The Nissan Almera I Hatchback (N15) 1.6 SR and SLX, producing 90 horsepower, was a key model in Nissan’s European lineup from 1995 to 2000. Positioned as a practical and affordable compact car, the N15 Almera aimed to compete with established rivals like the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf. This particular 1.6-liter variant served as a mid-range offering, bridging the gap between the base 1.4-liter models and the more performance-oriented 1.6 GTI. The N15 Almera represented Nissan’s attempt to establish a stronger foothold in the competitive European small family car segment, offering a blend of functionality, reliability, and value.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Almera |
| Generation | Almera I Hatchback (N15) |
| Type | 1.6 SR,SLX (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 178 km/h (110.6 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14 kg/Hp, 71.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm, 107.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 136 Nm @ 4000 rpm (100.31 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | GA16DE |
| Engine displacement | 1597 cm3 (97.45 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1263 kg (2784.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1595 kg (3516.37 lbs.) |
| Max load | 332 kg (731.93 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4120 mm (162.2 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1395 mm (54.92 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2535 mm (99.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Almera 1.6 SR/SLX is the GA16DE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated unit featuring multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The GA16DE was a relatively common engine in Nissan’s lineup during the 1990s, known for its durability and reasonable fuel efficiency. The 90 horsepower output was achieved at 6000 rpm, with peak torque of 136 Nm (100.31 lb-ft) delivered at 4000 rpm. The engine’s 9.8:1 compression ratio contributed to its balance of power and economy. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a fairly direct connection to the engine. While an automatic transmission was available, it impacted performance and fuel economy.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter Almera with the manual transmission offered adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 10.5 seconds, and the top speed was approximately 110.6 mph. The engine felt reasonably responsive in the mid-range, making it suitable for everyday driving. The five-speed gearbox was generally well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, allowing for comfortable cruising on highways. Compared to the more powerful 1.6 GTI variant, the 90 hp model felt noticeably less spirited, particularly when accelerating or overtaking. The automatic transmission option further dulled performance, with slower acceleration times and a less engaging driving experience. However, the automatic provided convenience for urban driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The SR and SLX trim levels offered varying levels of equipment. The SR typically served as the base model, featuring basic amenities such as central locking, power steering, and an adjustable steering column. The SLX trim added features like alloy wheels, electric windows, and a better-equipped interior. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional, if somewhat basic, dashboard layout. Optional extras included air conditioning, a sunroof, and a radio/cassette player. Safety features were relatively limited by modern standards, with ABS being the most notable inclusion.
Chassis & Braking
The Almera N15 utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a relatively simple suspension setup. The front suspension consisted of wishbones, while the rear employed a rigid axle configuration. This setup prioritized cost-effectiveness and practicality over outright handling prowess. The braking system featured ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. ABS was available as an option, enhancing braking performance and safety. The steering was rack and pinion, providing reasonably precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Almera 1.6 SR/SLX was generally well-received as a practical and affordable family car. Critics praised its reliability and fuel efficiency, but noted that its driving dynamics were not particularly exciting. Compared to rivals like the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf, the Almera offered a competitive price point but lacked the same level of refinement and driving engagement. The 1.6-liter engine provided a good balance of performance and economy, making it a popular choice for drivers who prioritized practicality over outright speed. Fuel economy figures of around 35.6 US mpg combined were considered respectable for the time.
Legacy
The Nissan Almera N15, particularly the 1.6-liter variants, has proven to be a relatively durable and reliable car. Many examples are still on the road today, testament to the robustness of the GA16DE engine and the overall build quality. In the used car market, these Almeras are often sought after as affordable and dependable transportation. While not a particularly collectible model, the N15 Almera holds a place in automotive history as a representative of Nissan’s efforts to compete in the European small family car segment during the 1990s. The GA16DE engine, while not known for its high performance, is regarded as a relatively simple and easy-to-maintain unit, contributing to the Almera’s enduring appeal.
