Coupled to the continuously variable transmission, it plays the fuel efficiency card rather than the thrills and chills one. After all, though the 170 ponies are waiting to be unleashed, they’re held in check by the transmission whose primary task is to curb the engine’s great enthusiasm.
The braver among us will have chosen the manual version, thankfully offered as the base model… though the Nissan Altima clearly doesn’t have the temperament for a manual. Despite a sufficiently stiff chassis and a suspension system that can take a beating, it’s still a family sedan first and foremost.
On the road
What has always characterized the Nissan Altima, in all its forms, is its great manoeuvrability. Indeed, even though my tester didn’t count on the revised suspension associated with the more potent engines, it was up to the task.
I was satisfied with the precision of its steering system in all circumstances, and the demanding young master of my household gave it a thumbs up comfort-wise.
Even better, the brakes were sharp but never rough, and so well calibrated that you’d swear your foot was directly connected to the hardware. Only when braking abruptly in difficult driving conditions was the weight transfer a little too pronounced and control of the vehicle uncertain. But the occasions where emergency braking manoeuvres are required are few and far between.
Conclusion
I admit that my expectations regarding the Nissan Altima were low. Though I was more familiar with the coupe version, the big sedan still surprised me with its pleasant drive and spacious cabin.
Even better, the front wheel torque steer that characterized Nissan’s sedans has been almost (but not quite) completely eliminated. And since the Altima was lightly revamped in 2010, the fit and finish of the cabin are much harder to find fault with than before.
The Nissan Altima has earned its stripes and taken its place among the sedans worthy of our consideration. It’s not without a few faults, but they’re quickly forgotten.
The braver among us will have chosen the manual version, thankfully offered as the base model… though the Nissan Altima clearly doesn’t have the temperament for a manual. Despite a sufficiently stiff chassis and a suspension system that can take a beating, it’s still a family sedan first and foremost.
On the road
What has always characterized the Nissan Altima, in all its forms, is its great manoeuvrability. Indeed, even though my tester didn’t count on the revised suspension associated with the more potent engines, it was up to the task.
I was satisfied with the precision of its steering system in all circumstances, and the demanding young master of my household gave it a thumbs up comfort-wise.
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| The big sedan surprised me with its pleasant drive and spacious cabin. (Photo: Nissan) |
Even better, the brakes were sharp but never rough, and so well calibrated that you’d swear your foot was directly connected to the hardware. Only when braking abruptly in difficult driving conditions was the weight transfer a little too pronounced and control of the vehicle uncertain. But the occasions where emergency braking manoeuvres are required are few and far between.
Conclusion
I admit that my expectations regarding the Nissan Altima were low. Though I was more familiar with the coupe version, the big sedan still surprised me with its pleasant drive and spacious cabin.
Even better, the front wheel torque steer that characterized Nissan’s sedans has been almost (but not quite) completely eliminated. And since the Altima was lightly revamped in 2010, the fit and finish of the cabin are much harder to find fault with than before.
The Nissan Altima has earned its stripes and taken its place among the sedans worthy of our consideration. It’s not without a few faults, but they’re quickly forgotten.
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