The Nissan Versa, sold in Malaysia as the Almera, has been given a facelift that could come here.
Nissan is a brand that uses different names for different regions, often for almost exactly the same car. This has a practice of theirs for many generations and it continues today with their smallest sedan. In Malaysia, we know it as the Nissan Almera. However, in the USA and some other markets, it’s called the Nissan Versa, and this model has just been given a facelift.
The 2023 Nissan Versa gets an all-new look with a new V-motion grille that incorporates very bold horizontal slats with cascading chrome-dipped edges.
The new Nissan logo now adorns the Versa both inside and out. For the USA, there will be a new alloy wheel design for the ‘SR’ trim level and a new Gray Sky Pearl paint option for certain trim levels.
Standard safety equipment for the revised Versa will include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist. Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert will remain available as cost options. In the USA, this range of advanced driver assist systems fall under the ‘Nissan Safety Shield 360’ umbrella.
It’s also worth noting that the Nissan Versa is not powered by the 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that’s found in all Malaysian Almera models. Instead, it gets a 1.6L 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine with 122 horsepower instead. This engine can be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a Xtronic CVT for customers who prefer an automatic.
Other features to note of for the Nissan Versa in 2023 for US customers:
- wireless phone charging
- NissanConnect Services telematics
- 7″ touchscreen standard, 8″ available
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- 4-speaker audio system standard, 6-speaker available
- three USB
- remote keyless entry
- 16″ alloy wheels as standard, 17″ available
- 60:40 split folding rear seats
- automatic headlights
- push-button start
- ‘Chambray’ interior colour available
- black painted exterior mirrors
- leather-wrapped steering wheel
- heated front seats
- Intelligent Cruise Control
- Automatic Climate Control
- Wi-Fi hotspot
Many of these features are available on our current Nissan Almera. However, it will be interesting to see if an Almera facelift is around the corner and if similar aesthetic changes are in store for our market.
