NISSAN'S Almera is a good indication of how prices of new cars have tumbled, with the current one costing almost £2,000 less than it did three years ago.
When the range arrived, back in March 2000, the 1.5-litre three-door hatchback cost £11,800 in S guise. Since then the car has received some cosmetic changes, and a major equipment upgrade, yet the price is now just £9,995.
Whether or not we were paying too much for the cars before is a matter of opinion, although of course the same argument applies to virtually every car on the road.
Another factor in the case of the Almera is that it is competing in the most fiercely fought sector of the market, against the likes of Ford's Focus, Vauxhall's Astra, the Honda Civic, Peugeot 307, Toyota Corolla and Renault Megane to name but a few.
It is generally accepted that the Almera is not dynamically the best car in its class, although it is probably more than satisfactory for most people's needs.
However, against rivals as good as Ford's Focus, the Almera must compete on value for money.
The simple fact of life is that if the Focus and Almera cost the same, the latter would disappear without trace.
However, any lack of ultimate driving dynamics will be lost on the vast majority of users, who will find it pleasant enough to drive, acceptably quiet and comfortable, and as cheap to run as any in the sector.
The cosmetic changes amounted to little more than new front and rear light clusters, some changes to the grille, and a restyled interior incorporating a centre console similar to the Primera's.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine received a ten per cent power boost, with a smaller increase in torque, without any reduction in its impressive 40mpg economy.
The CO2 figure is slightly improved, because of the engine's increased efficiency, to 158 grammes per kilometre, which puts the car into the lowest tax liability group for company users.
The extra power knocks just under a second off the 0-60mph acceleration time, although it still takes a leisurely 13 seconds to reach 60mph, with a slightly enhanced top speed nudging 110mph.
However, whilst less sprightly than some of its rivals, even this least powerful of Almeras will be adequate for most users, and there is a nippier 1.8-litre version if required.
The same applies to the equipment levels, with the standard S version being reasonable, with plenty more on offer if you are prepared to move up the price ladder.
The entry version comes with air conditioning, remote central locking, and front electric windows. Safety equipment includes twin airbags to save you if you happen to crash, but not anti-lock brakes to help you prevent it in the first place, and there are no side air bags either.
The anti-lock brakes are a standard feature on the SE version, which adds £500 to the price (down from £655 previously).
That is actually money well spent, because in addition to the anti-lock brakes, you also get electronic brake force distribution, side airbags, rear parking sensors, a dashboard display screen, electronic climate control, electric operation of the rear windows, and steering wheel audio controls.
At the top of the pile is the SVE version, adding alloys and a sunroof for an extra £750, which is slightly less generous.
In terms of sheer value then, the mid-range SE version is the best bet, with many of its extra-equipment features transforming the driving experience.
Once you get used to rear parking sensors, and the convenience of audio controls on the steering wheel you will wonder how you ever managed without them.
Available in three and five-door hatchback form, plus a four door saloon, the `revised and reduced' Almera is undeniably good value.
Amazingly, the cheapest 1.2-litre Fiat Stilo costs almost £600 more, despite a £400 reduction, whilst Ford's 1.4-litre Focus CL costs £650 more than the Almera S, and lacks some of its equipment.
It can be no coincidence that the Almera now costs precisely the same as Honda's impressive Civic, model for model.
Stick with the lower to mid-range models, and the Almera makes sense, and now more than ever, but it faces a very, very tough battle against the Honda.
FAST FACTS
Nissan 1.5 Almera S
Price; £9,995
Mechanical: 1.5-litre petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 110mph
0-60mph: 13 secs
Combined mpg: 40
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 158g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles