First, a recap: the Almera uses a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine (HRA0). It’s nature of being a forced induction motor’s already a given, but beyond that, the powertrain itself is still home to some pretty techy stuff.

One, it uses what Nissan calls Mirror Bore Coating, a technology that’s found in the engine of the Nissan GT-R. Instead of inserting traditional cylinder liners, molten iron is sprayed into the bore, which becomes the cylinder wall. This mirror bore coating is ultra-thin and improves cooling, reduces engine knocking, and makes the engine lighter.

Second, it uses an Electronic Wastegate. Instead of a mechanical wastegate, electronic actuators can precisely control boost levels reducing turbo lag and improves engine response and acceleration.

Finally, the direct-injection system uses twelve hole injectors instead of the conventional four. This increases fuel spray and reduces fuel particle size by about 40 percent. This raises combustion efficiency while generating less exhaust hydrocarbons.

Now, all these advancements mean that the Almera has exacting fuel requirements. In fact, when asked about it during the press con, Nissan Philippines Atsushi Najima says that the buyer better stick to what’s recommended on the owner’s manual or brochure (in this case, 95 octane). It’s a fact corroborated by the company’s product planning team who said that going for lower octane fuel such as 91- or 93- octane may result in unwanted engine knock.

However, with people penny-pinching these days and together with the high cost of fuel, will this turn off potential Almera buyers, particularly those who look at it as their first or starter car?

Not so says Najima-san who says the new powertrain has resulted in better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs compared to the outgoing Almera. The service interval, like the new Navara and Terra is down to twice a year, and the cost is down to just P 5,000 to P 6,000 per PMS. This is, on the average, around 15 percent lower than the outgoing sub-compact sedan.

“On the average, 95 octane fuel is about P 1 or P 2 per liter which isn’t much when you look at the big picture,” says Najima-san. “The higher fuel costs will be offset by lower overall cost of ownership once the fuel efficiency and PMS is factored in.”

Another thing helping Almera buyers is its small 35-liter fuel tank. Drivers who measure their fuel consumption solely on a “per tank” or “per week” basis may see the overall cost of refueling the Almera lighter on the pocket compared to other sub-compact sedans which have a larger 41 or 42-liter tank.