The competition in the B-segment sedan market in Malaysia is really heating up this year with the arrival of the new Honda City and Nissan Almera.
While Honda Malaysia attempts to entice the eager crowd with its range-topping City RS that boasts a whopping 253 Nm courtesy of the i-MMD hybrid powertrain, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) somewhat surprised us with the decision to offer the all-new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine across the Almera lineup.
Now, let’s dig a little deeper into the new powertrain. Codenamed HR10DET, the engine churns out 100 PS and 152 Nm of torque from 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. While the figure is nowhere near as impressive as its closest rival, the engine is still capable of accelerating instantly thanks to the new electric wastegate which effectively reduces turbo lag.
The engine also adopts the GT-R’s Mirror Bore Coating Technology to reduce internal friction, lessen engine knocking and enhance cooling performance. Speaking of cooling, the intercooler system is placed at the front of the car to maximise its performance.
Paired with the new XTronic CVT, the Almera Turbo has a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.4km/L (5.4L/100km). The transmission unit features D-Step Logic System that provides smooth acceleration by choosing the ideal gear ratios based on vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position and application speed.
PRESS RELEASE
The all-new Nissan Almera Turbo takes the popular B-sedan to a new level of refinement with fresh and exciting features not usually found in the segment. Not only its dynamic styling, attention to details and quality benchmarking, the all-new Almera Turbo also offers confidence-inspiring performance, making it a perfect modern sedan.
Standard on all three Nissan Almera Turbo variants is the all-new HR10DET 1.0 litre 12-Valves Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), in-line 3-cylinder engine with Turbocharger, a high performance engine that offers an improved response with smoother pull-away, better in-gear acceleration and an output equivalent to a 1.5 litre engine.
The 1.0 litre turbo engine in the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo unleashes a maximum power output of 100PS and high torque of 152Nm (flat torque) at a low 2,400 to 4,000 rpm. This means that the 1.0 litre turbo engine is able to achieve an early torque kick-in at 2,400rpm, and maintain its maximum torque until 4,000rpm, or more importantly with the constant torque available at an rpm range most operated in daily drives; overtaking has never been easier and less stressful.
This instant acceleration from the all-new 1.0 litre turbo engine is made possible thanks to the new Electronic Wastegate. Compared to the conventional mechanical wastegate, the electronic wastegate is equipped with a sensor that reads and controls the turbo compression, hence efficiently reduces turbo lag and provide instant acceleration.
Another important and innovative technology in the all-new 1.0 litre turbo engine is the Mirror Bore Coating Technology that was adapted from the legendary Nissan GT-R. Mirror Bore Coating is a technology that raises energy efficiency by reducing the friction inside the engine. Rather than inserting a cylinder liner, the Mirror Bore Coating Technology sprays a molten iron onto the surface of the cylinder bore and forms an iron coating layer on the walls inside. By giving this a mirror-like finish, the drag that arises when the piston is operating can be reduced.
Compared to the normal 2mm thick cylinder liner in engines, the newly adapted technology produces 0.2mm mirror bore coating that is extremely thin and with better heat conduction. This results in an enhanced cooling performance and less engine knocking, thus the efficiency of the engine as a whole is improved. The advantages gained go towards increasing both fuel economy and engine power.
Removing the 2mm-thickness cylinder liner also realizes a lighter engine, and thus able to improve the fundamental performance of the engine without the need for other special devices.
The all-new 1.0 litre turbo HR10DET engine also adopt an Air Intercooler System to cool the air compressed by the turbocharger. The intercooler is placed at the front of the car where air flow can fully ventilate, especially when the car is in motion.
“The all-new 1.0 litre turbo engine is designed to meet our customers’ needs. It provides the highest level of fuel economy and performance, without compromising on engine reliability and durability. The CO2 emission has also significantly been reduced by 18% compared to its predecessor hence making the All-New Almera Turbo even more environmentally friendly,” said Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd.
Apart from the all-new1.0 litre turbo engine, the new powertrain comes with next generation XTRONIC CVT with D-Step Logic System for an improved shift feel and responsiveness, yet at the same time achieving a remarkable fuel economy of 18.4km/L (5.4L/100km), equivalent to an estimated 650km in one full tank (35L).
The D-Step Logic System is computer software that uses dynamic inputs such as vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position and application speed to determine ideal gear ratios needed to provide smooth, constant acceleration. Drivers can feel the sensation of gear shifting like a conventional auto transmission but adds the flexibility and smoothness of a CVT. It is also equipped with Sport Mode driving which holds the gear longer for better acceleration performance and a sporty drive.
While performance and innovations are clearly the unique selling points in the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo, its noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) has also been considerably reduced by the improved powertrain. A unique soft engine mounting has been installed to dampen and reduce engine vibration.
The side wing mirrors of the all-new Almera Turbo are re-positioned to reduce wind noise. Further improvements on the NVH level are noticeable through added insulation for all 4 doors, A-pillar, body side sealing and thickened door glass which helps to reduce road noise. All these refinements contributes to a quieter cabin altogether.
Members of public are invited to experience the All-New Nissan Almera Turbo Exclusive Preview at selected dealer showrooms nationwide on 26 & 27 September 2020 and stand a chance to win 15 iPhone SE (128GB) worth RM 2,199 each when you test drive the All-New Nissan Almera Turbo.
