The sedan body type may not be as popular as it once was, but it’s not yet dead. For this spec-sheet brawl, we’ll be pitting two of the latest subcompact sedans to be launched in our market: the refreshed 2024 Nissan Almera 1.0 VL Turbo and the facelifted 2024 Honda City 1.5 RS.
Modern subcompact sedans have taken over the mainstream space previously occupied by compact sedans. In fact, the Almera and City are about the same size as a 2000s-era compact sedan. Just to emphasize how big these junior sedans have grown, the subcompact Almera—which is known there as the ‘Versa’ in the USA—is categorized by the EPA as a compact car based on its combined passenger and cargo volume.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Specs, prices, features: Everything you need to know about the 2024 Nissan Almera
The refreshed City starts at P973k in PH, comes with Honda Sensing as standard
Between the Almera and City, the Honda sedan is longer, wider, and taller than its Nissan counterpart. Despite the Almera’s smaller overall exterior dimensions, it rides on a longer wheelbase. As expected, the slightly bigger Honda is 21kg heavier than the Nissan. Both range-topping sedans come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, but the Almera comes with wider larger diameter 205/55 R16 tires, while the City rolls on smaller 185/55 R16 rubber.
Under the hood, the two carmakers took different approaches when it came to the engine choices. The Almera is powered by a small displacement 1.0-liter turbocharged in-line-four which puts out 99hp and 152Nm of torque, the City on the other hand is equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated in-line-four unit which produces 119hp and 145Nm of torque. The Nissan gives you more torque, while the Honda gives you more horsepower. When it comes the tranny, both carmakers agree on the use of a continuously variable transmission. Like every subcompact sedan out there, the two front-wheel drive cars have a MacPherson strut suspension up front and a space-efficient torsion beam setup at the rear. Don’t expect any fancy rear suspension at this price point.
The 2024 Nissan Almera 1.0 VL Turbo costs P1.149 million, while the 2024 Honda City RS stickers in at P1.128 million. Only a small P21,000 gap sits between these two sedans. The two subcompact sedans are closely matched in terms of specs, but each brand offers something the other doesn’t. The top Almera for instance now boasts NissanConnect services, while the top City now comes with Honda Sensing features.
Still not sure which car to choose? Check out the spec sheet we prepared below and let us know which subcompact sedan you’d rather have.
Nissan Almera 1.0 VL Turbo |
Honda City 1.5 RS |
|
| Price (Philippine Peso) | 1,149,000 | 1,128,000 |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Engine Type | 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-3 gasoline | 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline |
| Power | 99 | 119 |
| Torque | 152 | 145 |
| Fuel tank capacity (liters) | 35 | 40 |
| Transmission | continuously variable transmission | continuously variable transmission |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | disc/ drum | disc/ drum |
| Wheels | 16-inch alloy | 16-inch alloy |
| Tires | 205/55R16 | 185/55R16 |
| Front suspension | Independent MacPherson strut | Independent MacPherson strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion beam | Torsion beam |
| Seat material | Leather | Leather |
| Infotainment system | 8-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Apple Carplay + Android Auto | Apple Carplay + Android Auto |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| ABS w/ electronic brakeforce distribution | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill-start Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Collision Avoidance System | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | 360° view | Rear |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Headlights | LED | LED |
| Dimensions (mm) | 4530 x 1740 x 1460 | 4589 x 1748 x 1467 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2620 | 2600 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 135 | 134 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1103 | 1124 |
