Nissan introduced the second generation of the Almera in 2000 in three body shapes, including a four-door sedan designed in Europe and its stablemates.
Unlike its predecessor, the Almera/Pulsar’s second generation was styled in Europe and followed European tastes, showing the Japanese carmaker’s commitment to getting a more significant market share on the Old Continent. It used a slightly modified Nissan platform and Renault technologies.

With a design still affected by the bio-design era, the Almera/Pulsar’s second-generation showed a few sharp angles that belonged to the new-edge-design rising trend. The corner-mounted turn signals featured clear lenses and yellow bulbs. It entered the competition in the compact segment, mainly against other Japanese carmakers. In the three-box sedan shape, it aimed at private customers and fleet companies as well.

Inside, the curved lines dominated the dashboard. Only the navigation screen (offered as an option) and the center vents featured squared lines. The speedometer took center stage in the instrument panel, flanked by the tachometer on the left and the fuel and coolant-temperature gauges on the right. The bucket seats were designed more for comfort and provided little bolstering. Its back seats featured a split-folding seatback and provided enough elbow and hip room but limited legroom for adult passengers. Its 393 liters (13.9 cu-ft) trunk was more than 25% smaller than the one offered by Ford Focus.

Under the hood, Nissan installed a choice of own or Renault-sourced turbo-diesel and gasoline engines. It paired them with a five-speed manual and an option for a four-speed automatic for the 1.8-liter version.