When the fourth-generation Almera was launched in the Philippines, the range-topping variant was peppered with a styling package that set it apart from the rest of the line.

It was called the N-Sport, and Nissan Philippines eventually axed it. The regular VL became the top-of-the-line trim. Who knew that some years later, a prettified Almera would be back?

The automaker’s distributor in the country has just launched the Almera VL Sport. Like the N-Sport before, this new top variant has been fitted with upgrades similar to the Ignite Package offered in Thailand.

Up front, you get a gloss-black grille with a Sport badge near the headlight cluster. The front bumper also received a chin, while the sides were adorned with side skirts.

The rear also comes with skirts and a decklid spoiler. However, no photos of the lower part of the rear bumper were provided.

Open the doors up and you’ll see scuff plates with the same Sport badging. Down low, there are some nice and sportier pedals. Finally, a dash trim and the seats are wrapped in black leather with reddish-orange contrast stitching.

Other than that, this is basically the same range-topping VL variant. Pop the hood open and you’ll find a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 99hp and 152Nm of torque paired with Nissan’s CVT.

It also has all the bells and whistles, including the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of ADAS safety features. It also comes with NissanConnect services.

The Almera VL Sport sells for P1,195,000, just P50,000 more than the VL it is based on. It will also be available in three two-tone finishes: Moon Pearl Gray, Pearl White, or Gun Metallic, all of which get blacked-out roofs.

If you want to know if these upgrades made the Almera look better, you might want to see the car in the metal at a Nissan dealer near you.