Following the debut of its highly stylized new Murano and Maxima (positioned as a four-door sports car), Nissan unveiled a revised version of the Altima for 2016, which brings the front- and rear-end closer inline with the brand's new looks. Thankfully, unlike the Maxima, the Altima's new styling isn't so brutal.
That lack of visual brutality has paid off; not only is the 2016 Altima sportier looking than the 2015, it's also more aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.26 down from 0.29. With the reworked front- and rear-fascias, along with active grille shutters (which open and close at different speeds and improve airflow) and improved underbody aero. Taking the new sporty look one step further, Nissan has also slotted a new SR model into the Altima line.
Nissan calls the SR a "true performance package," as it adds machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, smoked headlight housing, daytime running lights, fog lights, and a trunk lid spoiler. The true sporting nature of SR comes from its revised suspension, which includes a rear stabilizer that's up to 258% stiffer than the standard unit.
On the inside, the story is less sport than it is tech, supported by the standard 5.0-inch center console screen that can be upgraded to a 7.0-inch touchscreen. Nissan Connect with Mobile Apps enables drivers and passengers to keep connected with the brand's app suite that includes options like remote start via smartphone. When drivers put down their smartphone, they can remain tethered to their phone -- albeit verbally -- with Siri Eyes-Free and Hands-Free Text Messaging.
More than connectivity, the 2016 Altima uses technology to keep occupants safe as well. Nissan offers Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Notably, FEB will warn the driver -- with audio and visual signals -- of a potential collision. If the collision is unavoidable, FEB will engage the brakes in order to mitigate the impact.
Thankfully, the Altima still offers its Zero Gravity front seats, developed using information gathered by NASA, which might well be the most comfortable seats in the mid-size sedan class.
Both engines are mated to the Nissan Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which now features the latest version of the Japanese brand's D-Step shift logic software, also found on the Murano and Maxima. This allows the gearbox to mimic the shifts of a traditional automatic with the fuel-saving benefits of a CVT.
Arguably, the Altima might not be the most exciting car around. With these visual and technological improvements, however, it's a lot more compelling for a younger buyer who requires an efficient, comfortable sedan with many of the accoutrements of a European offering.