A set of images, allegedly of the upcoming Nissan Versa facelift – or the Almera as we know it here – have recently surfaced online, showing off a massive exterior redesign for the compact sedan, which is set to be revealed early 2026.
The images, shared in the Versa 2024 Mexico Facebook group, were allegedly taken during a commercial video shoot in Mexico. Up front, the facelift has seemingly abandoned the marque’s signature V-motion front grille altogether in favour of a sleeker, more mature look.
This shift aligns with Nissan’s newer design language seen on models like the latest Nissan Leaf, the Nissan Murano, and the upcoming Nissan Elgrand previewed at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
In its place are the new split headlight design, with slim daytime running lights connected by a black trim bar, while the main light units are positioned lower and integrated into the main grille element. The result is a distinctive front fascia that almost resembles a moustache-like shape.
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At the rear, the taillights retain their familiar pointed edges but are now linked by yet another trim piece for a full-width look. The trim piece also integrates the “VERSA” lettering – and will likely be swapped to “ALMERA” when the model arrives in our region. The car also sits on new seven-spoke dual-tone wheels for added sophistication.
While the exterior has received a major update, the car’s overall proportions remain largely identical to the outgoing model, suggesting that the new Almera facelift should carry over much of its existing platform and underpinnings.
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Here in Malaysia, the current Nissan Almera is fitted with a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 100 hp and 152 Nm. Power is sent only to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox, allowing for a fuel economy rating of 5.4 litres per 100 km. The Versa in the Americas, meanwhile, gets a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine, making 124 hp and 154 Nm.
With both its chief competitors in the region, the Toyota Vios and Honda City, both now available with hybrid powertrains, we could see the new Nissan Almera also potentially adopting Nissan’s e-Power series hybrid powertrain – though to be clear, this remains just wishful thinking for now. In this setup, the petrol engine functions solely as a generator to charge a battery, which then powers the front wheels — effectively delivering an electric vehicle-like driving experience without the need for external charging.
In the Nissan Kicks e-Power, the 82 hp/103 Nm 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine is used to generate electricity for a 2.06 kWh battery. This battery then feeds an electric motor that delivers 129 hp and 280 Nm to the front wheels, with the system as a whole delivering a claimed fuel consumption of around 4.6 litres per 100 km.
The new Nissan Almera facelift was first teased earlier this year during Nissan’s Global Product and Technology Showcase. Given that it appeared alongside the Navara, which has since been officially revealed, the Almera’s full debut could be just around the corner.
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