More of an Already Good Thing in Revised Altima

One of the toughest challenges facing any automaker is updating an already successful model like the Nissan Altima. Nissan sold a quarter of a million of the previous generation model last year, so the revised 2007 edition is a bit of a roll of the dice.

Considering that the Altima is Nissan’s best seller here in the U.S. , it probably shouldn’t surprise that the changes to the 07 model are mostly cosmetic. With a new front fascia, more sharply pronounced fender arches and a revised rear end, the changes essentially retain the familiar Altima silhouette but adapt it more in line with the style debuted a couple of years back with the Maxima.

Look real closely and you will note a more raked front windshield and a greenhouse that is ever so slightly different, too. Get out a tape measure and you will see the wheelbase is shorter by an inch and two-and-a-half inches less overall length. Fortunately, you don’t notice these re-sizings in the passenger cabin.

Regular readers of this space will recall that I’m not crazy about the Maxima’s design execution, but the new Altima carries the changes without excessively disrupting a familiar but pleasing look.

The interior has been upgraded a bit, with tidier fits and a little more visibility and usability in the gauging and switchgear. Ideally, the Altima is designed for four but can accommodate five if need be. This size factor probably explains why the Altima has not attracted more Camry and Accord tradeins.

The biggest news for 07 besides the new look is under the hood where the 3.5 liter V-6 that is the best engine choice for the Altima goes from 250 to 270 horsepower and is fitted with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic with manual shift action.

Nissan has always excelled with V-6s in the 3.0-4.0 liter size range and the current version, which seems duty in several other Nissan offerings, is strong and sporting. Getting from rest to 60 mph is a 5.68 second exercise.

You will still detect a big of torque steer with sustained full-throttle operation, but not in normal driving. The engine in my tester seemed every so slightly more noisy but that may well have been unique to the particular sample from the assembly line.

Steering is a bit over-boosted and not so communicative as I would like but most folks probably will find it pleasing. The brakes worked quite well in a series of panic stops from 70 mph.

Look for Altima sales to heat up this year, thanks to the redesigned sedan and the coupe that is coming.