Nissan designed the second generation of the Almera/Pulsar in Europe, and it proved to be easier to sell to European customers.
After Renault and Nissan formed the Alliance, the exchanged technologies helped both carmakers to offer better or improved products. The 2000 Almera/Pulsar relied on a Nissan platform, which was very good. With some know-how from its French partner, the Japanese carmaker created a successful compact five-door vehicle. After all, Renault was the inventor of the modern hatchback with the 1965 R16 model. Nissan created a car designed around the driver and focused on a family.

Its rounded design was a reminiscence of the bio-design era but enriched with a few sharp angles on the front grille that belonged to the new-edge-design trend. Its corner-mounted turn signals with clear glass and yellow bulbs made the car looks sportier. It was more of a family-friendly vehicle in the five-door shape, suitable for stress-free parking in crowded European cities, and comfortable enough for long journeys.

Inside, the curved lines dominated the dashboard. Only the navigation screen (offered as an option) and the center vents featured squared lines. In the instrument panel, the speedometer took the center stage 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. For children, on the other hand, it was excellent and featured ISOFIX points for child seats.

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.