BRITAIN at its best, that's the Nissan Almera.
Now before you throw up hands in horror about a Japanese car being British, lets look at the facts.
The new Almera was designed in the UK and is built in Sunderland. But more importantly - it feels British as well.
You may think of Ford as a UK company, but it does not make cars here any more with its badge on them.
The Almera is made in Europe's most efficient car plant and to a very high standard, which stands alongside the very best car building skills of British coachbuilders of yesteryear.
The Almera comes with a choice of 1.5 or 1.8 litre petrol engines and a 2.2 diesel. For this test I picked the top petrol model, which is expected to become the best seller in the series.
At 1.8 litres it pitches against some tough rivals, both in the private and company market for small-medium sized hatchbacks.
Mechanically it is very strong with ample power smoothly and quietly delivered, has a crisp gearchange and excellent steering, and good brakes for town or country.
Secondary controls are well laid out, instruments clear, and I liked the heating and ventilation backed by powered windows and roof.
Oddments room is good throughout, the boot fairly good at 355 litres, and occupants are comfortable at four, squeezed five-up.
The Almera has a comfortable ride over any surface and drivers will appreciate its forgiving handling and good visibility when parking.
Its performance is adequate, not exceptional, but it is delivered in an unfussed and easy manner. The fuel consumption is very modest, adding to the overall low running costs of about 30ppm.
Inside the cabin there is too much unrelenting plastic for my taste, but it is all very well put together and utterly free of rattles and squeaks, with particularly close panel tolerances.
It also looks different both inside and out to so many other five-door hatchbacks currently on sale and with a very comprehensive equipment and option list it represents excellent value for money.
OK, so it's not going to set the world alight, but it is going to please an awful lot of owners who want to buy a well made and well equipped British-built car.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Almera 1.8SVE 5-door
Price: £12,750
Mechanical: 114bhp, 1769cc four cylinder, 5-spd petrol engine
Max speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
Combined mpg: 37.7
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 180g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3 yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint