Spec-sheet comparo: 2021 Toyota Vios 1.3 E CVT vs. 2022 Nissan Almera 1.0 VE Turbo CVT

There is a new challenger in the subcompact sedan arena. It's the all-new Nissan Almera, and it's out to steal some sales away from the Toyota Vios. When it was launched, it showed a lot of promise thanks to several innovations that it introduced in its segment. But with its specs and features be enough to lure more customers to Nissan showrooms? Let's take a look at the figures. For all intents and purposes, we are comparing the mid-spec versions of these cars, namely the Vios 1.3 E CVT and Almera VE CVT.

How big is the Nissan Almera compared to the Toyota Vios?

If the all-new Nissan Almera looks big in photos, that's because the new subcompact isn't so small anymore. For the 2022 model year, the Almera now measures 4,530 mm long, 1,740 mm wide, and 1,460 mm tall. That makes this car a fair bit longer and slightly wider than its chief rival, the Toyota Vios. For comparison, the Vios is 4,425 mm long, 1,730 mm wide, and 1,475 mm tall. All in all, the Almera is 105 mm longer, 10 mm wider, and 15 mm shorter than the Vios.

What are the exterior features?

It may not be the top of the line model, but the Almera has more than enough exterior features to make it look upmarket. The VE 1.0 Turbo comes standard with LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. Not only that, the mid-spec Almera also has a 360-degree view camera, LED tail lights, and a smart-key door handle. However, it does not come with front foglights.

Meanwhile, the Vios 1.3 E CVT still uses halogen lights and it does not come with LED daytime running lights. However, it has foglights fitted, but that's the only advantage it has over the Almera. Cameras and LED lights are reserved for the 1.5 G and 1.5 GR-S versions of the Vios.

What's inside the Nissan Almera and Toyota Vios?

The 2022 Almera VE 1.0 Turbo features a two-tone interior while the Vios has a black and grey interior. The Almera comes standard with a multi-information display, an eight-inch touchscreen, three USB ports, six speakers, automatic climate control, and Apple CarPlay. It also benefits from a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. On the other hand, the Vios also has touchscreen, although it's smaller at 6.75 inches. There is no automatic climate control and there are only four speakers in the 1.3 E CVT.

On to practicality and the Almera has a cargo capacity of 474 liters. The Vios has slightly more than the Nissan at 478 liters. Either way, you can load up a lot with these subcompacts.

Safety features of Vios 1.3 E CVT and Almera 1.0 VE CVT Turbo:

When it comes to the airbag count, the Vios wins. The 1.3 E CVT comes with seven airbags, including one for the driver's knees. It even has more airbags than the top-spec Almera VL N-Sport that comes with six. Not only that, the Vios' seven airbags easily outscores the Almera VE's two front airbags.

However, the Almera claws back points in terms of active safety. For starters, the Nissan has a 360-degree view camera with object detection, forward collision warning, and even automatic emergency braking, a first in its segment. Thankfully, both cars have stability control standard for secure handling in emergency maneuvers.

Power and torque:

While it seems like the turbo in the Almera makes it sound fast, the power rating is just right for its class. The Nissan's 1.0-liter unit is good for 100 horsepower and 152 Nm of torque. The Vios E with its 1.3-liter engine makes 99 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque. While the horsepower difference is almost negligible, the Almera pulls ahead (literally) thanks to the turbo's torque.

Fuel economy and range of Nissan Almera and Toyota Vios:

There are no fuel economy ratings for the Nissan Almera just yet. However, the company claims that it can get up to 23 kilometers per liter, depending on the conditions and driving style. As for the Vios, various real-world feedback says the 1.3-liter versions do about 16 to 17 kilometers per liter.

The Almera's economy may appear better on paper, but its fuel tank capacity will affect its range. The Almera's tank is 35 liters, while the Vios has a much larger 42 liter tank.

Using the current values, the Almera can get up to 805 kilometers per one tank, while the Vios is at 714 kilometers per one full tank. But you have to remember that manufacturer-claimed economy will be different from real-world economy. So if, in the real world, the Almera has the same economy as the Vios, the latter can go further between fuel stops.

How much for both?

If you want the new Vios 1.3 E CVT, you will have to pay PHP 901,000 for it. As for the Nissan, the Almera 1.0 VE Turbo CVT starts at PHP 998,000. That said, there are a lot of second-hand Vios (2018-present) models floating around, and they typically range from PHP 360,000 to PHP 750,000, depending on mileage and condition. You can also get those for much less if you take a look at our used Vios stocks online.

As for the Almera, it's still too new to gauge its used car prices. That said, second-hand Almera units typically sell for less than the Vios. But before we just to that conclusion for the all-new model, all its features and advances might help it improve its resale values in the long run.