No longer the car They Don't Want You to Drive

If Nissan's old Almera was bland, and, let's face it, it WAS, the newcomer version is substantially the opposite. It has stronger features, stronger engines, and an altogether stronger feel to the whole style and its execution. On first acquaintance, we have the feeling that a lot of drivers in the C-segment out there are going to want to make their own acquaintance with Nissan's latest.

And to be fair, with over 12,000 of the outgoing model sold this year, Almera's 10.6% share of its segment market here is already respectable.

The new style, very close to the latest version of the Primera, is bound to attract. Particularly as it comes still under the 'restrained' label compared to, say, the Ford Focus. A lot of people like that, certainly in the saloon area. For more flair, there's the hatchback versions, and the specification for each style reflects different marketing emphasis.

(This is even shown in the brochures for each - the saloon's is, well, ordinary ... and that for the hatches is innovative, even slightly off the wall. A lot of marketing thought here.)

The technicals have changed considerably. The new Almera is available in this market with two petrol engines - a brand new 1.5-litre outputting 90bhp and with a nice low-down gutsy torque peak at 2800rpm. The other is the excellent 1.8-litre 114-horser introduced in the new Primera last year, and to which we journalists have given a universal thumbs-up. In the saloon, the 1.8-litre engine is available only with automatic transmission.

A 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is considered too vulnerable to the VRT situation here to market competitively, and this engine is only available in a van version of the hatchback, which brings Nissan back into a segment of the commercial market from which they have been absent. A pity we can't have it in the car, because it's a real state-of-art unit.

The suspension underpinnings which actually gave the 'bland' Almera really good ride and handling qualities, particularly if you got a decently-powerful version, have been retained and improved. They include the multi-link beam rear suspension introduced in the Maxima QX and now also in the Primera. Ignore the technical explanations, just enjoy.

From a safety point of view, the Almera is the first car in its class to offer whiplash-reducing Active Head Restraints. This triggers the head restraints upwards and forwards after a rear impact, 'catching' the head as it comes backwards.

Strangely, ABS is not standard. But when it is taken as an option, it includes Nissan's Brake Assist function which brings the system into action without the need for heavy pedal pressure. That said, I have to say that in all the years I've been driving cars with ABS, I can only remember it activating once, and then only because I was braking to a stop on gravel. I suppose it reflects the way I drive? Side airbags are also an option.

Among the high level of specification are goodies like remote audio controls, 'logic lighting' which leaves illumination for you to carry the curry between the car and your front door, cargo nets and a sunglasses holder, deadlocks and an anti-hijack function to the remote locking.

The interiors of the new cars are quite different, both from the predecessors and from each other. They share a basic shape of the brand-new and very good-looking dashboard, but in the hatchbacks the instruments are highlighted in a metallised surround, the gearknob is snazzier, and that metallising extends to the central console. The seats are also sporty in style and there's a more colourful material trim.

Curiously, the 'curry hook' feature which was first incorporated in the new Primera, is only provided in the hatchback version. This is presumably because the company hopes to attract a younger clientele with the hatches, hence their designation 'sport'. Maybe the fact that the saloons are built in Japan, where perhaps they don't go for curry takeouts, is another factor. The hatches are built in the UK.

This is by way of being a first look, so just a few other points. There's a removable, washable garbage tray under the centre console. The centre armrest has a lidded section which can be used to store kiddies' amusement necessaries, or more serious things, as there's also a 12v power socket in the rear for laptops and such. And there's a strap at the bottom of the rear seat to hold briefcases which are often dumped on the floor behind the driver.

A lot of neat touches make this new Almera something special. And to drive? ... well, time was limited, but the automatic 1.8 saloon proved itself to be right up there in class comfort, noticeably quiet, and possibly dangerously close to bigger sibling Primera in attractiveness as a family buy. The 1.5-litre engine, more powerful but a slower accelerator than the 1.4-litre it replaces, makes up for that in significantly improved economy and real tractability.

The price range is £12,995-£16,835, with the 3-door van slotting in at £14,695. ABS costs £500, a sunroof £600, and side airbags £450.