Ultimacy
With the onslaught of the CVTs in B and C-Segments, we wondered how the Altima would stand up to the competition in its segment

The new Altima is quite stylish, specially for a car in its segment. The body has subtle changes all of which are quite pleasing. It has enough Nissan design cues – even a hint of a 350Z. The rear boot lid is distinctively lower, yet the trunk space has grown. Like some cars, particularly the Lexus GS, its fenders are sharper and extend farther, allowing the body itself to be narrower. Overall aerodynamics is improved from 0.33 to 0.31.

The wheelbase has been shortened by nearly an inch, and the overall length cut by 2.5 inches, with shorter overhangs. The front windshield was moved forward and the backlight rearward, preventing any decrease in cabin space. The beltline is low so there is more side glass, which adds to the roomy feeling. The headlights appear interesting, certainly sophisticated. Nissan says the taillights cost nearly as much as the headlamps.

Interior
In redesigning the Altima, Nissan engineers were assigned to create more cabin space, and given one inch less wheelbase to work with. They met their goal by stretching the distance between A-pillar and C-pillar, thus shortening the dashboard and rear deck. There is 1.7 inches less legroom in front, but 3.1 inches more in the rear, and that’s a lot. However, 0.8 inches of rear headroom has been lost. Trunk space has grown from 420 litres to 476 litres.

The seats are relatively large. They feel firm, longer and higher than in previous models. They also have power lumbar support and elevate. We’ve driven the old Altima and this one has obviously improved. More soft materials are used, for touches like padded armrests, and the overall level of refinement is higher. There’s a new four-spoke steering wheel too. The gauges are new, called ‘fine vision gauges’. Forgive the uncreative name, but they are in the common and practical tripod design, with the speedo in centre, tachometer on left, gas and temperature on right.

The dual-zone AC vents are atop the sound system, leading down to usable storage. However, the gear lever is sort-of unergonomic–a bit too back, if you use the manual mode, making shifting slightly more difficult. The space for the larger glove box was created by downsizing the AC unit, but Nissan says there’s no compromise in AC effectiveness; in fact, the airflow has improved.

The intelligent key is standard on all Altima models. Apparently, it leads to battery drain. This happens if you unintentionally press the ignition button two times instead of once, to shut down the car – think of it as button bounce. It enters the accessories mode and is left there. However, we have to yet to hear this complaint from a user or our reader.

Powertrain
The new Altima is the first global application of Nissan’s advanced ‘D’ platform, which offers much improved body rigidity and an all-new front suspension, with new geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs. The engine mounting position is 30mm lower (with a six-point pendulum-type mounting system in place of the previous four-point system on V6 models). A stiffer chassis contributes to a reduction in noise and vibration in the cabin and the Altima proves it. There are no less than nine cup-holders in the cabin, allowing two big cups of coffee for almost everyone in your carpool.

The subframe-mounted front suspension makes extensive use of aluminium parts. The V6 engine in our 3.5SL makes a potent 265 horsepower, being a very close relative to the 3.5-liter V6 in the Nissan 350Z sports car, and we used much of it on this road. There’s more than enough; in fact, it’s perfect for overtaking manoeuvres. The V6 features new twin induction, reduced friction, improved cylinder head cooling and new twin knock sensors.

Engineers have worked with kingpins and half shafts, and believe they have raised the bar for other powerful front-wheel-drive cars. Indeed, the torque steer in the Altima is extremely mild, which is impressive for a 270hp output. New dual exhaust system designs reduce exhaust backpressure by 35 per cent on the 4-cylinder, and 50 per cent with the V6.

Drive
When we took the Nissan Altima out for the first time, we noticed immediately that this model was different. Its CVT gearbox was made with both infinite variations in gear ratio and the six-step or ‘six-speed’ mode. Nissan began studying CVT technology in 1979 and offered its first production CVT in 1992 and world’s first 3.5-litre, V6 CVT application in 2002.

The suspension has been redesigned on the new rigid chassis, and its quite firm; there’s no swaying in the ‘S’ turns, so the steering stays true. Moreover, it wasn’t harsh over the rough parts of the road. The electric power steering, speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion, works well, and because it uses less power than the hydraulic, it improves gas mileage by a touch. The Altima doesn’t quite feel like a sports sedan, but the handling is fairly nimble. We loved it because it’s true to us. Its totally responsive and obedient. It did things that the manual mode in some expensive cars cannot even dream of. It listens to the driver. We challenged it by upshifting all the way up to sixth gear at no more than 60kmph, then downshifting back, and it made every shift instead of ignoring them.

The Altima is now roomier, safer more comfortable and more economical than before, and has stylish new looks. It’s a thorough improvement from top to bottom, inside and out. In fact, we’d almost compare this to the change to the last model from its prior design. It offers a good stand against competitors like the Accord, Camry, Legacy and even the Azera. A great all rounder, this Altima definitely deserves all the accolades that it receives.

Specifications of 2008 Nissan Altima: Platform Nissan D platform Engine 3.5 L VQ35DE V6 270 hp Transmission 6-speed CVT w/ manual mode Wheelbase 2776 mm Length 4821 mm Width 1796mm Height 1471mm Engine 3.5, V6, DOHC, 24-valve Power 270 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque 258.1 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

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