The Nissan Almera isn’t a vehicle you would normally picture as a police car. As a Grab or a daily driver? Sure. But for laying down the law? Not exactly.
But why not? Frankly, exciting highway police chases aren’t really a thing around these parts, and for patrol duties, the Almera is actually a vehicle that checks all the right boxes: It’s spacious for a subcompact sedan and relatively comfortable, and it has a very capable A/C system. Can you really ask for more?
We aren’t the only ones who’ve noticed the Almera’s patrolling potential, either. Pasig City has just unveiled a fleet of brand-new Nissan Almera police cars set to help keep order and enforce health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. Look:
“Makakatulong ito sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan, at pati sa pagpapatupad ng mga health protocols sa ating mga lansangan,” Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto said in a Facebook post.
“Sedan-type, para kasya sa mga eskenita.
“At gaya ng lagi naming biruan, may aircon na rin sila. Hehe,” Sotto added.
There doesn’t appear to be much here in terms of upgrades—just the standard police lights, as well as a blue paint job and some Pasig City decals—but again, do you really need any? Besides, local government units are better off spending funds on health-related expenses right now as opposed to splurging on a badass Ford Ranger Raptor police car or two.
Locally, Nissan Almera units pack either a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 98hp and up to 134Nm of torque, or 1.2-liter gasoline with 78hp and 106Nm. The subcompact sedan carries a starting price of P657,000.
What do you think of Pasig City’s choice? Should it have gone with a different model for its police force? Let us know in the comments.
