The compact but spacious Nissan Almera sedan is expected to arrive in dealerships towards the end of 2012.

Although based on the same platform as the Micra, the Thai built light sedan offers much more room and is substantially bigger inside than its hatch sibling. Engines and transmissions should remain similar to the Micra (1.5-litre CVT), but we suspect Nissan may try and position the Almera more upmarket.

Nissan Australian CEO, Dan Thompson, said the Almera will provide the brand a new opportunity in a segment in which it currently doesn’t compete.

Australians love of tiny hatches has meant that light cars have traditionally not fared so well as sedans, with sales of the Honda City, Ford Fiesta sedan and Toyota Yaris sedan a fraction of their hatch counterparts.

The good news is that although it’s technically a light car, Almera promises significantly more interior room than Micra, which may make it a viable candidate for those looking for a small car.

Standard equipment will include six airbags and electronic stability control. Little else is known about the sedan at this stage but 2012 is shaping up to be a busy year for the ambitious Japanese brand.

Nissan will launch Almera, new Patrol (Y62 V8), LEAF and Pulsar next year. Murano and GT-R will also get an update.