IT'S difficult to dislike the Almera.

Not only did it receive a welcome mid-life makeover a wee while ago, but the company that makes it is refreshingly honest about its claims for the car.

Nissan is perfectly aware that the Almera (pictured above)isn't an all-singing, all-dancing hunk of innovative petrol-powered genius, so the manufacturer decided to point out a few modest improvements and sit back to let the car speak for itself.

It's a smart move, as a few quiet suggestions are invariably far more intriguing than a barrage of whiz-bang buzzwords and hyperbolic claims.

While the basic body shapes remain unchanged, they seem somehow more taut, thanks to the application of several contemporary styling cues.

Honeycombed front grilles are one. Another two are the four circle headlamp system and the overlapping "solar system" lights at the rear.

Apart from a new spoke design for the standard alloy wheels, that's pretty much it as far as external revisions are concerned.

It's not a lot, but it's enough.

Inside, the influence of the Primera is immediately obvious as the "N-FORM" centre console has wandered across from the Primera production line and installed itself between the front seats.

If you haven't experienced the mobile technocracy that is the Primera's control system, it will take some getting used to if, like me, you're too lazy to read the instruction manual properly.

The system, which is designed to reduce the clutter of buttons creeping into even modestly specified cars, works intuitively. Unfortunately, I don't.

Seats are reasonably comfortable and visibility is generally good, though the wide-ish front pillars do sometimes force you to get ducking and diving as if Lennox Lewis was trying to tag you from the passenger seat.

Generously-proportioned mirrors with blindspot compensation provide plenty of reassurance that you won't be rabbit-punched by the kids from the back seat.

Interior trim has been thankfully toned down, so a packet of Anadin is no longer required in the glove compartment. For a small-ish hatchback, rearward space is good for both passengers and baggage.

Both petrol powerplants (1.5-litre and 1.8-litre) give reasonable performance and emissions ratings without suffering in economy terms. The single 2.2-litre diesel option familiar from other models such as the X-Trail and Primera is the best of the bunch, though run a close second by the 1.8 petrol tested here.

If you're reasonably confident that passengers will be a rarity (perhaps you never change your socks or are a compulsive nose picker), the 1.5-litre petrol engine should suffice, despite being a tad breathless.

The diesel is for those who value fuel economy at all costs, but is louder than many rivals. A combined fuel economy figure of around 50mpg makes its own straightforward case.

Nevertheless, the 1.8 covers most bases and will allow you a much more satisfying driving experience. There's enough acceleration for swift overtaking and enough adaptability to reward careful driving with decent fuel economy and reasonable running costs.

A full complement of passengers shouldn't embarrass the engine. Throw Nissan's excellent reputation for mechanical reliability into the mix and the Almera's appeal inches itself up by another couple of notches.

Standard equipment comprises such items as air-conditioning, remote central locking, twin airbags, pollen filter, tilt-adjust steering wheel and a CD player.

Perhaps more impressively, all models of SE specification and higher feature Nissan's brilliant rear parking sensors - one of the most useful tools any motorist can have.

Three and five-door hatchbacks are available alongside a four-door saloon and the unloved but underrated Tino MPV.

Because it's in its twilight years, pricing is exceptionally keen, making the Almera a viable option for buyers who thought they could only stretch to a city car or supermini as well as budget-minded hatch hunters.

Nissan's Almera is never going to turn heads, but at least it can again hold its own up high.

It's cheap but not tacky and will hold the fort until an all-new Almera comes along based on the same platform as the Renault Megane.

For more information, call West Way Nissan on 01256 811191.