nissan Almera For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  29. N16 Buyer's Guide / Things to look for | Almera Owners Club almeraownersclub.com
  30. NISSAN TO UNVEIL NEW PRIMERA AT 1999 FLEET SHOW uk.nissannews.com
  31. Nissan Almera VL 1.0T 2025: Full PH review, specs, prices topgear.com.ph
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • global.nissannews.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • paultan.org
  • historicdb.fia.com
  • uk.nissannews.com
  • europe.nissannews.com
  • thailand.nissannews.com
  • nissan.com.my
  • topgear.com.ph
  • autobild.de
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • wardsauto.com
  • drom.ru

Photo credits

Other car files