2014 Nissan Altima Review

The 2014 Nissan Altima, Nissan’s new mid-sized sedan, made its Australian showroom debut late last year, one year after its V8 Supercar alter ego hit the tracks.

While sharing the same name and a largely similar body, the two couldn’t be more different. The road-going Altima is offered with a choice of two petrol engines – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre V6, whereas the car Rick and Todd Kelly punt around in has a 5.6-litre Nismo-developed V8 that drives the rear wheels.

Don’t expect supercar performance from the road going version either, as the 2.5-litre four in our ST-L test car generates a modest 127kW of power and 230Nm of torque, while the 3.5-litre V6 found in the Ti-S delivers 185kW of power and 326Nm of torque.

So, while it doesn’t have the sex appeal of its racetrack counterpart, does the all-new Altima fulfill its brief as a family sedan?

Let’s find out.

Styling

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the 2014 Nissan Altima replaces the outgoing Maxima as Nissan’s appealing mid-size family sedan. It certainly looks sharper and more contemporary than the car it replaces, with tauter surfaces and less slab sided.

Inside, it is a big step up in interior materials and quality with the old model’s IKEA table-like fake wood paneling largely banished. The upper dashboard feels nice and soft while the door trims are similarly pleasant.

On the contrary, the silver plastic on the steering wheel and part of the centre console fails to lift cabin ambience as they look and feel cheap.

Score: 6.5/10

Space & Practicality

What the Altima does really well is supplying plenty of real estate to its occupants. The seats are wide and comfortable, with the rear easily accommodating three average sized adults. There are plenty of useful storage spaces dotted around the cabin as well.

Further aback, the Altima’s boot capacity is a Holden Commodore-challenging 488 litres, just 8 litres less than the Aussie-made sedan.

While the Altima is equipped with 60/40 split folding rear seat backs, they are tedious to operate. To release the backrests, you first have to make sure they are unlocked. Then you have to push a button to release the 60 side. You will then have to get out of the car and go around to the boot to pull another release lever to fold down the 40 side!

Why can’t we have just one button like most other cars, Nissan?

Score: 7.0/10

Performance

Our ST-L test car is equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generating 127kW @ 6,000rpm and 230Nm @ 4,000rpm. It is matched with a continuously variable transmission – the only transmission on the local Altima – that sends drive to the front wheels.

The CVT supplies a manual shift mode and give you 7 programmed “gears” to give the driver a sense of added control over power delivery.

While it isn’t as quick off the line compared to the thirstier V6, it does deliver adequate power for everyday suburban driving, with the CVT working smoothly to transfer power to the wheels.

Accelerate hard though and the powertrain drones loudly, which is typical of CVT transmission.

Nevertheless, it pairs surprisingly well with the powerplant as it keeps the engine in the optimum power and torque band regardless of how fast the vehicle is going. This is especially obvious when going up hill where the car hardly feels out of breath, a sensation that is no doubt aided by the good throttle response.

Nissan has also successfully tuned the engine for a surprisingly sporty note.

Score: 7.5/10

Ride & Handling

While we have little to complaint about the drivetrain, the same can’t be said about the car’s steering. On centre feel is basically non-existent, and the steering is too light. It doesn’t get any better off-centre either, where it is essentially lifeless and tells the driver nothing about the road surfaces.

It is pretty much a guessing game with the Altima’s tiller. You never know when the car is about to lose its grip or if the tyres were tramlining on grooved surfaces.

It’s a shame because in all other respects, the Altima is unexpectedly accomplished, from its suspension tuning to brake pedal feel and the car’s handling. Its body roll is well suppressed and there is good grip from its 215/55 R17 Michelin Primacy LC tyres.

Ride quality is also commendable, with little road or tyre noise intruding into the cabin.

Score: 7.0/10

Quality

As we have all come to expect from the Japanese maker, the Altima will last you a long time if treated well. Fit and finish is up to class standards, while the brand’s 3 years/100,000km warranty will take care of the unexpected.

The Altima also comes with Nissan’s Capped Price Servicing for the firs 6 years or 120,000km, whichever comes first.

Score: 8.0/10

Equipment

The 2014 Nissan Altima is generously equipped. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

Our ST-L also comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with full-sized spare wheel, 7” QVGA display with satellite navigation, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, 8-way powered driver’s seat and 9-speakers BOSE audio system with NissanConnect smartphone integration that uses inbuilt applications connected to the user’s smartphone.

Score: 8.0/10

Safety

The Altima scores 5 ANCAP stars, thanks to six airbags and a raft of electronic active safety system, including Vehicle Dynamic Control, Active Understeer Control, Traction Control, ABS and Brake Assist.

Score: 8.5/10

Verdict

You won’t be setting the streets alight with the 2014 Nissan Altima, both in looks and performance. However, it does a commendable job as a family sedan. It is quiet, comfortable and relatively fuel efficient (in four-cylinder guise).

It is also well equipped and should be shopped against more established models like the Toyota Camry.