The Nissan Almera I (N15) 1.6 SLX Automatic, produced between 1995 and 2000, represented a mid-range offering within Nissan’s compact sedan lineup. Part of the N15 series, which replaced the Sunny, the Almera was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical, reliable, and affordable family car. The 1.6 SLX Automatic trim aimed for a balance between comfort and economy, offering a step up in features from the base models while remaining accessible to a broad customer base. It was primarily marketed in Europe, Asia, and Australia, where compact sedans were highly popular. This variant occupied a position between the more basic 1.4L models and the slightly sportier, though less commonly equipped, 1.6L manual transmission options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Almera |
| Generation | Almera I (N15) |
| Type | 1.6 SLX (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 33.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 39.8 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 14.1 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 |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm |
| 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 capacity | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 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 | 4320 mm (170.08 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic 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 SLX Automatic is the GA16DE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated unit featuring a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-point fuel injection. The GA16DE was known for its relative simplicity and durability, making it a reliable powerplant. The engine produces 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 136 Nm (100.31 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. Paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while providing convenience, was not known for its particularly quick shifts or sporty feel. It prioritized smooth operation and fuel efficiency over performance. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for everyday driving, with a focus on maximizing fuel economy rather than providing exhilarating acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Almera 1.6 SLX Automatic is best described as comfortable and undemanding. Acceleration is adequate for typical urban and highway driving, but it’s not a particularly quick car. The 0-60 mph time of around 10.5 seconds reflects this. The automatic transmission contributes to a relaxed driving style, but it can feel somewhat sluggish when attempting to overtake or merge onto highways. Compared to the 1.6L manual version, the automatic suffers a slight performance penalty due to the transmission’s inherent efficiency losses. The suspension setup, featuring a wishbone front suspension and a rigid axle rear suspension, provides a reasonably comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. However, it doesn’t offer the same level of handling precision as more sophisticated suspension designs.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The SLX trim level offered a reasonable level of equipment for its time. Standard features typically included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was usually cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras available for the 1.6 SLX Automatic could include air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a more advanced audio system. The SLX trim aimed to provide a step up in comfort and convenience compared to the base models, making it an attractive option for families and drivers who prioritized ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Almera I (N15) utilized a front-wheel-drive chassis. The front suspension employed a wishbone design, while the rear suspension featured a rigid axle. Braking consisted of ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was included as standard equipment, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The braking system was adequate for the car’s weight and performance, but it wasn’t particularly powerful or sophisticated. The relatively simple suspension setup prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Almera I (N15) 1.6 SLX Automatic was generally well-received by critics as a practical and reliable family car. However, the automatic transmission was often criticized for its lack of responsiveness and its impact on fuel economy compared to the manual transmission options. Compared to other compact sedans of the era, such as the Ford Escort or the Opel Astra, the Almera offered a competitive level of equipment and reliability at a reasonable price point. Fuel economy was respectable, averaging around 33.1 US mpg in combined driving, but it wasn’t class-leading. The 1.6L engine provided a good balance between performance and economy, making it a popular choice for drivers who didn’t require the extra power of larger engines.
Legacy
The GA16DE engine, when properly maintained, proved to be a durable and long-lasting unit. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not known for its sophistication, also demonstrated reasonable reliability. Today, the Almera I (N15) 1.6 SLX Automatic can be found in the used car market at very affordable prices. These cars are often sought after by buyers looking for a cheap and reliable form of transportation. However, potential buyers should be aware that older examples may require maintenance and repairs due to their age. Parts availability is generally good, but some components may be becoming increasingly difficult to find. The Almera I (N15) remains a testament to Nissan’s commitment to building practical and dependable vehicles.
