The Nissan Almera II, designated as the N16 chassis code, was a compact sedan produced by Nissan from 2000 to 2002 in several markets, primarily Europe and Asia. The 1.8 16V variant, equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, represented a mid-range offering within the N16 lineup, positioned above the base 1.5L models and below the more performance-oriented options. This configuration aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, comfortable driving, and adequate power for everyday use. The N16 Almera was Nissan’s attempt to compete in the increasingly crowded compact sedan segment, offering a practical and relatively affordable option for families and commuters.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Almera |
| Generation | Almera II (N16) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (114 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg, 9.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.4 kg/Hp, 95.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm, 132.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 114 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 158 Nm @ 2800 rpm (116.53 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | QG18DE |
| Engine displacement | 1769 cm3 (107.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.9 l (3.06 US qt | 2.55 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1190 kg (2623.5 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 393 l (13.88 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4425 mm (174.21 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2535 mm (99.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Almera II 1.8 Automatic is the QG18DE engine, a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is part of Nissan’s QG series, known for its relatively simple design and decent reliability. The QG18DE features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and power output. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing precise fuel metering for optimal combustion. The engine produces 114 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 158 Nm (116.53 lb-ft) of torque at 2800 rpm. Paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic transmission, a common choice for drivers prioritizing convenience over outright performance. This transmission, while not particularly advanced by modern standards, offered smooth shifts and ease of use.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.8L automatic Almera offered a comfortable, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.2 seconds, and top speed was approximately 107.5 mph. The four-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, meant that the engine often felt strained during quick acceleration or when climbing hills. Compared to the five-speed manual version of the same engine, the automatic suffered a slight performance penalty. The automatic’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and relaxed cruising rather than sporty driving. The power delivery was linear, but lacked the punch of higher-output engines available in the Almera II range, such as the 1.8L with a manual transmission or the diesel options.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.8 16V Automatic trim typically included features such as air conditioning, power steering, central locking, and electric front windows. Interior upholstery was usually cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras could include alloy wheels, a sunroof, and an upgraded audio system. The specific trim level varied slightly depending on the market, but generally, this variant was positioned as a well-equipped, mid-range option appealing to buyers seeking a comfortable and practical family sedan.
Chassis & Braking
The Almera II N16 utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a rigid axle rear suspension. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride, but wasn’t particularly sporty in handling. Braking consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. Power-assisted steering was standard, making maneuvering easy. The relatively modest weight of the vehicle (around 1190 kg or 2623.5 lbs) helped to compensate for the lack of high-performance braking components.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Almera II 1.8 Automatic received mixed reviews. Critics generally praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reasonable fuel economy (around 30.2 US mpg combined). However, it was often criticized for its uninspiring performance and somewhat dated interior design. Compared to rivals like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, the Almera II lacked the dynamic handling and sophisticated features of those European competitors. The 1.8L automatic offered a better balance of performance and fuel economy than the smaller 1.5L engine, but the diesel variants provided superior fuel efficiency, while the manual transmission offered a more engaging driving experience.
Legacy
The QG18DE engine, when properly maintained, proved to be a relatively reliable unit. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not known for its longevity in some applications, generally held up well with regular fluid changes. Today, the Almera II 1.8 Automatic can be found as an affordable used car, often appealing to buyers seeking a practical and economical mode of transportation. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are relatively low. However, potential buyers should be aware of potential issues such as corrosion and wear and tear on suspension components, common in vehicles of this age. The N16 Almera, while not a standout performer, remains a testament to Nissan’s commitment to producing reliable and affordable vehicles for the mass market.
