By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Nissan US Media
In one of the most extensive mid-cycle makeovers in Nissan history, the 2016 Nissan Altima stands ready to build on its segment-leading growth over the past five years with a new design, new driving feel, and improved fuel economy.
Exterior
Though totally redesigned just three years ago, Nissan has since developed a bold new design language. Known by designers as energetic flow, the new look was introduced on the 2015 Murano and 2016 Maxima.
To bring the new Altima into the new look, the front and rear sections feature totally new designs and sheet metal. In front, that means adding a new lowered muscular front fascia with distinctive V-motion grille and new bumper. Also new are the hood and fenders, with new tailored character lines. The headlights are also redesigned with available signature LED boomerang headlights, fog lights and Daytime Running Lights creating a more contemporary face.
The 2016 Altima is available in nine colors: a new Deep Blue Pearl, along with Java Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Cayenne Red, Pearl White, Glacier White and Storm Blue.
Interior
The interior defies mid-size sedan convention, rivaling upscale luxury sedans in ambience and sophistication. Like the exterior, there is a premium look and feel from the driver’s side cockpit to the front passenger and rear seating areas with extensive use of revised soft touch materials and craftsman-like attention to detail. The new center console includes full-size cup-holders and new trim finishers.
Also, available, depending on model, are leather-appointed seats and trim, 6-way or 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a 4-way power front passenger seat. Heated front seats are also available, along with Carbon Wave tone or Brushed Silver Wave tone interior trim finishers.
Available audio systems include an AM/FM/CD design with RDS, MP3, aux-in and six speakers, along with an available Bose Premium Audio System with nine speakers, designed in conjunction with Bose engineers during vehicle development to deliver rich sound and acoustics.
Standard on the SL is a factory-installed Remote Engine Start System that allows the owner to heat or cool the vehicle from the comfort of the home. The Altima must be locked for the remote start to operate. The Remote Engine Start System includes Intelligent Climate Control, which automatically sets HVAC temperatures to ideal heating/defrost or cooling settings. When the driver enters the vehicle, the HVAC reverts to the previous customer settings. In addition, remote start access via smartphone is available as part of the 2.5 SL Tech Packages NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM.
A new Information Centric Interior
Inside the new 2016 Altima’s refined, personal space interior, the most noticeable change is in the center of the vehicle, where a new C-stack and center console offer easier use. The new interior appearance shares the gliding wing design language established with the new Murano and Maxima.
Altima 2.5 SL feature a standard 5.0-inch color audio display, which is used for several tasks including viewing images from the RearView Monitor and accessing the standard NissanConnect with Mobile Apps system.
The NissanConnect Mobile Apps experience isn’t limited to a single individual within the vehicle. Other drivers and passengers can set up their own app suite to tailor their experience when they are in the vehicle. All app profiles and settings are personalized and unique to each user’s phone.
Optional on the 2.5 SL is NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps. The system is packed with a rich range of features and is easy to use with its 7.0-inch touch-screen, 3D-effect map views, Nissan Voice Recognition, and turn-by-turn navigation. Other navigation features include speed limit display, eco driving maps, curve warning and split-screen display. It also includes SiriusXM, Travel Link, Traffic and SiriusXM.
Every 2016 Altima also offers an Advanced Drive-Assist Display. Located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, it features a 4.0-inch color display and is customizable, easy to use and integrates key information right in front of the driver.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood the Altima SL offers the 2.5-liter engine that features an expected 1-mpg increase for highway fuel economy rating, bringing it to 39 mpg and giving Altima the best-in-class standard highway fuel economy of any vehicle in the mid-size segment. The increase is due to a combination of a 10 percent improvement in vehicles aerodynamics such as the addition of an active grille shutter, a revised engine compression ratio (10.3:1 from 10.0:1), reduced internal engine friction and an optimized oil pump.
Matched with the standard, smooth and efficient Xtronic transmission, estimated fuel economy for 2.5-liter models is rated at 27 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined.
The Xtronic transmission adds third-generation D-step Shift logic, which is shared with the Nissan Murano and Maxima creating a more responsive acceleration feel both from a standing start and during reacceleration in situations such as passing slower vehicles.
Summary
The Altima transformation for the new model year includes a new look for the exterior, a refined personal space interior, enhanced connectivity, more available safety and security features and an expanded model lineup all designed to make Altima a better value and better choice for mid-size sedan buyers than ever before.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $28,570.00, the one I drove included Carpeted Floor Mats, Trunk Mat, Moonroof and Technology Packages, and it came in at $32,115.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
