Frontal chrome is to the automotive market what white teeth are to the entertainment industry, a sign of quality and style. However, both can be irritating to the onlooker if they are overdone.
The new Nissan Altima is a case in point. A swathe of shiny metal up front would not look out of place on a fifties Yank tank but in the 21st century we search for something a little more subtle to show off the pedigree of a car.
STYLING
Wide horizontal chrome slats dominate the radiator intake, a large Nissan badge announcing the car’s arrival. Further chrome embellishments include door handles and side window surrounds.
To be fair, the new mid-size sedan is smack bang up to date with its coupe-style aerodynamic profile – giving a co-efficient of friction of 0.30 – and, in the case of our test vehicle, 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels. LED tail lights put their modern-day stamp on the vehicle.
The Nissan Altima is available in four model grades – ST, ST-L and Ti, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and the range-topping Ti-S with a 3.5-litre V6 under the bonnet.
Prices start at $29,990, with an estimated driveaway figure of $33,513, for the entry-level ST, while the Ti-S rounds out the range at $45,390 ($50,784), the latter the test car in which we have spent the last week.
The car carries a number of state-of-the-art technologies including Active Understeer Control which incorporates intelligent control and instant-response braking on the inside front wheel during cornering, bringing vehicle dynamic and traction control into action, hence eliminating understeer.
Almost undetectable to the driver when it operates, Nissan is quick to point out the system is designed primarily for everyday operation as opposed to during evasive manoeuvres in an emergency.
Steering draws on an electronic hydraulic power-assisted system that feeds a smooth feel back to the driver, while producing fuel economy by using electric power rather than drawing it from the engine.
Safety systems we have come to expect in expensive premium models are included in the Ti and Ti-S Altimas, with Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Moving Object Detection topping the list.
INTERIOR
Nissan would like us to think riding in an Altima is out of this world. That’s why the Japanese automobile maker called on US space agency NASA to come up with the most comfortable seats. According to NASA, the least tiring seats are those that come closest to a “neutral posture”, a relaxed position the human body takes in a weightless environment.
Using a new seat shape that provides continuous support from the pelvis to the chest, the “zero-gravity” inspired front seats help reduce muscular and spinal loads and improve blood flow, thereby helping reduce fatigue over long periods behind the wheel. Seat surface perforations provide increased ventilation, breathability and comfort. They do the job.
There’s room for occupants to spread out all round and the nearly 500 litres of boot space swallows even the most bulky items.
INFOTAINMENT
Satellite navigation and rear view camera make use of a colour seven-inch display screen, parking sensors protect front and rear, a premium Bose audio system has nine speakers and Bluetooth audio streaming and NissanConnect smartphone are integrated.
The Ti steps up with Nissan’s Intelligent Technology Suite, mentioned above, around View Monitor, Xenon headlights with auto levelling, driver’s seat with two memory settings, door mirrors with memory function, automatic day/night rear vision mirror, power rear sunshade and rear privacy glass.
ENGINES
However, saving the best ‘til last, the Altima Ti-S scores a responsive, smooth-running 3.5-litre V6 engine. It’s a gem. Coupled with a first-rate continuously variable transmission, the combination makes the best of peak power of 183 kW and 312 Nm of torque.
Nissan puts fuel (91RON) consumption at 9.3 litres per 100km on the combined urban / highway cycle with a carbon dioxide output of 216g per kilometre. On test, the Ti-S came up with 13.6 litres per 100 kilometres around town and 6.3 on a motorway run.
The four-cylinder Altima engine has gets 127 kW of power 230 Nm of torque.
The CVT auto has a fuel efficiency mode (Eco) which can be can selected by the driver, while those who want greater responsiveness can choose sport mode. The V6-powered Ti-S goes a step further with manual (M) mode incorporating steering-wheel mounted paddle shifts.
The Altima forms the basis of Nissan’s return to the V8 Supercar Championship. Until the early 1990s, Nissan had considerable success from a number of models, the most notable the all-conquering ‘Godzilla’ GT-R. Nissan officially left local motor sport competition after winning the 1992 Bathurst 1000 – which resulted in the car being made illegal.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Altima ST 2.5-litre petrol four-door sedan: $29,990 ($33,513 estimated drive away)
Altima ST-L 2.5-litre petrol four-door sedan: $35,890 ($39,667 estimated drive away)
Altima Ti 2.5-litre petrol four-door sedan: $40,190 ($44,025 estimated drive away)
Altima Ti-S 3.6-litre petrol four-door sedan: $45,390 ($50,784 estimated drive away)
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard
Automatic Transmission: CVT standard
Cruise Control: Standard
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Standard
Electronic Stability Program: Standard
Front and Rear Parking Sensors: Standard
Blind spot warning: Ti, Ti-S
Lane departure warning: Ti, Ti-S
Moving object detection: Ti, Ti-S
USB/Auxiliary Audio inputs: Standard
Bluetooth: Standard
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls: Standard
SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan Altima Ti-S engine)
Type: 3.5 litre V6
Cylinders: Six / four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 3498 cc
Bore x stroke: 95.5 mm x 81.4 mm
Compression ratio: 10.3:1
Maximum power: 183 kW / 6400 rpm
Maximum torque: 312 Nm / 4400 rpm
Transmission: Xtronic continuously variable transmission
DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 4885 mm
Overall width: 1830 mm (excluding mirrors)
Overall height: 1470 mm
Wheelbase: 2775 mm
Track width, front/rear: 1575 / 1575 mm
Ground clearance: 105 mm
Tare weight: 1536 kg
Gross vehicle mass: 2045 kg
Seating capacity: Five
Boot capacity: 488 litres
Towing capacity: 1200kg (braked)
Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres
Turning circle (kerb to kerb): 11.4 m
PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: Not supplied
Max speed: Not supplied
Recommended fuel: 91RON
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 9.3 litres/100 km; CO2 emissions 216 g/km
RUNNING GEAR
Front axle: Independent strut with coil springs
Rear axle: Independent multi-link
Brakes: Disc brakes, front ventilated. ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control.
Steering: Speed sensitive electric power
Wheels: 18in x 7.5J alloy (Full size 17in alloy spare)
Tyres: 235/45 R18
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE
Greenhouse Rating: 6.0 / 10 Air Pollution Rating: 7.5 / 10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / 100,000 km
