The Almera, which was introduced in late 2011 and became the first eco-car sedan in the market, is also being offered in 84 other countries and has accumulated sales of more than a million, with 104,000 being sold in Thailand alone.

"In order to strengthen Nissan's leadership in the eco-car segment, we are staging a global debut of the new Almera in Thailand," Nissan Motor (Thailand) president Hiroyuki Yoshimoto said.

Nissan was the first automaker to launch an eco-car with the March 5-door hatchback in March 2010, and with the Almera, total eco-car sales by Nissan has already exceeded 200,000 vehicles.

Yoshimoto said the Almera boasts the largest cabin in its segment, while maintenance costs during the first 100,000 kilometres are the lowest in its class.

"Thanks to its front-wheel tread of 1,480 millimeters, a rear-wheel tread of 1,485 millimeters, and a wheelbase of 2,600 millimeters, which is relatively larger than any other subcompact models, the new Nissan Almera boasts a passenger cabin roomier than others in all dimensions. Its rear seats offer headspace and legroom found only in a D-segment sedan, while the exterior is stylishly redefined for exceptional elegance," he said.

The Almera is powered by a 79-horsepower 1.2-litre engine featuring an Idling Stop system and fuel economy of 20km/litre. The minor-change model comes with a newly designed chrome front grille, updated headlights, chrome-decorated front fog lamps, refreshed rear bumper and distinctively designed alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the interior has been improved with a piano-black dcor, chrome-trimmed doors and handles, high-quality black-cloth cushions for all seats, a 3-spoke sporty steering wheel with an audio controls switch, and white illumination for the Multi-Information Display dashboard.

The Almera also comes with a navigation system and an audio system/DVD player with a touch-screen monitor connectable to USB, Bluetooth and other auxiliaries.

Visibility and driving confidence is enhanced with a rear-view camera, 3-spot rear backup sensors, powered side-view mirrors, smart entry system with immobiliser, a push button ignition and a powered trunk release.

For added safety, the new Almera comes with dual SRS airbags in all grades, along with ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. Retail prices range from Bt433,000 to Bt608,000.

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Nissan Almera eco-car gets a revamp