NISSAN Motor Phils. Inc. (NMPI) announced it is starting 2013 with the official introduction of Nissan’s best-selling global sedan, the Almera, which will be launched tomorrow as NMPI’s entry in the country’s highly competitive small-car segment.

NMPI said the Almera has been successful in the US, Thailand and China, and noted that there are more than 500,000 examples of the model sold worldwide. The company expressed confidence that this sales performance will be replicated in the Philippines.

“The Nissan brand has always carried a great legacy and reputation for exceptional product quality and reliability,” NMPI President and Chief Executive Officer Allen Chen said. “With the Nissan Almera, consumers will be pleasantly surprised and pleased with the car’s upscale design, features and comfort, which give more style, technology and space.”

NMPI said the Almera is built on Nissan’s all-new global “V” (versatile) platform that has a lightweight yet rigid body. The car is powered by the brand’s latest 1.5-liter, HR15DE four-cylinder engine that has a continuously variable valve timing control system, which ensures excellent fuel efficiency.

NMPI said it is now receiving reservations for the Almera, a model that the company said boasts premium features and space that are usually found in more expensive vehicles. It added that the Almera is “priced competitively” in line with NMPI’s commitment of providing Filipinos with affordable cars that have the highest levels of quality and functionality.

The company has yet to release the car’s price tags, but bared that it will be sold in three variants; the 1.5L base manual, 1.5L base automatic and 1.5L mid automatic. The Almera will be offered in titanium gray, brilliant silver, alpine white and bluish black colors.

To schedule a test-drive of the Almera, visit any Nissan dealership nationwide. Log on to www.nissan.com.ph for more information.