Altima, different name for driving comfort, fun
The Nissan Altima
By Kim Tae-jong
If you are thinking of buying the Nissan Altima, you might also have the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord in mind. Each has charms that appeal to different drivers.
But what’s distinctive about the Altima is the standard of comfort, comparable to that of a luxury sedan. It has sharper handling than other mainstream midsize cars, which also gives the Altima a unique place among its competitors.
The fifth generation of Nissan’s flagship sedan was completely overhauled last year and launched here in October.
Compared to previous versions, the new Altima looks sharper and sportier with its long head lamps presented in perfect balance with a wider and stylish grille and taillights.
Some may think its exterior isn’t exactly revolutionary, but it successfully preserves its heritage as a family sedan with a stylish new look.
Inside the vehicle, the dashboard and the center stack are neatly designed, faithful to their specific functions but not boring.
The LCD insets display trip information, outside temperature, safety-related data and personalized settings.
Nissan Altima interior
The Altima comes with two different engines ― a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine generating 175 horsepower with a maximum torque of 24.5 kilogram-meter and a 3.5 liter V6 engine promising 270 horsepower with the maximum torque of 34.6 kilogram-meter. They are priced at 33.7 million won and 37.7 million won.
Of course, the 3.5-liter V6 may be preferred by drivers who enjoy a quicker response and more power.
But the lower level engine, which this reporter had a chance to drive, is powerful enough to let drivers have fun, especially with its DS Mode for a more dynamic driving experience.
It is also a more prudent choice, given the current high gas prices, with its excellent fuel efficiency of 12.8 kilometers per liter. It has the highest fuel efficiency among the mid-sized sedan sector here.
In addition, the 2.5-liter model offers a very strong grip at any speed, and has a nicely tuned suspension that feels well adjusted over most roads and on the highway.
Altima sedan models are equipped with a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, which works like an automatic. Nissan excels at CVT technology.
The Altima Sedan is comfortable, practical and well-suited for young families. If you put an emphasis on value for the money with a sportier feel than the average midsize car, the Nissan Altima is well worth a look at.