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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
San Francisco, California. On a very un-sunny day on the West Coast, Nissan presented two of their most important models in all-new 2007 guise. The Altima now enters its 3rd iteration and it is one of the key players in the revival and survival of Nissan since the introduction of the 2nd generation, back in 2002. With short and eloquent presentations completed, we were sent on our way.
2007 Altima |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
The Altima, although Nissan says that it is fresh from the ground up and it is, looks more like an evolution of the 2002-06 car. This is all praise as the then new Altima sent every manufacturer back to the drawing trying to outdo its aggressive and bold styling. The 2007 Altima comes to us with sharper lines a shorter wheelbase and overall length with an increase in width. The combination of the latter give the car a more compact athletic look that is well adorned by funky new taillights incorporated into muscular rear haunches, standard dual exhaust tips and new headlights. If the 2nd generation set the standard for midsize sedan styling, this one raises the bar but does not elevate itself above the competition as did the previous car. The revised cabin is quite nice. The plastics are vastly improved in quality and texture and really heighten the appeal of the new interior.
Under the flat wide signature hood is a pair of familiar motivators. Basic
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
cars get a slightly revised (output unchanged) 175 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder. The famous VQ35 is back with a few changes and this time packs extra oomph to the tune of 270 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. Both powerplants can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or the Xtronic CVT transmission.
Nissan has decided to make a number of once ultra-premium options and accessories available with their new Altima. The first of which is the intelligent key system; it is standard on all trim levels. Another fun touch is the "Start" button which also equips every Altima. On the option list, we find a high-powered Bose audio system, Bluetooth communication and a navigation system which incorporates a rear-view camera and factory installed XM radio. Once again, all (now) basic features are included: 6 air bags, active front head rests and a tire pressure monitoring system.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
Details aside, the Altima continues to be a very competent cruiser. Most impressive is the V6; it growls with and thrusts the Altima with authority. The new suspension with improved geometry (over the last) has effectively aided in reducing torque steer but a further testing through a more complete road test will really tell if the annoying issue has been fully addressed. The 4-wheel disc brakes perform admirably and hold up well to some serious mountain pass chopping. The CVT, as with the Sentra, is vastly more entertaining than the Murano's or the Versa's. The 6-speed's shifter, again like the Sentra, is clunky and could use shorter throws.
