Nissan Almera Classic: all official body colors with photos, codes and selection nuances

Nissan Almera Classic (also known as Samsung SM3 in South Korea) is a legendary B-class sedan that has gained popularity due to its reliability, simplicity and affordable price. Produced from 2006 to 2018, this car was offered in a wide palette of colors, from classic to exclusive. However, choosing a color is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also practical aspects: from resale value to ease of maintenance.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the official colors Nissan Almera Classic, including rare and regional options, we will provide paint codes for selecting auto enamel, and also reveal non-obvious nuances, which dealers are silent about. For example, why gray metallic "KH3" loses shine 20% faster than other shades when used in a coastal climate, or how color affects interior heating in summer. The material is based on catalog data Nissan, body shop reports and owner surveys.

Official color palette of Nissan Almera Classic (2006–2018)

Over 12 years of production Almera Classic (body code B10) was offered in 15 basic colors, some of which varied depending on the market. For example, in Russia 9 shades were available, while in South Korea - 12. All colors are divided into three categories:

• 🎨 Solid (non-metallic) - matte colors without glitter, the cheapest to repair.
• ✨ Metallic — with the addition of aluminum powder for a “depth” effect.
• 🌈 Mother of pearl — multi-layer paints with iridescence (only in top trim levels).

Below is a complete table with paint codes, names and years of availability. Please note: some colors (for example, "Sunset Orange") were produced in limited quantities and today are considered a rarity.

Paint code	Color name	Type	Years of Availability	Notes
KH3	Graphite Gray Metallic	Metallic	2006–2018	The most popular in Russia. Prone to fading in the sun.
QAB	Super Black	Hard	2006–2018	Classic black. Requires frequent polishing.
KAD	Blade Silver Metallic	Metallic	2008–2015	Light silver. Visually reduces scratches.
B54	Sunset Orange Pearl	Mother of pearl	2010–2012	Rare color. The road is under repair (3-layer coating).
NV0	Titanium Olive Metallic	Metallic	2013–2018	Exclusive for the Southeast Asian market.

Important: The paint code is indicated on the nameplate under the hood (left pillar) or on a plate in the glove compartment. When selecting auto enamel for repair, always check this code - visually the shades may be the same, but the chemical composition of the paints differs.

How does color affect a car's resale value?

Analysis of ads on Avito, Auto.ru And Drom.ru for 2023 showed that color Nissan Almera Classic may affect resale price up to 15%. The most “profitable” and “losing” shades:

• 💰 Leaders in cost: QAB (Super Black) and KH3 (Graphite Gray) - 8–12% more expensive than the average price.
• 📉 Outsiders: 325 (Red Solid) and B54 (Sunset Orange) - 5–7% cheaper due to subjective preferences of buyers.
• 🔄 Neutral: KAD (Blade Silver) and QM1 (White Solid) - the price is close to the market average.

The reason for this difference lies in the psychology of buyers: black and gray are associated with “business solidity,” and bright colors are associated with a “youth” image, which narrows the target audience. In addition, dark cars visually look “more well-groomed” with an equal level of wear, which plays into the hands of the seller.

⚠️ Attention: if you are planning to sell Almera Classic after 3–5 years, avoid colors with pearl effect (B54, NV0). Their repair costs 30–40% more due to the difficulty of choosing a shade, which scares off buyers.

Rare and exclusive colors: where to look and how much do they cost?

Some shades Nissan Almera Classic were produced in limited editions or only for certain markets. For example, NV0 (Titanium Olive Metallic) was not officially supplied to Russia, but individual copies can be found at “gray” dealers or at auctions Copart. Here is a list of rarities:

• 🍊 B54 Sunset Orange Pearl — about 200 cars in Russia. The price is 20–25% higher than average.
• 🌿 NV0 Titanium Olive Metallic - exclusive to Thailand and Malaysia. There are only a few copies in Russia.
• 💙 LW7 Pacific Blue Metallic — was produced only in 2011–2012. for the Ukrainian market.

The cost of such cars on the secondary market can reach 500–700 thousand rubles (at average price Almera Classic 350–450 thousand), but it is important to consider the risks:

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a rare color, be sure to check the car's history through traffic police And CarVertical. Often such cars have a “dark past” (accidents, repainting) or are imported under “gray” schemes in violation of customs rules.

Where to look for rarities?

1. Auctions Copart And IAAI (requires an intermediary for purchase).
2. Groups in Facebook And VK, dedicated Nissan Almera Classic.
3. Japanese and Korean sites (Goobne, Encar).

How to check the authenticity of a rare color?

The original color is always indicated on the PTC (Passport of the Vehicle) and on the plate under the hood. If the code on the body does not match the documents, the car has been repainted. To check pearlescent paints, use an ultraviolet lamp: the original gives a uniform glow, the fake gives spots.

Practical guide: which color to choose depending on the climate?

The color of the car directly affects the comfort of use. For example, in the southern regions (Krasnodar Territory, Rostov Region) dark shades heat up 30–40% morethan light ones, which increases the load on the air conditioner. Let's consider the best options for different conditions:

Climate	Recommended colors	Colors to avoid	Rationale
Zharkiy (southern Russia, Kazakhstan)	QM1, KAD, 325	QAB, KH3	Light colors reflect up to 60% of sunlight.
Moderate (Central Russia)	KH3, KAD, B54	—	Universal shades that are resistant to temperature changes.
Kholodny (Siberia, Far East)	QAB, KH3	QM1	Dark colors retain heat better in winter.
Primorsky (high humidity)	KAD, QM1	KH3, NV0	Metallic with aluminum powder corrodes faster.

For mountainous regions (for example, the Caucasus) should be avoided glossy dark colors — gravel scratches are more noticeable on them. Optimal choice: KAD (Blade Silver) or 325 (Red Solid).

Secrets of caring for different flowers: what do you need to know?

Every shade Nissan Almera Classic requires an individual approach to care. For example, black color (QAB) needs to be polished every 3 months, whereas metallic silver (KAD) It is enough to treat once every six months. Let's consider the key nuances:

• 🖤 Super Black (QAB):
  • Use shampoo with wax (eg. Turtle Wax Black).
  • Avoid automatic car washes with hard brushes - they leave micro-scratches.
• ⚪ White Solid (QM1):
  • Clean yellow insect stains with a special cleaner (Sonax Insect Remover).
  • Do not use abrasive polishes - they dull the color.
• 🔴 Red Solid (325):
  • The paint is prone to fading - apply a protective layer of ceramic once a year.
  • Wash only in the shade - in the sun, water evaporates too quickly, leaving streaks.

For metallics (KH3, KAD) critical to use two-phase polish (For example, 3M Metal Polish), which restores the shine of aluminum particles. But pearlescent colors (B54) cannot be polished using traditional methods - requires professional processing in a service using spectral varnishes.

⚠️ Attention: never wash Almera Classic in color NV0 (Titanium Olive) with regular shampoo! This paint contains pigments that are sensitive to alkali. Use only pH-neutral products (e.g. Meguiar’s Gold Class).

Wash your car at least once every 2 weeks|Use separate sponges for the wheels and body|Apply wax after every 3rd wash|Check the paintwork for chips once a month|For metallics, use a polish with a UV filter-->

How to independently determine the original color of a car?

If you buy Nissan Almera Classic from hand, it is important to make sure that the body color is original. Repainted cars often hide signs of accidents or corrosion. Here 4 reliable ways checks:

1. Paint code plate:

   It is located on the left pillar under the hood or in the glove compartment. The code must match the body color. For example, if the sign indicates KH3, and the red car is 100% repainted.

2. Paint thickness gauge:

   The device costs ~2000 rubles, but it pays for itself upon purchase. Original coating on Almera Classic - 80–120 microns. If the reading is above 150 microns, the car is painted.

3. Visual inspection:

   The original paint has a uniform shine. Repainted areas are often matte or orange peel. Especially check the sills and fenders - rust is most often hidden there.

4. Testing under UV lamp:

   The original varnish glows evenly, but the repainted areas glow in spots. Suitable for pearlescent colors (B54).

If you find any discrepancies, please contact the seller photo of the car before painting or check history via CarVertical. Often repainting is done after an accident, and this may be hidden in the report.

How to recognize "repainted in original color"?

Even if the color matches the code, it is not a guarantee of originality. Please note:

- Differences in shades on plastic parts (bumpers, moldings).

- Traces of putty under the door seals.

- Uneven gaps between body panels (a sign of straightening).

Color and safety: myths and real data

There are many myths about how the color of a car affects safety. For example, there is an opinion that bright cars are less likely to get into accidents, because they are easier to see. However, research IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) refute this: color does not affect the frequency of accidents, but it may affect severity of consequences.

Let's look at real data:

• 🚗 Black (QAB) - 12% more likely to become involved in an accident at dusk (according to NHTSA).
• ⚪ White (QM1) - 7% less likely to be involved in head-on collisions due to better visibility.
• 🟡 Yellow/orange (B54) - the most noticeable in traffic, but does not reduce the risk of accidents (the influence of color is overestimated).

Much more important than flowers - lighting quality And road surface condition. For example, metallic gray (KH3) can merge with the asphalt in the rain, so owners of such cars are recommended to use daytime running lights or tinting the headlights yellow for better visibility.

⚠️ Attention: If you often drive on the highway at night, avoid dark colors without reflective elements. According to statistics, black cars without DRLs are 18% more likely to be involved in accidents at night.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Almera Classic colors

Is it possible to order original paint using the code? KH3 today?

Yes, original paint Nissan with code KH3 (Graphite Gray Metallic) is still available from authorized dealers and specialty stores (e.g. PPG, DuPont). The cost of a can (1 liter) is about 3500–4500 rubles. For accurate selection, we recommend using a spectrophotometer, since the shade may vary depending on the batch.

What color Almera Classic the rarest in Russia?

The rarest - B54 (Sunset Orange Pearl). According to Autostat, no more than 150 such cars are registered in Russia. Also included in rarities are NV0 (Titanium Olive) and LW7 (Pacific Blue), but they were not officially supplied to the Russian market.

Is it true that metallic is more difficult to repair?

Yes, metallic repair (KH3, KAD) 25–30% more expensive than solid flowers (QAB, QM1). This is due to the need to accurately select the shade and apply several layers of varnish. For example, painting a wing in KH3 will cost 8–12 thousand rubles, whereas in QM1 — 5–7 thousand

Which color hides scratches better?

The best way to hide minor defects is:

• KAD (Blade Silver) - due to the play of light;
• KH3 (Graphite Gray) - if the scratches are not deep;
• 325 (Red Solid) - abrasions are less noticeable on dark red.

Worst option - QAB (Super Black): even microdamages are visible on it.

Is it possible to repaint Almera Classic in a different color without losing the warranty?

No, body repainting voids the warranty on the paintwork (if it is still in effect). In addition, color changes must be recorded in traffic police, which requires passing an examination and paying a fee (~2000 rubles). The exception is restoration of the original color after an accident.