Nissan has started production of the Almera saloon, prices for which will start at £11,065 when it reaches showrooms on June 1.

Nissan Motor (GB) hasn't introduced the booted Almera till now because Sunderland has only recently been 'tooled up' to produce this derivative.

The Almera saloon (pictured) gets the same four star Euro-NCAP crash test rating as the hatchback and Tino versions.

The engine line ups mirrors that of the hatch with a choice of 90 bhp 1.5-litre or 113 bhp 1.8-litre petrols (the latter being offered with the option of automatic transmission), and a 110 bhp 2.2-litre Di turbo diesel.

Performance figures are also identical. For example, the 1.8 will accelerate to 62 mph in 11.1 seconds and, for instance, the 2.2Di is capable of as much as 47.9 mpg on the combined economy cycle. The 1.5 and 1.8 are offered with the S trim grade, stepping up to the even more comprehensive SE pack adds the choice of diesel.

The S comes with air conditioning, front electric windows, central locking, three 3-point rear seatbelts, twin airbags, 15" wheels and a height adjustable driver's seat. To this, the SE adds anti-lock brakes with Nissan Brake Assist (which reduces the need to press the brake pedal by 29%), side airbags, front-loading CD player, electrically adjustable door mirrors, key-linked audio settings and remote control central locking with anti-hijack feature.

The Almera saloon range:
1.5 S £11,065
1.8 S £11,735
1.5 SE £11,915
1.8 SE £12,585
1.8 SE auto £13,500
2.2Di SE £13,475

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