Nissan is starting the new year with a high specification, low price special edition version of its Almera.

Called the Activ, this new Almera is powered by a 90PS 1.5-litre engine, is priced from £9,995 and is offered with a choice of three or five-doors. It also has twin airbags, an electric sunroof - and a damped-action sunglasses holder.

The Activ fits in above the E in Almera hierarchy. Nissan's creatives added the electric roof and second airbag mentioned above, plus straps to keep a briefcase in check and also store an umbrella, while 'inverberate' seat trim, chromed door handles and fully body-coloured bumpers.

Yet the trade-up price for the Activ over an E is a mere £345. The Activ three-door is £9,995, the five-door £10,745.

Features included as standard are: driver's airbag plus front seat passenger airbag, electric front windows, electric sunroof, two adjustable rear headrests, chrome door-handles with body-coloured surrounds, fully body-coloured bumpers, rev counter, 60:40 split folding rear seat, front map lamp, UV-ray reducing windows, pollen filter, central door locking with superlocking, 4-speaker RDS radio-cassette, steering-wheel mounted controls, audio linked engine immobiliser, height adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel, rear 12V power socket.

Like all Nissans, the Almera Activ is covered by a comprehensive three-year or 60,000 mile mechanical warranty, a three-year paint warranty and six-year perforation corrosion protection. Twelve months roadside assistance operated in conjunction with the RAC is also included.