2014 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL TESTDRIVENOW.COM QUICK TAKES

2014 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 SL QUICK TAKES

The Nissan Altima, Nissan’s top-selling model in the United States, enters the second year of its dramatic fifth-generation design with a number of significant enhancements for the 2014 model year. Heading the list of changes is the expansion of NissanConnectSM connected car services with NissanConnectSM Apps, a global smartphone integration platform that includes in-vehicle smartphone integration for Android and iPhone® operating systems.

Other Altima enhancements for 2014 include a range of refinements, including upgraded seating materials and improved quietness and comfort. A new Sport Value Package with 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, remote engine start and trunk lid spoiler (2.5 S models) is added, along with expanded availability of the Technology Package that now includes NissanConnectSM with Navigation and SiriusXM Travel Link® (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), plus Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection and Lane Departure Warning. A new Display Audio Package, available on 2.5 S and standard on 3.5 S, includes a 5.0-inch color display, RearView Monitor, USB port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), NissanConnectSM Apps and diversity antenna. Also, a new Gun Metallic exterior color replaces previous Metallic Slate (eight available colors total).

An Enhanced Connection
The new NissanConnectSM Apps allow Altima owners to stay connected to their digital lives, even when in the vehicle. Apps include Online Search powered by Google™ (navigation equipped vehicles only), Pandora (Android only) and Facebook, and are planned to include iHeart Radio* and Pandora (iOS) at a later date. Part of the system’s innovative design is the flexibility to introduce new apps throughout the ownership experience, including a range of projected upcoming music, social networking, entertainment and travel apps.

The NissanConnectSM apps experience isn’t limited to the single owner of the vehicle, other drivers and passengers can set up their own apps to tailor their experience when they are in the vehicle. All app profiles and settings are personalized and unique to each driver’s phone, so users don’t have to worry about sharing personal account information. In addition, to the new app integration, the NissanConnectSMwith Navigation system’s capabilities now include SiriusXM Travel Link® (fuel prices, movie times, stock updates, weather) and revised button labels.

NissanConnectSM Apps is another example of how Nissan delivers Innovation that Excites – empowering customers to personalize their driving experience in many ways. Users will be able to “check in” on Facebook to share location with their social network – or navigate to where their friends have checked in. In navigation-equipped vehicles they can also use Google to find new restaurants or navigate any city like a local.

Pandora will allow users to curate custom mixes for their commutes. iHeartRadio will let users choose from among 1,500+ live terrestrial stations or create custom stations from favorite songs programmed by experts. Both of these apps will be available in fall 2013.

The NissanConnectSM with Navigation system is also packed with a rich range of features and is incredibly easy to use with its 7.0-inch touch-screen, 3D-effect map views, Voice Recognition, and turn-by-turn navigation integrated into the Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display. Other navigation features include speed limit display, eco driving maps, curve warning and split-screen display.

Segment Defining Attributes
Redesigned inside and out for the 2013 model year, the fifth-generation design Nissan Altima is the most innovative Altima ever. It offers numerous segment defining attributes that enhance the ownership experience and provide real customer value, including:

38 mpg highway fuel economy (2.5-liter engine only)
Premium exterior styling with a powerful presence and improved aerodynamics
Upscale interior rivaling premium luxury sedans, including NASA-inspired “zero-gravity” seats, an Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display and available Bose® Premium Audio System
An outstanding balance of ride comfort, stability and fun-to-drive demeanor
Standard Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®
Available next-generation Safety Shield Technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy Fill Tire Alert

The result is a vehicle that builds on the strong fundamental reputation, earned over four generations and two decades, for quality and reliability and adds new levels of innovation, fuel-efficiency, dynamic performance and premium style.

A Premium Presence
Among the Altima’s many features, perhaps the one that stands out most is its “class above” appeal, which is apparent at first look and first touch of both the exterior and interior executions. Altima’s dramatic exterior design starts with its wide, aggressive stance and dramatic front end styling. Though retaining the same wheelbase as the previous generation Altima, it has a wider front and rear track (+1.4 inches) and deeper fenders (+0.8 inches each side) – which combine with a crisp grille design, seamless bumper and projector-type headlights to create a bold, sophisticated appearance.

Its “premium proportions” continue with the angled A-pillar, high waistline, long sloping rear roofline and raised, deep-stamped trunk that combine to create a more fluid silhouette. The body design is capped by large taillights (with LED taillights standard on SL models) that flow from the rear into the bodysides. Chrome trim and door handles accent the available palette of eight rich exterior colors. Attention to aerodynamic fine-tuning gives the Altima a low coefficient of drag of 0.29.

Altima headlights feature a two-stage automatic-on function. In lower light situations during the day, the headlights illuminate automatically – but the gauges remain in daylight mode. In late evening/night conditions, the headlights remain illuminated and the gauges revert to nighttime lighting. In addition, many states now require the headlights to be illuminated in rainy conditions. In the Altima, after four passes of the windshield wipers, the headlights turn on automatically. If the vehicle is turned off with the wipers in motion, instead of stopping mid-motion, they automatically complete a full cycle – so they don’t get frozen to the windshield in icy or snowy conditions.

The 2014 Altima’s 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 upscale, soft-touch materials and craftsman-like attention to detail.

With a desire to help reduce the fatigue experienced during long commutes or extended road trips, Nissan turned to seating and posture research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). According to NASA, the least fatiguing seats are those that come closest to a “neutral posture” – a relaxed position that the human body takes in a weightless environment.

Utilizing an articulated seat shape with continuous support from the pelvis to the chest and distribution of localized deformation characteristics, the “zero-gravity” Altima seats help reduce fatigue over long periods behind the wheel. Seat surface perforations provide increased ventilation, breathability and comfort. Heated front seats are also available.

The 2014 Altima also offers premium quietness, the result of efforts to reduce cabin noise coming from the powertrain, climate system and the body versus the previous generation Altima design. Noise absorption materials with a 30 percent increase in absorption capability (versus previous Altima) are used throughout the cabin, including areas such as the roof trim, instrument panel and floor mats.

The 2014 Altima offers standard cloth seating with a 6-way driver’s seat and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split folding rear bench seat with armrest, and Piano Black interior trim with chrome finish accents. Also available, depending on model, are leather-appointed seats and trim, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and metallic texture (Charcoal interior) or wood tone (Beige 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 (including woofers), designed in conjunction with BOSE® engineers during vehicle development to deliver rich sound and acoustics.

Altima is available with SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio (SiriusXM™ subscription required, sold separately), and, in fall 2013, Pandora® radio capability (requires capable smartphone).

With the available Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant (part of NissanConnectSM), drivers can manage incoming text messages via voice control without taking their hands from the wheel or eyes off the road.

Drivers are alerted to an incoming text and, after initiating the system, can hear the text read out loud and respond via voice recognition, or via the steering wheel switches using pre-set answers such as “driving, can’t text,” “on my way,” “running late,” “okay” or a custom message.

The Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display comes standard on every model and is customizable, easy-to-use and integrates key information right in front of the driver. Located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, it features a 4.0-inch color display, more than 400 percent larger than the previous generation Altima’s vehicle information display and utilizing more natural 3D-effect graphics.

The system is customizable and adjustable using the steering wheel controls, so drivers can view the information that is most important to them, including:

Audio system display
Instant MPG
Trip computer
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire pressure readouts (individual readouts not available on 2.5 grade)
Navigation system (if equipped), with destination turn-by-turn information and compass, and the ability to match the on-screen vehicle image with the actual car color

The ADAD’s color LCD screen displays are similar to those used in portable consumer electronic devices, with cognition enhanced by the depth and tilt of the display. Three screens are always available (CarView, Vehicle Settings and Active Vehicle Warnings) and the driver can also select four other active screens among seven other available screens. On vehicles equipped with NissanConnectSM with Navigation, the Advanced Drive-Assist™ display shows navigation destination turn-by-turn information, Pandora song information and more.

Safety Shield Technologies
In addition to its many other functions, the Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display can be linked to three available safety features – Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) – typically offered only on more upscale vehicles. The three systems are part of the optional Technology Package, which also includes the NissanConnectSM with Navigation with 7.0-inch color touch-screen. Thanks to the use of the systems’ advanced, next-generation rearview camera, the BSW, LDW and MOD are integrated, intuitive and affordable.

The Blind Spot Warning System uses the rearview camera to scan the Altima’s blind spots and alerts the driver if there is a vehicle in the detection zone. The driver is then alerted with audible and visual indicators. In the same way, the Lane Departure Warning system uses the rearview camera to monitor lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle is beginning to leave the driving lane. Moving Object Detection detects moving objects, such as other vehicles, when the rearview camera is engaged when backing up and warns the driver with visual cues.

Dynamic Driving Performance
The 2014 Nissan Altima is offered with a choice of two proven powerplants – the 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter DOHC V6.

The 2.5-liter QR25 engine includes variable valve timing on both exhaust and intake camshafts, helping keep the torque curve flat. Featuring cutting-edge technology such as a thermoplastic resin intake manifold, this engine simultaneously produces more power despite being lighter than the previous engine design. Horsepower is rated at 182 hp (179 CAL***), with torque rated at 180 lb-ft (177 CAL***). The advanced, award-winning VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines are matched with a standard Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission). Nissan is an industry leader in CVT transmissions, with more than 20 years of experience in CVT design and engineering. For this next-generation design, a full 70 percent of the parts have been redesigned and internal friction reduced by up to 40 percent (versus the previous design). It also features new control logic and expanded gear ratio coverage, which helps reduce noise and fuel consumption while improving drivability and responsiveness.

Fuel economy for the Altima 2.5-liter 4-cylinder/CVT combination is 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. Fuel economy for the 3.5-liter V6/CVT Altima is rated at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. Also contributing to the improved fuel efficiency are tires with reduced rolling resistance and regenerative alternator that only operates when the vehicle is coasting.

Building on Altima’s reputation for superior dynamic performance, the 2014 Altima offers a refined multi-link rear suspension benchmarked to leading European sports sedans. The design features high lateral suspension stiffness, improved toe angle control (with the addition of connect bushings) and improved camber angle control under load (for increased tire contact with the road when cornering) versus the previous generation Altima. The suspension also utilizes a shock absorber design by ZF SACHS, similar to that used on high-end luxury sedans, to deliver stellar body control and response, while simultaneously delivering a plush, comfortable ride. Altima’s front suspension uses an independent front strut design. Stabilizer bars are utilized front and rear.

Also used for the first time in the segment is an Active Understeer Control system, which utilizes intelligent control logic and high-response brake actuators to lightly brake the inside front wheels during cornering (as required) to increase yaw-moment. Using the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)/Traction Control System (TCS) as its base, Active Understeer Control is almost undetectable when it operates. It is designed primarily for everyday operation rather than emergency evasive maneuvers.

Responsive steering is provided by an Electronic Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering (EHPS) system that preserves the feel of hydraulic steering rack while offering the efficiencies of an electric power steering set-up.

Altima’s 4-wheel power-assisted disc brake system was engineered utilizing human ergonomic studies to optimize pedal travel and force, providing a premium blend of immediate response and confident braking. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are standard.

A selection of wheels and tires are offered on the 2014 Altima 2.5-liter models, including 16-inch steel wheels with full covers and 215/60R16 all-season tires, available 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (Sport Value Package) or 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55R17 V-rated all-season tires (SV, SL grades).

Standard on 3.5-liter V6-equipped models are 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/45R18 V-rated all-season tires.

The 2014 Altima features Nissan’s Easy Fill Tire Alert function for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When filling the tires with air, the hazard lamps flash to let the operator know the system is working. When the correct pressure is reached, a beep of the horn provides notification.

Unlike many competitive vehicles, Altima’s individual tire pressure monitoring and readout system provides the tire pressure at each individual location and automatically adjusts positions when the tires are rotated during service. The information is integrated into the Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display.

Available from the SV grade or as part of the Sports Value Package (2.5 S) is a factory-installed Remote Engine Start System, which 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 (up to 10 minutes). The Altima’s remote start is the first offered with a Nissan vehicle.

The 2014 Altima offers a long list of standard safety features, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Seven Well-Equipped Models
The 2014 Nissan Altima is offered in four 2.5-liter engine equipped models, 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL, along with three 3.5-liter V6 equipped models, 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL.

The Altima 2.5 S model includes 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, Nissan Intelligent Key®, six speakers, auto on/off headlights, in-cabin microfilter, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure readouts, and much more. Altima 3.5 S adds 18-inch wheels and tires, plus paddle shifters with manual mode, 5.0-inch color audio display including RearView Monitor, USB connection port, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), NissanConnectSM Apps and more.

Altima 2.5 SV models include Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Remote Engine Start System, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, RearView Monitor, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), 5.0-inch color audio display, six speakers, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Hands-Free Messaging Assistant, NissanConnectSM Apps and more.

The 3.5 SV also adds 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, moonroof, fog lights, rear air conditioning vents and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

Altima SL models include leather-appointed seating, Bose® Premium Audio System with nine speakers (including woofers), 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats and steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, LED taillights, LED outside mirror turn signals, premium interior trim, power sliding moonroof (3.5 SL only), auto dimming rearview mirror, and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and more.

Six options packages are available: a Convenience Package (2.5 SV), Moonroof Package (2.5 SL), Navigation Package (SV, limited time availability), Technology Package (SV, SL)**, new Display Audio Package (2.5 S) and new Sport Value Package (2.5 S).