Summer, meet your match

By Ardie O. Lopez May 03,2016
CAMPING at Anawangin Cove.

CAMPING at Anawangin Cove.

There are two things that always seem to be in people’s conversations these days- the scorching heat, and politics. Fortunately, we can escape one of them.

Nissan Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Tourism via the Tourism Promotions Board, took some happily hyperventilating members of the motoring press through another leg of their exciting “Visit the Philippines, Drive to Discover with Nissan” program. This time around it’s through the scenic roads to Zambales in the new Nissan Almera. Fresh from their celebrated epic drive to Sagada with the Navarra, Nissan has literally been on a roll in showcasing the best destinations in the country, with the best experiences their exceptional nameplates can offer.

 

The timing to get out of town couldn’t have been better: it was a Labor Day weekend and a weekend that’s still very much within the curve of the record-breaking temperatures we’re experiencing this summer. As far as I can remember, Nissan has always enjoyed a reputation for being the brand with the really cool AC. That might not be as significant in other parts of the world, but that’s quite a selling point here. Especially since we only have two seasons, wet and dry. And when it’s dry, more often than not, it’s really hot. So, after meeting up early for breakfast at the Capitol Commons in Pasig, my driving partner and I agreed on who was to be the designated driver and the pre-ordained DJ. We set the thermostat on 18 degrees with the fan on high, keyed-in the Vista Marina Hotel in Subic on Waze, and hit the road in our pretty chilled Titanium Gray Nissan Almera 1.5L V AT.

Exceptionally smooth

 

Chill is the operative word when you could almost hear the asphalt on the highway sizzle just by looking at it, and your route’s pleasantly predictable for the most part.

REFRESHED interior that’s been upgraded in terms of aesthetics.

REFRESHED interior that’s been upgraded in terms of aesthetics.

My ride buddy and I took it easy through EDSA, then through the NLEx and SCTEx for a brief stop at the hotel in Subic, before rolling out in convoy for Zambales from there. I must say, and not just because of the nicely paved roads to the North from Manila, our drive went exceptionally smooth. So smooth in fact, that my lone passenger dozed off like a baby as soon as we hit the straight-as-an-arrow-stretch of the SCTEx. The new Almera’s ride quality was remarkably plush for a subcompact sedan. I guess you can call it a baby Altima, not only because of its characteristic Boomerang headlight clusters and bolder grille, but also due to its pleasantly refreshed interior that’s obviously been upgraded in terms of aesthetics, and the quality and feel of the materials used. Given that the Almera variant we were in is second to the highest among five (Almera 1.5L V AT at P845,000), creature comforts and standard equipment were impressive. The new Almera is the first and only subcompact sedan in the market with a Rear Comfort Fan. Sure, we find AC vents on the B-pillars of almost all Executive Sedans, but the Almera’s center console-mounted Rear Comfort Fan even has a fan speed selector… class-leading indeed. Yes, Nissan knows what really matters when you’re a rear passenger on a long road trip at the height of summer. Now crank that fan to high, along with the volume of that Chill muzak!

 

Calculated moderation

 

THE FLEET of Almeras ready to depart from Capitol Commons to Zambales.

THE FLEET of Almeras ready to depart from Capitol Commons to Zambales.

As a rule of thumb, the larger the car, the more relaxing it is to drive. And the smaller the car is, the more twitchy, or even neurotic its handling would tend to be. Myth busted. Well, at least the latter one. The new Almera, equipped with a 1.5L DOHC 16V In-line 4-cylinder Gasoline engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, delivers a ride quality and handling characteristic that’s a notch above its subcompact classification. Its power, rated at 99Hp and 134 Nm of Torque may not be impressive on paper, but surely is ample from behind the wheel, and on the road. One won’t be left wanting in terms of acceleration. And overtaking maneuvers on the highway, though eliciting more engine noise than I’d prefer, are reassuringly predictable and easy. A 5-speed Automatic Transmission is the norm these days, and though the Almera’s is only a 4-speed shifter, I felt there wasn’t a need for a 5th gear as shifting was smooth and seamless, and the gearing was well-optimized all the way to 3-digit cruising speeds.

 

 

After we reassembled at the hotel and rolled-out to leave Subic for Zambales, we encountered a considerably long route peppered with sweeping curves and twisties. Again, noticeable was how the Almera kept its refined composure, and on that part of the ride where I took over DJ duties on the front passenger seat, I found the comfort levels impressive. Up front, the Almera’s suspension is fitted with MacPherson Struts with coil springs and stabilizer bar, while it has a Rigid Axle and Torsion Beams at the rear- a combination that provides for a well dampened yet stable ride. Curves taken at speed didn’t introduce excessive body roll; in fact body roll was minimal… well, except its passengers’, towards the midsection.

 

Camping fun

 

THE PROMISE of a very comfortable sedan ride.

THE PROMISE of a very comfortable sedan ride.

Upon reaching the town of Pundaquit in Zambales, we had to reluctantly part with our delightfully chilled Almera cabins (yes we could be such spoiled brats), to take a short hike to waiting boats on the beach, that took us to the famed Anawangin Cove. By then, the weather was toggling between searing hot and gray & gloomy- so the fresh sea breeze made the boat ride on choppy waters more bearable. After a few minutes, we hit the sands of the cove, and we alighted excitedly to join in on the fun that a couple hundred campers were obviously partaking of. Cooking, eating, hiking, swimming, sleeping. Amidst the dense population of slender and tall trees that were characteristic of Anawangin Cove’s camping area, was a community of well-stocked campers making the most of Labor Day by doing the exact opposite of the holiday’s namesake. Our friends from Nissan prepared a grilled feast for lunch, which everyone in the group enjoyed to almost food coma levels. That was quite a vivid demonstration, as to how easy it is to get a good time started via a near effortless drive with the Almera. And yes, how it’s so capable of insulating you from the punishing El Niño weather that you can give it your most smug smile, from the comfort of your leather-clad seat.

 

The new Almera delivers a ride quality and handling characteristic that's a notch above its subcompact classification.

The new Almera delivers a ride quality and handling characteristic that’s a notch above its subcompact classification.

I was able to capture a gorgeous serene sunset vista as a parting shot after our boat ride back from Anawangin Cove- a perfect ending to an easy day’s driving in Nissan’s newly refreshed Almera. Driving back to our hotel in Subic was a cinch, especially since the climate cooled-off. Day 2 was a bonus, with Adrenaline-pumping activities in Subic’s Treetop Adventure Park, which exercised my lungs from screaming- dangling, hurtling, and dropping from various heights while safely tethered in a harness with ropes and cables… it was a total blast!

 

Looking back, it’s admirable of Nissan to bring to the fore the beauty of our country’s unique attractions and destinations while showcasing their exceptional automotive lineup, with features and qualities that would encourage exploration and ultimately enhance the enjoyment of the experiences. Just like our drive with the new Almera, it’s a choc full of the good stuff right there.

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