After previewing the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo in Malaysia back in September, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has formalised the launch of its B-segment crowd favourite, with prices starting just below the RM80k mark while this year's sales tax exemption continues to be in effect. 

The three variants on offer, namely the Almera VL, VLP and VLT, are priced at RM79,906, RM85,715 and RM91,310 respectively, putting them well within the RM80k-RM100k range quoted during the preview. All models are powered by the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo good for 100PS and 152Nm of torque, mated to a CVT. What's impressive here is that some standout safety features such as 'Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW)' and 'Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB)' are standard across the range. 

The Almera VL, which would be priced at RM83,888 with sales tax, is also equipped with automatic headlights and keyless entry for a not-so-utilitarian base line. The mid-spec VLP (RM89,888 with sales tax) adds on things like 16-inch alloys, a dual-tone dashboard, digital instrument cluster, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and automatic climate control. The latter also has four additional airbags (six in total) for that extra bit of passive safety. 

At the top of the food chain, the range-topping Almera VLT lavishes drivers with full LED lighting up front, cruise control, 360-degree parking camera and more 'Intelligent Mobility' features such as 'Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD)', blind spot warning and cross traffic alert. Prepare to fork out RM95,888 with sales tax for the fully-loaded variant once the incentives come to an end. 

All prices include a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with five free alternating services inclusive of parts and labour within the first five years of ownership. To make the Almera even more accessible, ETCM is also offering a 'Flexi Financing Promotion' which allows you to own one from RM688 monthly. Additionally, customers who purchase one with the company's insurance arm, Tan Chong Insurance Business Stream (TCIBS), will get free personal accident coverage of up to RM75,000, plus key and flood relief coverage of up to RM1,500 each. 

With the fourth-generation Honda City and swanky Proton X50 also in the picture, those in the market for a sub-RM100k car have never been presented with such a strong variety of options, and consequently an incredibly difficult choice. What's yours?