REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

The future starts today

In the next few months, Nissan dealers’ showrooms will host no less than 10 new vehicles. Among them, the Z, a large utility and a fully revamped Altima. The latter, which will arrive in a matter of weeks, features too many qualities (for a Nissan, that is) to be overlooked.

The brand had difficult years in the last decade. It’s understandable, because the products offered by this Japanese firm, although tough and reliable, were as plain as white bread.

Crumbling under the burden of debt, Nissan found the help they needed at Renault. Instead of pumping cash into Nissan, the former state-owned firm sent Carlos Goshn, its future Number One, to clean things up a bit. Mission accomplished, if we trust the last financial statements that show profits in the two billion ranges. Nissan’s revival is visible, is the new zestier products it has to offer. So, the new generation of the Altima will be the third. In fall 2001, it will start a promising Canadian career. In fact, the previous generation was as colorless, tasteless and odorless as this new one generates interest (a word rarely associated with Nissan lately) in many ways.

The new Altima is a modern ad stylish sedan (a coupe is under study) with a touch of questionable extravaganza; the vertical and translucent rear lights look like those of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. But one thing is for sure: esthetically, this Nissan is different from its competitors and brings a touch of audacity in a generally drab category.

The body lies over a newly designed platform that ultimately, will be used on the Maxima as well. All dimensions have been increased. Wheel span, length, height, front and rear wheelbase, and interior room consequently are now comparable to those of direct competitors Accord and Camry.

To match its competitors, the Altima finally comes with a V6, a privilege that, until recently, was reserved to the Maxima. The 3.5-litre V6 produces 240 hp, 20hp less than that of the 2002 Maxima. But this engine will only be offered on the most expensive SE trim (5% of the estimated sales). Other editions of this front-wheel drive (S and SL) will be powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder (180 hp). The luxurious SE will also be the only one equipped with anti-skid assistance on slippery surfaces.

The Altima’s interior has received special attention and the sporty presentation is miles away from the rival’s classicism. The retro touch, like the three huge dials inserted in the dashboard, will bring back memories to former owners of Japanese cars in the 70’s. This Nissan feels great, in spite of the improvable quality of the plastics. The steering column is adjustable two-ways, the driving position is comfortable leather seats are optional, but not heating seats. Controls are ergonomic and functional. The huge 442-litre trunk features no retention net, but reveals easy to load (low threshold) and versatile, with the split foldable back seat. Comparing the Altima to the Audi A4 would be farfetched (the A4 is undergoing a revamping of its own this fall), but we must acknowledge that this Altima, although not as drivable as its competitors, has powerful arguments to present. The new design brought many benefits to this Nissan: it’s now tighter, more balanced, still nimble in tight turns, very stable in longer turns. Both engines offer surprising performances. Especially with the V6, the Altima is progressive, fluid and powerful. The gear shifter is more accurate, less rubbery than before. And the automatic transmission is flawless.

The Altima’ sound level comes mostly from the tires and the howling four-cylinder in stiff accelerations. The Altima is more silent than the Accord. In fact, the main weaknesses of this Altima are the suspension (as tested), just too firm for our damaged roads, the steering a bit too light and the powerful brakes that offer ABS only on premium editions. Too bad.

After this first acquaintance, the Altima seems to be a well-born car that shows dynamic qualities comparable to the best available sedans.

PROS
Powerful engines
Roomy interior
Quiet ride

CONS
Stiff suspension
Over-assist steering
Fuel mileage is higher

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * *

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